Review of vancomycin with a focus on its therapeutic and adverse effects

“Aim of this paper was to perform a literature review showing the therapeutic and adverse effects of vancomycin” Bruniera et al (2015). Reference: Bruniera, F.R., Ferreira, F.M., Saviolli, L.R., Bacci, M.R., Feder, D., da Luz Gonçalves Pedreira, M., Sorgini Peterlini, M.A., Azzalis, L.A., Campos Junqueira, V.B. and Fonseca, F.L. (2015) The use of vancomycin with […]
Experience with PICC catheters from a Cancer Research Centre

“The purpose of this study was to determine the complications associated with PICCs within a one year study period” Sundriyal et al (2014). Reference: Sundriyal, D., Shirsi, N., Kapoor, R., Jain, S., Mittal, G., Khivasara, J., Manjunath, S. and Parthasarthy, K.M. (2014) Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Our Experience from a Cancer Research Centre. Indian Journal […]
Midline catheters in place of central lines decrease CLABSI rates

“Our objective was to evaluate whether the use of midline venous catheters in place of central line venous catheters, when appropriate, decreased the overall incidence of central line-associated bacteremia in a ventilator unit” Pathak et al (2015) Reference: Pathak, R., Patel, A., Enuh, H., Adekunle, O., Shrisgantharajah, V. and Diaz, K. (2015) The Incidence of […]
Article presents strategy to improve hand hygiene compliance rates

“Hand hygiene compliance among health care workers is low. We report the process at our institution to increase the hand hygiene compliance rate (HHCR)” Midturi et al (2015). Reference: Midturi, Y.K., Narasimhan, A., Barnett, T., Sodek, J., Schreier, W., Barnett, J., Wheeler, C., Barton, L., Stock, E.M. and Arroliga, A.C. (2015) A successful multifaceted strategy […]
Extravasation treatment in neonates with hyaluronidase and hirudoid

“The treatment appeared to be beneficial in the management of extravasations of various medications in neonates and may be useful in reducing the severity of cutaneous toxicosis. However, further studies with large samples are still needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of hyaluronidase and hirudoid” Yan et al (2014). Reference: Yan, Y.M., Fan, Q.L., […]
Infusion and vascular access skills module for graduate nurses

“Forty-two percent of new hires are likely to be GNs. Many GNs feel ill prepared in intravenous (IV) catheter insertion and central line care” Wenger (2015). Reference: Wenger, B. (2015) Development of an Intravenous Skills Module for Graduate Nurses. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 38(2), p.135-139. [ctt tweet=”Infusion and vascular access skills module for graduate nurses […]
Extravasation injury treatment full text case study article

“The allogeneic platelet (PLT) gel offers to be a valid supportive measure in the management of chemotherapy extravasation injuries” Di Costanzo et al (2015). Reference: Di Costanzo, G., Loquercio, G., Marcacci, G., Iervolino, V., Mori, S., Petruzziello, A., Barra, P. and Cacciapuoti, C. (2015) Use of allogeneic platelet gel in the management of chemotherapy extravasation […]
Early central venous catheter insertion in patients with Ebola virus disease

“Early central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a novel approach and has not previously been described” Rees et al (2015). Reference: Rees, P.S., Lamb, L.E., Nicholson-Roberts, T.C., Ardley, C.N., Bailey, M.S., Hinsley, D.E., Fletcher, T.E. and Dickson, S.J. (2015) Safety and feasibility of a strategy of early central venous catheter […]
Migration of central venous catheter results in fatal hydrothorax

“In the case discussed here, migration and dislodgement of catheter tip resulted in delayed hydrothorax and sudden death of a 9-month-old female infant” Jabeen et al (2014). Reference: Jabeen, S., Murtaza, G., Hanif, M.Z., Morabito, A. and Khalil, B. (2014) Migration of indwelling central venous catheter and fatal hydrothorax. European Journal of Pediatric Surgery Reports. […]
Comparison of local reactions to oxaliplatin infusions by peripheral versus central venous administration

“This is the first published report to characterize and quantify a single institution’s experience with oxaliplatin-related local reactions” To et al (2015). Reference: To, Y.Y., Sutcliffe, K.J., Hoen, H.M., Swaney, R.A., Nicholls, J.D. and Crocenzi, T.S. (2015) Comparison of local reactions to oxaliplatin infusions by peripheral versus central venous administration. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. […]
Avoiding unnecessary use of central venous catheters reduces neonatal HCAI

“Prevention is based on improving neonatal management, avoiding unnecessary use of central venous catheters, restricting use of antibiotics and H2 blockers, and introducing antifungal prophylaxis if necessary” Legeay et al (2015). Reference: Legeay, C., Bourigault, C., Lepelletier, D. and Zahar, J.R. (2015) Prevention of healthcare-associated infections in neonates: room for improvement. The Journal of Hospital […]
Effectiveness of central line care bundles on CLABSI prevention

“…determine the effectiveness of a care bundle, with a novel line maintenance procedure, in reducing the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in the intensive care unit (ICU)” Entesari-Tatafi et al (2015). Reference: Entesari-Tatafi, D., Orford, N., Bailey, M.J., Chonghaile, M.N., Lamb-Jenkins, J. and Athan, E. (2015) Effectiveness of a care bundle to reduce […]
New mechanical system to regulate infusion therapy rates in low-resource settings

“We designed and evaluated the accuracy and usability of a device to regulate the volume of fluid dispensed during intravenous drip therapy” Shah et al (2015). Reference: Shah, K., Skerrett, E., Nojoomi, M., Walker, T., Maynard, K., Pan, M., Flynn, B., Yuan, M., Horton, P., Vaughn, T., Miros, R., Molyneux, E., Saterbak, A., Oden, Z.M. […]
Central venous catheter coatings to prevent thrombosis and infections

