Blood transfusion guidelines and evidence base
Methodologic quality should be guaranteed in future RBC transfusion guideline development to ensure that the best available evidence is captured when recommending restrictive transfusion strategies” Van Remoortel et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent literature suggests that more restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices are equivalent or better than more liberal transfusion practices. The methodologic […]
Study reviews syringe contamination in the anaesthetic room
Our results identify skin contact as the main source of contamination, and thus we emphasize the impact of proper hand hygiene” Heid et al (2015). Abstract: This single-center study prospectively assessed the microbial contamination of anesthetic syringes handled perioperatively under different conditions. We documented high rates of bacterial contamination, with strong but statistically nonsignificant differences […]
Aseptic technique associated with arterial catheters reviewed
Barrier precautions are used inconsistently by critical care clinicians during arterial catheter insertion in the ICU setting” Cohen et al (2015). Abstract: Objectives: Recent studies have shown that the occurrence rate of bloodstream infections associated with arterial catheters is 0.9–3.4/1,000 catheter-days, which is comparable to that of central venous catheters. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Aseptic […]
Has Medicare’s payment policy reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections
Medicare’s payment policy may have had an impact on reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospitals with low operating margins” Calderwood et al (2015). Abstract: In October 2008, Medicare ceased additional payment for hospital-acquired conditions not present on admission. We evaluated the policy’s differential impact in hospitals with high vs low operating margins. Medicare’s payment […]
Oral versus outpatient antibiotic therapy for empyema
Treatment of pediatric parapneumonic empyema (PPE) requires several weeks of antibiotic therapy that is typically completed in the outpatient setting. The route of outpatient therapy can be oral or intravenous (outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy [OPAT])” Stockmann et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Treatment of pediatric parapneumonic empyema (PPE) requires several weeks of antibiotic therapy that is […]
Improving hand hygiene compliance rates with message strategy
Despite increased attention to hand hygiene over the past decade compliance rates remain relatively low. Although there have been a number of improvements in the science of hand hygiene, very little attention has been devoted to the messages that promote it” Taylor (2015). Abstract: Background: Despite increased attention to hand hygiene over the past decade […]
Bolus infusion of hydrocortisone and variability of the blood glucose level
Bolus infusion of hydrocortisone is independently associated with higher glycemic variability and higher insulin infusion rate variability in ICU patients” van Hooijdonk et al (2015). Abstract: Background: We retrospectively studied associations between bolus infusion of hydrocortisone and variability of the blood glucose level and changes in insulin rates in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. [ctt […]
PICC and CICC infection and UEDVT complication rates
Thrombotic and infectious complications were uncommon following PICC and CICC insertion, with no significant difference in complication rates observed” Nolan (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: There are limited contemporary data describing the rates of catheter-related deep vein thrombosis (CRDVT) and central line-associated bloodstream infection for peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and centrally inserted central venous catheters […]
Neonatal ultrasound guided percutaneous internal jugular vein access
We report the results of ultrasound guided percutaneous venous access in newborn patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)” Oh et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Internal jugular vein (IJV) access is commonly performed in neonates and infants with open cut-down method. We report the results of ultrasound guided percutaneous venous access in newborn patients […]
Incidence of occupational blood and body fluid exposures in China
We investigated the influence of multiple factors on the incidence of occupational blood and body fluid exposures (BBFEs) in health care workers (HCWs) in Guizhou, China, using structural equation modeling (SEM)” Quan et al (2015). Abstract: Background: We investigated the influence of multiple factors on the incidence of occupational blood and body fluid exposures (BBFEs) in […]
Complications of central venous access devices
The failure and complications of central venous access devices (CVADs) result in interrupted medical treatment, morbidity, and mortality for the patient. The resulting insertion of a new CVAD further contributes to risk and consumes extra resources” Ullman et al (2015). Abstract: CONTEXT: The failure and complications of central venous access devices (CVADs) result in interrupted […]
Psychological impact of needlestick injuries among health care workers
This study was designed to survey psychologic discomfort and coping processes of health care workers that suffered needlestick injuries (NSIs)” Jeong et al (2015). Abstract: Background: This study was designed to survey psychologic discomfort and coping processes of health care workers that suffered needlestick injuries (NSIs). [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Psychological impact of needlestick injuries […]
Principles of targeted intravenous drug infusion with pharmacokinetic software
Simulation software that employs pharmacokinetic models can be used to drive infusion pumps or to design manually controlled BET infusions” Coetzee (2015). Abstract: It is possible to establish and maintain targeted blood and effect-site drug concentrations with reasonable accuracy using a ‘bolus, elimination, transfer’ (BET) infusion regimen. Simulation software that employs pharmacokinetic models can be […]
The impact of needlestick injuries in agricultural workers
NSI in agriculture workers and veterinarians can result in significant bodily injury and loss of work. There is a need for varied and comprehensive educational programs for agricultural workers and veterinarians to prevent NSI on livestock operations” Buswell et al (2015). Abstract: There are a variety of biologics, vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones used in animal […]
Surveillance of short peripheral venous catheters identifies adverse events
