Alcohol handrubbing and chlorhexidine handwashing are equally effective
Our study shows that use of alcohol handrub, either covering all hand surfaces in no particular order or using the 7-step technique, and chlorhexidine handwashing were equally effective in removing hand carriage of these pathogens” Ho et al (2015). Abstract: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary-care hospital in a real-time setting to […]
Phytosterol levels during parenteral lipid administration
Levels of phytosterols in the blood and tissues may reach high levels during parenteral lipid administration and may be toxic to cells” Zaloga (2015). Abstract: Phytosterols are plant-derived sterols that are structurally and functionally analogous to cholesterol in vertebrate animals. Phytosterols are found in many foods and are part of the normal human diet. However, […]
Parenteral lipid tolerance and adverse effects
Lipid emulsions (LEs) are indispensable sources of fuel calories and (essential) fatty acids (FAs) in modern parenteral nutrition formulations. The use of LE, however, also remains associated with the development of adverse effects” Wanten (2015). Abstract: Lipid emulsions (LEs) are indispensable sources of fuel calories and (essential) fatty acids (FAs) in modern parenteral nutrition formulations. […]
Does eliminating mandatory glove use increase hand hygiene compliance
We aimed to assess hand hygiene (HH) compliance during contact precautions before and after eliminating mandatory glove use” Cusini et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Guidelines recommend that health care personnel (HCP) wear gloves for all interactions with patients on contact precautions. We aimed to assess hand hygiene (HH) compliance during contact precautions before and after […]
use of alcohol-based hand rub in European hospitals
The data show that further improvement in hand hygiene behaviour is needed in Europe” Hansen et al (2015). Abstract: Hand hygiene is considered the most effective way of preventing microbial transmission and health care–associated infections. The use of alcohol-based hand rub (AHR) is the gold standard for effective hand hygiene. AHR consumption is a valuable […]
Vancomycin tissue exposure at the site of infection
Vancomycin is a common treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) caused by MRSA. This analysis aimed to understand the variability of vancomycin tissue exposure at the site of infection” Hamada et al (2015). Abstract: Objectives: Vancomycin is a common treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) caused by MRSA. This […]
Evidence-based nutrition support practice
The purpose of this pilot study was to survey healthcare professionals affiliated with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) regarding their approaches to nutrition support practice using a complex patient case scenario in accordance with established clinical guidelines” Brody et al (2015). Abstract: Background:The National Board of Nutrition Support Certification credentials healthcare […]
Analysis of different fat sources for parenteral nutrition
Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the phytonadione content in different IVFE” Forchielli et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Intravenous fat emulsions (IVFE) with different fatty acid compositions contain vitamin E as a by-product of vegetable and animal oil during the refining processes. Likewise, other lipid-soluble vitamins may be present in IVFE. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… […]
Simulation-based central venous catheter training
This study evaluated the impact of a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum on central line maintenance and care among a group of ICU nurses” Barsuk et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum on central line maintenance and care among a group of ICU nurses. [ctt […]
Mortality risk factors in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection
In this study, the mortality was associated with clinical rather than microbiological factors” De Rosa et al (2015). Abstract: In this 2-year retrospective analysis, we evaluated the epidemiology and risk factors for mortality of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SaBSI). Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) was isolated in 84 (44.2%) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in 106 […]
Effect of trendelenburg position on jugular vein diameter
The primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Trendelenburg positioning on the CSA of the right internal jugular vein assessed with ultrasound measurement in obese patients” Onal et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Trendelenburg positioning is a common approach used during internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. No evidence indicates that Trendelenburg positioning […]
Parenteral nutrition does not increase CLABSI risk
We provide updated information with supporting literature to show that associating PN with lipids with an increase in bloodstream infections is not justified” Sriram and Meguid (2015). Abstract: Parenteral nutrition (PN) that includes lipid emulsion is considered to increase both bacterial and fungal central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections. This concept is based on several erroneous […]
Vascular access intervention associated pain
The objective of this study is to investigate and compare factors associated with pain during vascular access intervention therapy” Muromiya et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate and compare factors associated with pain during vascular access intervention therapy. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Vascular access intervention associated pain http://ctt.ec/rRQ0P+ @ivteam #ivteam” […]
Vascular access and patient empowerment
The aim of this narrative literature review (1997-2014) is to explore the current understanding of what factors influence the care of vascular access for haemodialysis. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients requiring haemodialysis have diverse clinical needs impacting on the longevity of their vascular access and their quality of life. A clinical practice scenario is presented that raises […]
EMLA cream as a topical anaesthetic before venepuncture
We investigated the use of EMLA cream in 184 school-aged children in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa” Gwetu and Chhagan (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Topical analgesia is becoming essential as the number of invasive screening procedures involving children rises steadily. Little is known about the frequency of these procedures, or about interventions to ease the pain. [ctt […]
