Peripheral versus central venous access in peripheral blood stem cell collection
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether central or peripheral venous access has an effect on stem cell yield and the kinetics of the procedure and the product in patients undergoing ASCT after high dose therapy” Dogu et al (2016). Abstract: Central venous access is often used during apheresis procedure in stem […]
Anti-biofilm multilayer central venous catheter material reduces Candida albicans formation
Here, we report on the impact of polymer structure and film composition on both the inherent and β-peptide-mediated ability of PEM-coated catheters to prevent or reduce the formation of C. albicans biofilms in vitro and in vivo using a rat model of central venous catheter infection” Raman et al (2016). Abstract: Candida albicans is the […]
Implantable port tip found to be outside of the wall of the superior vena cava
After the infusion was administered, she complained of dyspnea. A CT scan of the chest revealed a right pleural effusion and displacement of the tip of the CV port catheter out of the wall of the superior vena cava” Sumiyoshi et al (2015). Abstract: A 74-year-old woman with advanced gastric cancer was admitted to our […]
Antimicrobial materials for central venous catheters
Therefore, the antimicrobial efficiency of leaching and nonleaching polymers has been investigated quantitatively in vitro in direct comparison on a highly relevant implant of central venous catheters (CVCs) using a well-established called Certika test” Bruenke et al (2016). Abstract: New antimicrobial materials will be more and more in the focus for hygienic and clinical disease […]
Dermal abrasion associated semi-automated intraosseous devices
It is vital that emergency physicians be aware of the adverse effects of semi-automatic IO devices, including dermal abrasion, which has not been reported previously” Overbey and Kon (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2007, an update was released to the pediatric and neonatal septic shock guidelines, which emphasized early use of therapies, specifically, first-hour fluid resuscitation […]
Frequency, causes and prevention of needlestick injuries
The main aim of this study was to assess Prevalence, causes and preventive of Needle Sticks injuries among nurses in Kerman (south of Iran)” Balouchi et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The needlestick injuries can cause the transmission of infectious diseases. Compared to other members of the community of health care nurses are at great risk […]
Platelet cover prior to central line placement reviewed
Current practice in many countries is to increase the platelet count above a pre-specified level with platelet transfusions to prevent serious bleeding due to the procedure. However, the platelet count level recommended prior to central line insertion varies significantly from country to country” Estcourt et al (2015). Extract: “Patients with a low platelet count often […]
Damage to central venous access devices reviewed in this study
There are three types of mechanical complications of tunnelled central catheter: catheter rupture, occlusion by TPN depositing and thrombofibrotic occlusion. The aim of the study was to analyse the incidence of complications central catheter in a group of patients receiving HPN” Błasiak et al (2015). Abstract: According to the ESPEN and ASPEN guidelines, in the […]
Nanoparticles shown to inhibit candidal biofilm formation
Here we demonstrate that a recently developed platform comprised of nanoparticles that release therapeutic levels of nitric-oxide (NO-np) inhibits candidal biofilm formation, destroys the extracellular polysaccharide matrices of mature fungal biofilms and hinders biofilm development on surface biomaterials such as the lumen of catheters” Ahmadi et al (2016). Abstract: Candida albicans is a leading nosocomial […]
Is Magnet® Hospital Recognition linked to lower CLABSI rates
Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are among the deadliest heathcare-associated infections, with an estimated 12-25% mortality rate” Barnes et al (2016). Abstract: Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are among the deadliest heathcare-associated infections, with an estimated 12-25% mortality rate. In 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began to penalize hospitals for poor performance with […]
What is the outcome of missing veins in people who self inject
The extent of intentional or accidental subcutaneous and intramuscular injections and the factors associated with these have rarely been studied among people who inject drugs, yet these may play an important role in the acquisition bacterial infections” Hope et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The extent of intentional or accidental subcutaneous and intramuscular injections and the […]
Chlorhexidine induces VanA-type vancomycin resistance genes in enterococci
Overall our results indicate that the impacts of sub-inhibitory chlorhexidine exposure on hospital-associated pathogens should be further investigated in laboratory studies” Bhardwaj et al (2016). Abstract: Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide antiseptic used for infection control. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm) is among the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections. VREfm may be exposed to chlorhexidine at supra- […]
Patients’ perspectives on subcutaneously administered self-injectable medications
Our objective was to examine patients’ perspectives on subcutaneously administered self-injectable medications when compared with other routes or methods of administration for the same medicines” Ridyard et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous injections allow for self-administration, but consideration of patients’ perspectives on treatment choice is important to ensure adherence. Previous systematic reviews have been limited […]
Intravenous port implantation technique improves cosmetic results
We describe a modification of the implantation technique that we use in our department in order to improve the cosmetic result of a TIVAD” Kehagias and Tsetis (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE: Venous port catheters, also known as “totally implantable venous access devices” (TIVADs), are now the standard of care in patients requiring long-term intermittent intravenous drug […]
Intravenous fluid replacement therapy in the management of dengue
Clinical management of dengue relies on careful monitoring of fluid balance combined with judicious intravenous (IV) fluid therapy” Rosenberger et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Clinical management of dengue relies on careful monitoring of fluid balance combined with judicious intravenous (IV) fluid therapy. However, in patients with significant vascular leakage IV fluids may aggravate serosal fluid […]