Surveillance of adverse events associated to the use of short peripheral venous catheters (SPVC) is an indicator of quality of service. The objective was to report the incidence and risk factors associated to adverse events in SPVC” Buenfil-Vargas et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Surveillance of adverse events associated to the use of short peripheral venous […]
Implantable port complications reduce with increased insertion experience
The central venous access port device (CVAPD) provides reliable vascular access and is used for delivery of fluids and for obtaining blood samples. However, it can carry some intra- and post-operative complications such as thrombosis, pneumothorax, catheter fracture and port malposition” Fosh et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The central venous access port device (CVAPD) provides […]
Vascular access complications during home IV therapy
The purpose of this study was to describe vascular access complications during OPAT at home, and identify factors associated with their occurrence” Shrestha et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The need for indwelling vascular access for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) places patients at risk of vascular access complications. The purpose of this study was to […]
Characteristics of children who undergo intraosseous needle placement
This study examined the characteristics and disposition of children following IO needle placement by prehospital and emergency room teams before being transported to a children’s hospital” Reuter-Rice et al (2015). Abstract: Intraosseous (IO) access is a standard of care for pediatric emergencies in the absence of conventional intravenous access. Intraosseous needles provide access for resuscitation […]
Association between hospital-onset bacteremia and CLABSI rates
This study evaluates hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB, ie, any positive blood culture obtained 48 hours post admission) as a healthcare-associated infection-related outcome measure by assessing the association between HOB and CLABSI rates and comparing the power of each to discriminate quality among intensive care units (ICUs)” Rock et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND Central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) […]
Incidences and influences of device-associated healthcare-associated infections in Japan
The objective of this study was to investigate the incidences of three common DA-HAIs in a PICU and their influences on length of PICU stay and mortality in Japan” Hatachi et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are a major problem in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). However, there are no data available […]
Complication rates of central venous catheters in newborns
The aim of this study was to describe both the frequency of complications and survival of CVC placed in newborns hospitalized in a third level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the current medical practice, central venous catheters (CVC) are very useful; however, their use involves certain risks, which increase morbidity and mortality, […]
Reducing central venous catheter biofilm with the application of heat
We have recently demonstrated that modest elevations of temperature lead to increased staphylococcal susceptibility to vancomycin and significantly soften the biofilm matrix” Richardson et al (2015). Abstract: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are not easily treated and many catheters (e.g., hemodialysis catheters) are not easily replaced. Biofilms (the source of infection) on catheter surfaces are […]
Transient neurological deficit due to a misplacement of central venous catheter
We report the case of a 75-year-old woman, admitted into the ICU for CVC insertion due to impossibility of peripheral venous access. About 12 hours after the procedure, the patient presented a neurological deficit” Idialisoa et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently used in intensive care units (ICU), with a low incidence […]
Central venous catheter dressing durability reviewed
Skin organisms at the insertion site are frequently implicated in central venous catheter blood stream infections (CVC BSIs) yet few studies have compared the durability of CVC dressings in critically ill patients” Richardson et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Skin organisms at the insertion site are frequently implicated in central venous catheter blood stream infections (CVC […]
Study reviews infection risk from reusable tourniquets
This study aimed to assess for the presence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) on tourniquets and quantify the number of bacteria to which patients might be exposed with each blood collection episode” Schauer and Hammer (2015). Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to assess for the presence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) on tourniquets and quantify […]
Study investigates the effect of hand hygiene audits
Measurement of hand hygiene (HH), crucial for patient safety, has acknowledged flaws stemming from methods available” Dawson (2015). Abstract: Background: Measurement of hand hygiene (HH), crucial for patient safety, has acknowledged flaws stemming from methods available. Even direct observation, the World Health Organization gold standard, may lead to behaviour changes which can affect outcome validity. […]
Can you take blood samples from an arm following axillary dissection
Based on our analysis of the current literature, we believe that the above-mentioned interventions after non-complicated axillary dissection do not increase the risk of lymphoedema or other complications” van der Linden et al (2015). Abstract: Annually, around 11,500 patients are treated surgically for breast cancer. In the past, 5-25% of these underwent an axillary dissection. […]
Reducing bloodstream infection with a chlorhexidine gel IV dressing
This article discusses issues around CRBSI, interventions to reduce the risk of CRBSI, and the use of Tegaderm CHG dressing” Jeanes and Bitmead (2015). Abstract: The use of vascular access devices (VAD) is common in healthcare provision but there is a significant risk of acquiring an infection. Central venous catheters (CVC) are associated with the […]
Infusion pump development and implications for nurses
Today, infusion pumps have a plethora of functions and features and a range of alarms to help alert the user and the patient that infusions are nearing completion, have ended or their range of sensors has detected that the infusion pump, or patient, requires attention. The role of the nurse in safely managing this ever-changing […]
Trapezius totally implanted port placements
Implanted ports (IPs) are an essential device for many patients who require long-term vascular access. IPs offer some advantages over other central venous access devices, such as lifestyle, body image benefits and lower infection rates” Hill (2015). Abstract: Implanted ports (IPs) are an essential device for many patients who require long-term vascular access. IPs offer […]