Inexpensive ultrasound-guided vascular access simulator
This paper describes a simple and inexpensive method to make high-fidelity simulators for use in ultrasound-guided vascular access teaching” Rippey et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: This paper describes a simple and inexpensive method to make high-fidelity simulators for use in ultrasound-guided vascular access teaching. The phantoms can be created to reflect the ultrasound appearance and […]
Study explores patient and clinical staff attitudes towards CVAD
This pre-trial qualitative research study was carried out to explore patient and clinical staff attitudes to central venous access devices (CVADs)” Ritchie et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: This pre-trial qualitative research study was carried out to explore patient and clinical staff attitudes to central venous access devices (CVADs). In addition, views about participation in a […]
CLABSI identified as cause of glomerulonephritis
A diagnosis of central venous catheter-related blood stream infection (CVCRBSI) was made according to the identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus from both the peripheral blood and the removed CV catheter, along with an improvement of the symptoms following the removal of the catheter” Hayashi et al (2015). Abstract: A 45-year-old woman under home parenteral nutrition was […]
Dose of Alteplase for the clearance of occluded PICCs
For the clearance of occluded PICC lines at our LTACH, there was no statistical difference in the efficacy of a maximum of 2 doses of intraluminal volume dose alteplase versus the standard dose” Sapienza and Ciaschini (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and economic impact of a maximum of 2 doses of intraluminal volume […]
Antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters for neonates
Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn infants cared for in neonatal units” Balain et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn infants cared for in neonatal units. Potential strategies to prevent these infections include […]
Impregnated central venous catheters reduce CLABSI
The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) with the use of second-generation chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (CHSS)-impregnated catheters, rifampicin-miconazole (RM)-impregnated catheters, and standard catheters” Lorente et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) with the use of […]
CLABSI prevention in the wake of superstorm Sandy
Momentum in this quality improvement (QI) work was interrupted when Superstorm Sandy shuttered the flagship hospital, but the relatively decreased clinical load provided a “downtime” opportunity to address CLABSI prevention” Rosenberg et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters are crucial devices in the care of hospitalized children, both in and out of critical care […]
Passive disinfection cap for IV catheter hub decontamination
In this study, we examined the impact of routine use of a passive disinfection cap for catheter hub decontamination in hematology-oncology patients” Kamboj et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the impact of routine use of a passive disinfection cap for catheter hub decontamination in hematology-oncology patients. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Passive […]
Temporary hemodialysis catheter insertion performance
The aim of this study was to compare baseline temporary hemodialysis catheter insertion skills of attending nephrologists with the skills of nephrology fellows before and after a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) intervention” McQuillan et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Concerns have been raised about nephrology fellows’ skills in inserting temporary hemodialysis catheters. Less is […]
Does a diagnosis of candidemia require early CVC removal
Removal of a central venous catheter (CVC) is often recommended for adults with candidemia to reduce persistent and metastatic infection” Fisher et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Candidemia causes significant morbidity and mortality among children. Removal of a central venous catheter (CVC) is often recommended for adults with candidemia to reduce persistent and metastatic infection. Pediatric-specific […]
Non-pharmacologic treatment of procedural pain
A developmental approach to assessing and treating pain is critical. Swaddling, picture books, or blowing bubbles are easy and effective when used at the appropriate developmental stage and relieve both physical and emotional pain” Thrane et al (2015). Abstract: Introduction: The 2011 IOM report stated that pain management in children is often lacking especially during […]
Changes in home parenteral nutrition practice
Since 2005, the Canadian home parenteral nutrition (HPN) registry has collected data on patients’ demography, outcomes, and HPN clinical practice. At annual meetings, Canadian HPN programs review and discuss results” Hortencio et al 92015). Abstract: Background: Since 2005, the Canadian home parenteral nutrition (HPN) registry has collected data on patients’ demography, outcomes, and HPN clinical […]
Sharps injuries and splashes among health care workers
Occupational exposure to sharps and splashes pose a major hazard among health care workers (HCWs); so knowledge and awareness regarding sharps/splashes by blood and potentially infectious body fluids (BBF) is a must” Rajkumari et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to sharps and splashes pose a major hazard among health care workers (HCWs); so knowledge […]
Fully automated electronic CLABSI surveillance
To increase reliability of the algorithm used in our fully automated electronic surveillance system by adding rules to better identify bloodstream infections secondary to other hospital-acquired infections” Snyders et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To increase reliability of the algorithm used in our fully automated electronic surveillance system by adding rules to better identify bloodstream infections […]
CLABSI rates in pediatric patients undergoing small bowel transplantation
Pediatric patients undergoing small bowel transplantation are susceptible to postoperative CLABSI” Galloway et al (2015). Abstract: Pediatric patients undergoing small bowel transplantation are susceptible to postoperative CLABSI. SDD directed against enteric microbes is a strategy for reducing CLABSI. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… CLABSI rates in pediatric patients undergoing small bowel transplantation http://ctt.ec/Wd796+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”Wd796″] […]