The incidence of true positive blood cultures amongst medical patients
The rate of true positive blood cultures among patients on a medical service was lower than previously studied” Linsenmeyer et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although optimal utilization of blood cultures has been studied in populations, including emergency room and intensive care patients, less is known about the use of blood cultures in populations consisting exclusively […]
Outpatient hemodialysis bloodstream infection surveillance techniques
Outpatient hemodialysis bloodstream infection rates, now used for performance measurement and were significantly higher for manual compared with automated surveillance” Thompson et al (2016). Abstract: Outpatient hemodialysis bloodstream infection rates, now used for performance measurement and were significantly higher for manual compared with automated surveillance (P<.001), largely owing to the absence of blood culture data […]
The clinical effectiveness of Vancomycin on MRSA infections
To determine MRSA infection status and the use of vancomycin in its treatment at a teaching hospital in China” Tang et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vancomycin is frequently used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… The clinical effectiveness of Vancomycin on MRSA infections http://ctt.ec/MvxCd+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”MvxCd”] OBJECTIVES: To […]
Guidance on glutamine supplementation to parenteral nutrition
In this commentary, we address the impact of four studies that influenced the recommendations on glutamine supplementation by the Canadian Clinical Practice Guide 2015” Leguina-Ruzzi (2016). Abstract: Glutamine is one of the conditionally essential free amino acids with multiple biological functions. Its supplementation to parenteral nutrition has been widely used for the management of complications […]
Implantable port tip location based on patient position and BMI
To evaluate the extent of normal variation in implantable port devices between supine fluoroscopy and upright chest x-ray in relation to body mass index (BMI) based on three different measurement methods” Wyschkon et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the extent of normal variation in implantable port devices between supine fluoroscopy and upright chest x-ray […]
How to reduce blood culture contamination rates
“The benchmark for contaminated blood cultures (BCs) is 3%. The South African (SA) guideline aims to optimise BC yield and reduce contamination” Abrahams et al (2015).
Treating sepsis with intermittent bolus or continuous beta-lactam infusion
This study aims to determine if continuous infusion (CI) is associated with better clinical and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) outcomes compared to intermittent bolus (IB) dosing in critically ill patients with severe sepsis” Abdul-Aziz et al (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to determine if continuous infusion (CI) is associated with better clinical and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) outcomes […]
Hepatotoxicity associated with therapeutic doses of intravenous acetaminophen
We report a case of hepatotoxicity associated with therapeutic doses of IV acetaminophen, with elevated serum APAP-CYS” Seifert et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: IV acetaminophen at 4 g per day is considered safe, producing no hepatic failure in more than 1400 cases. Oxidation of acetaminophen forms a reactive intermediate that binds to cellular proteins resulting in […]
Prolonged infusion guideline for time-dependent antimicrobial agents
Administration of time-dependent beta-lactam antibiotic as a prolonged infusion may maximize the pharmacodynamic target of time above the minimum inhibitory concentration” Hohlfelder et al (2016). Abstract: Administration of time-dependent beta-lactam antibiotic as a prolonged infusion may maximize the pharmacodynamic target of time above the minimum inhibitory concentration. We describe the implementation of a prolonged infusion […]
OPAT use and clinical outcomes for a large population of paediatric Medicaid patients
Our objective was to characterize OPAT use and clinical outcomes for a large population of pediatric Medicaid enrollees treated with OPAT” Goldman et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is overused in cases where highly bioavailable oral alternatives would be equally effective. However, the scope of OPAT use for children nationwide is […]
Venipuncture robot attempts to combat vein movement during needle insertion
Finally, we demonstrate how the robot can make real-time adjustments under ultrasound image guidance to compensate for subtle vessel motions during venipuncture” Chen et al (2015). Abstract: Venipuncture is the most common invasive medical procedure performed in the United States and the number one cause of hospital injury. Failure rates are particularly high in pediatric […]
Study attempts to predict venipuncture pain intensity
We aimed to examine whether the number of neonatal invasive procedures, adjusted for other clinical and psychosocial factors, was associated with self-ratings of pain during a blood collection procedure in children born very preterm at school age” Valeri et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Children born very preterm display altered pain thresholds. Little is known about […]
Peripheral vascular access infusion phlebitis rates in emergency departments
To describe the natural history of ED-inserted PVC site use; the occurrence and severity of PVC-related phlebitis; and associations with patient, PVC and nursing care factors” Palese et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: To date, few studies have investigated the occurrence of phlebitis related to insertion of a peripheral venous cannula (PVC) in an emergency department […]
Results of continuous-infusion versus intermittent dosing of Cefazolin therapy
To determine whether intraoperative continuous-infusion (CI) cefazolin reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) compared with intermittent (INT) cefazolin dosing…” Shoulders et al (2016). Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine whether intraoperative continuous-infusion (CI) cefazolin reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) compared with intermittent (INT) cefazolin dosing in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass […]
Persistent left superior vena cava and PICC port placement
Malpositioning of the catheter in the persistent left superior vena cava occurs in 0.3%-0.5% of patients” Konstantinou et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We present a case of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) port placement where the catheter had been malpositioned to the persistent left superior vena cava. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Persistent left superior vena […]