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Compatibility of vancomycin with existing and novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors

Antibiotic infusion

The compatibility of vancomycin with existing and novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors at clinically relevant concentrations in 5% dextrose in water has not been fully explored to date” Meyer et al (2017). Abstract: Objectives: The compatibility of vancomycin with existing and novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors at clinically relevant concentrations in 5% dextrose in water has not been fully […]

Internal medicine point-of-care ultrasound curriculum recommendations

ultrasound training

We recommend four POCUS applications for the core PGY 1-3 curriculum (inferior vena cava, lung B lines, pleural effusion, and abdominal free fluid) and three ultrasound-guided procedures (central venous catheterization, thoracentesis, and paracentesis)” Ma et al (2017). Abstract: Bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used to assess medical patients. At present, no consensus exists for […]

The critical role of ultrasound guidance for vascular access in Pakistan

ultrasound assisted vascular access

The aim of this letter is to create awareness among the practicing anaesthetists and critical care physicians regarding the critical role of ultrasound guidance for vascular access to achieve best possible patient outcome” Akhtar et al (2017). Extract: “Ultrasound application is now evolving to become a standard of care practice in critical care areas for […]

Intraosseous access devices improve the resuscitation process

central line exchange

Key steps health care systems can take to enhance the quality of CPR and, potentially, to improve outcomes, include optimizing chest compressions; avoiding hyperventilation; encouraging intraosseus access, and monitoring capnography” Nassar and Kerber (2017). Abstract: Cardiac arrest continues to represent a public health burden with most patients having dismal outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a […]

Skin antisepsis application method is an important aspect of CLABSI prevention

zero clabsi

However, in the opinion of the authors, current guidelines fail to address a key element: the method of application of the antiseptic agent” Casey et al (2017). Abstract: Numerous guidelines have been published by consensus groups worldwide regarding optimal skin antisepsis prior to surgical incision or insertion of intravascular catheters [1–3]. However, in the opinion […]

Ultrasound-guided catheterization of the left subclavian vein in a patient with PLSVC

ultrasound cvc insertion

Ultrasound is used for safe and correct placement of CVC; however, the presence of PLSVC could not be detected by ultrasonography in this case” Park et al (2017). Abstract: RATIONALE: A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is rare, but the most common thoracic venous anomaly. We report a case of PLSVC unrecognized during left […]

Implantable port placement via the anterior jugular venous system

picc placement

We report on a patient who was referred for port implantation with a two-chamber pacemaker aggregate on the right and total occlusion of the central veins on the left side” Rott and Boecker (2017). Abstract: We report on a patient who was referred for port implantation with a two-chamber pacemaker aggregate on the right and […]

Endoluminal dilation as an implantable port removal technique

hand hygiene

Sometimes scar tissue can develop around the device, making it resistant to removal even after application of forceful traction. We report a case of stuck port-a-cath that was extract by using endoluminal dilatation technique” Cerini et al (2017). Abstract: Port-a-cath is a type of central venous catheter (CVC) designed to allow repeated access to the […]

Relationship between alterations in intestinal microbiota and central line infections

clabsi

Marked alterations of the intestinal microbiota with decreased level of acetate were shown in SBS patients compared with healthy controls. Over-abundance of Proteobacteria (especially Enterobacteriaceae) was found in the samples from the PNALD and CLABSI Groups” Wang et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a vital role in modulating the metabolic and immune […]

Psychological safety and reporting nonadherence to CLABSI checklist

clabsi

Patient safety checklists are ubiquitous in health care. Nurses bear significant responsibility for ensuring checklist adherence. To report nonadherence to a checklist and stop an unsafe procedure, a workplace climate of psychological safety is needed” Gilmartin et al (2017). Abstract: Patient safety checklists are ubiquitous in health care. Nurses bear significant responsibility for ensuring checklist […]

Costs of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) administered in Spain

OPAT

The aim of this study was to assess the direct healthcare costs of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) administered by hospital at home (HaH) units in Spain” González-Ramallo et al (2017). Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the direct healthcare costs of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) administered by hospital at home […]

Review of core competency medical training includes central line placement

ppe

Invasive bedside procedures are core competencies for internal medicine, yet no formal training guidelines exist. The authors conducted a scoping review and realist synthesis to characterize current training for lumbar puncture, arthrocentesis, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and central venous catheterization” Brydges et al (2017). Abstract: PURPOSE: Invasive bedside procedures are core competencies for internal medicine, yet no […]

Technique for tunneled central line placement in children

Ultrasound

The single-incision technique for central venous access has comparable procedure time and fluoroscopy time with no difference in complication rates between the two techniques in a pediatric population” Ashton et al (2017). Abstract: PURPOSE: A single-incision technique for tunneled central venous access has been described. This study evaluates whether single-incision technique in children is comparable […]

Continuous thermographic observation may predict extravasation

marsi

As macroscopic observation may overlook symptoms during infusion, we focused on skin temperature changes at puncture sites and studied thermographic patterns related to induration or necrosis caused by extravasation” Oya et al (2017). Abstract: PURPOSE: Extravasation, or leakage of vesicant drugs into subcutaneous tissues, causes serious complications such as induration and necrosis in chemotherapy-treated patients. […]

Surface fabrication of central venous catheters to combat biofilm formation

CRBSI

So, herein we sought to compare the performance of AgNPs generated through biogenic routes using bacteria and plant extract for their antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against biofilm forming Staphylococcus aureus” Thomas et al (2017). Abstract: In spite of newer innovations and process improvements, catheter related infections still pose serious threat to hospitalized patients. Silver nanoparticles […]

Central venous catheter fracture during pacemaker lead extraction

UEDVT

In this case report, we present an unusual and potentially life- threatening complication of cardiac electronic device lead extraction…” Rizkallah et al (2017). Introduction: In this case report, we present an unusual and potentially life- threatening complication of cardiac electronic device lead extraction during which a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (CVC) coursing ipsilaterally to […]

Accidental intravenous administration of paracetamol syrup

child iv

An 18-month-old child presented with vomiting and diarrhea. Due to a rise in temperature, paracetamol syrup was prescribed, but a nurse inadvertently administered the drug IV through the peripheral venous access” El Mazloum et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Medication administration errors occur frequently in clinical practice. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 18-month-old child presented with […]

Oncology nurses’ knowledge of guidelines for CLABSI prevention

clabsi

This descriptive cross-sectional survey evaluated Jordanian oncology nurses’ knowledge of the guidelines for preventing central venous catheter–associated infection” Al Qadire (2017). Abstract: This descriptive cross-sectional survey evaluated Jordanian oncology nurses’ knowledge of the guidelines for preventing central venous catheter–associated infection. Poor knowledge was evident from the very low mean total scores and the low percentage […]

Quality improvement study of the CLABSI App implementation

ultrasound guided cvc

The objective was to determine if a digital self-assessment application (CLABSI App), bundling line care best practices with social gamification and in-context microlearning, could engage nurses in CLABSI prevention” Orwoll et al (2017). Abstract: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cause major patient harm, preventable through attention to line care best practice standards. The objective was […]

Ultrasonography for the placement of long-term venous catheters in infants

neonatal vascular access

The objective is to analyze our experience in ultrasound-guided implantation of reservoir type and tunneled catheters, as well as to compare it between both age groups” Reyes Ríos et al (2016). Abstract: OBJETIVES: The implantation of long duration intravenous catheters in pediatric population constitutes a challenge due to the size of vascular structures. Because of […]

Review of parenteral nutrition and intestinal failure

parenteral nutrition

Chronic IF may be reversible, depending on anatomy and intestinal adaptation, but most patients require long-term nutritional support, generally in the form of parenteral nutrition” Bielawska and Allard (2017). Abstract: Severe short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a major cause of chronic (Type 3) intestinal failure (IF) where structural and functional changes contribute to malabsorption and […]

What is the optimal autoinjector needle length for use in infants

Our data suggest that the optimal EAI needle length for infants and toddlers weighing 7.5 to 15 kg should be shorter than the needle length in currently available pediatric EAIs to avoid accidental intraosseous injections” Kim et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epinephrine injection represents the standard of care for anaphylaxis treatment. It is most effective […]

Randomized controlled trial of care bundles with chlorhexidine and advanced IV dressings

CLABSI

To compare the effects of the care bundles including chlorhexidine dressing and advanced dressings on the catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rates in pediatric hematology-oncology patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). Abstract: PURPOSE: To compare the effects of the care bundles including chlorhexidine dressing and advanced dressings on the catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rates in pediatric hematology-oncology […]

Relationship between anatomical IV site and risk of infusion phlebitis

picc uedvt

To explore the relationship between the anatomical site of peripheral venous catheterization and risk of catheter-related phlebitis” Comparcini et al (2017). Abstract: AIM: To explore the relationship between the anatomical site of peripheral venous catheterization and risk of catheter-related phlebitis. BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous catheterization is frequently associated with phlebitis. Recent guidelines, recommend the use of […]

Femoral central venous catheters in autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection

central line insertion training

Autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (A-HPCC) in children typically requires placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) for venous access. There is scant published data regarding the performance and safety of femoral CVCs in pediatric A-HPCC” Cooling et al (2017). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (A-HPCC) in children typically […]

A case of persistent left superior vena cava and partial left inferior vena cava

vascular access

The coexistence of a double superior vena cava (SVC) and a partially left inferior vena cava (PLIVC) with a circumaortic collar, associated with other congenital malformations, was not described previously” Ricciardi et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coexistence of a double superior vena cava (SVC) and a partially left inferior vena cava (PLIVC) with a […]

Efficacy of antimicrobial CVC impregnation in reducing catheter-related infections

central line education

In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of antimicrobial CVC impregnations in reducing catheter-related infections in adults” Chong et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The efficacy of antimicrobial central venous catheters (CVCs) remains questionable. In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of antimicrobial CVC impregnations in reducing catheter-related […]

Global device-associated infection prevention practices reviewed

central catheter

Numerous evidence-based practices for preventing device-associated infections are available, yet the extent to which these practices are regularly used in acute care hospitals across different countries has not been compared, to our knowledge” Krein et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Numerous evidence-based practices for preventing device-associated infections are available, yet the extent to which these practices […]

Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in Singapore

clabsi risk factors

We conducted a national point prevalence survey (PPS) to determine the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Singapore acute-care hospitals” Cai et al (2017). Abstract: BACKGROUND: We conducted a national point prevalence survey (PPS) to determine the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Singapore acute-care hospitals. METHODS: […]