“Thrombosis and infections are the main causes of catheter-related comorbidity. Fibrin sheath, intimately related with the biofilm, is the precipitating factor of this environment, determining catheter patency and patient morbidity” Ibeas-Lopez (2015) Reference: Ibeas-Lopez, J. (2015) New technology: heparin and antimicrobial-coated catheters. The Journal of Vascular Access. 16(Suppl. 9), p.48-53. [ctt tweet=”Central venous catheter coatings […]
Association between central vein stenosis and line infection

“The aim of this study was to evaluate any relationship between CVS and line infection” Aitken et al (2015). Reference: Aitken, E., Honour, P., Johnson, N. and Kingsmore, D. (2015) Is there an association between central vein stenosis and line infection in patients with tunnelled central venous catheters (TCVCs)? The Journal of Vascular Access. 16(Suppl. […]
Medical students awareness of the occupational risks of hepatitis B virus

“This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes among male student regarding occupational risks of HBV infection” Al-Hazmi (2015). Reference: Al-Hazmi, A. (2015) Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of medical students regarding occupational risks of hepatitis B virus in college of medicine, aljouf university. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research. 5(1), p.13-9. [ctt […]
Reducing blood culture contamination in an emergency department

“Contaminated blood cultures (BC) generate avoidable costs and prolong hospital stays. To measure our hospital’s performance against the recommended standard of <3% BC contamination, we performed a prospective study.” Robertson et al (2015). Reference: Robertson, P., Russell, A. and Inverarity, D.J. (2015) The effect of a quality improvement programme reducing blood culture contamination on the […]
Systematic review of ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access

“The objective of this study was to determine through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis whether success rates, time to cannulation, and number of punctures required for peripheral venous access are improved with ultrasound guidance” Stolz et al (2015). Reference: Stolz, L.A., Stolz, U., Howe, C., Farrell, I.J. and Adhikari, S. (2015) Ultrasound-guided […]
Vascular access guide for hospitals is published

“Venous access is the foundation for safe and effective hospital-based care. Inpatient providers must have a deep knowledge of the different types of venous access devices (VADs), their relative indications, contraindications, and appropriateness” Simonov et al (2015). Reference: Simonov, M., Pittiruti, M., Rickard, C.M. and Chopra, V. (2015) Navigating venous access: A guide for hospitalists. […]
Spontaneous peripherally inserted central catheter migration

“We carried out this study to add data to the literature on PICCs late spontaneous migration” Beccaria et al (2015). Reference: Beccaria, P., Silvetti, S., Mucci, M., Battini, I., Brambilla, P. and Zangrillo, A. (2015) Contributing factors for a late spontaneous peripherally inserted central catheter migration: a case report and review of literature. The Journal […]
The role of wall shear stress in aspects of the formation of fibrin sheath

“…investigate the role of wall shear stress in aspects of the formation of fibrin sheath and intimal thickening in a dog model” Wang et al (2015). Reference: Wang, L.H., Wei, F., Jia, L., Lu, Z., Wang, B., Dong, H.Y., Yu, H.B., Sun, G.J., Yang, J., Li, B., Meng, J., Zhang, R.N., Bi, X.Q., Chen, H.Y. […]
Physical compatibility of cisatracurium during simulated Y-site administration

“The physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration was studied” Foushee et al (2015). Reference: Foushee, J.A., Fox, L.M., Gormley, L.R. and Lineberger, M.S. (2015) Physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 72(6), p.483-486. [ctt tweet=”Physical compatibility of cisatracurium during simulated Y-site […]
Post needlestick vaccination in health care workers exposed to the Ebola virus

“Case report of a physician who experienced a needlestick while working in an Ebola treatment unit in Sierra Leone on September 26, 2014” Lai et al (2015). Reference: Lai, L., Davey, R., Beck, A., Xu, Y., Suffredini, A.F., Palmore, T., Kabbani, S., Rogers, S., Kobinger, G., Alimonti, J., Link, C.J. Jr., Rubinson, L., Ströher, U., […]
Success rate and complications of internal jugular vein catheterization

“This study aimed to compare the traditional landmark method vs. US-guided method of CVC placement in terms of complications and success rate” Karimi-Sari et al (2014). Reference: Karimi-Sari, H., Faraji, M., Mohazzab Torabi, S. and Asjodi, G. (2015) Success Rate and Complications of Internal Jugular Vein Catheterization With and Without Ultrasonography Guide. Nursing and Midwifery […]
Comparison of IV securement dressings for peripheral intravenous catheters

“…assess the effectiveness of four securement methods to prevent peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure” Marsh et al (2015). Reference: Marsh, N., Webster, J., Flynn, J., Mihala, G., Hewer, B., Fraser, J. and Rickard, C.M. (2015) Securement methods for peripheral venous catheters to prevent failure: a randomised controlled pilot trial. The Journal of Vascular Access. February […]
Central venous cannulation results in accidental subclavian artery catheterisation

“We report a case in which subclavian artery was accidently catheterized during attempted internal jugular venous cannulation” Paliwal et al (2015). Reference: Paliwal, B., Kamal, M., Purohit, A., Rana, K. and Chouhan, D.S. (2015) Accidental subclavian artery catheterization during attempted internal jugular central venous catheter placement: a case report. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. […]
Do needleless connectors substantially reduce infusion flow rates

“Although needleless connectors (NC) are frequently used in the perioperative setting, the potential of modern NCs to slow delivery of IV fluids has not been thoroughly studied. We examined flow characteristics of 5 NC models during pressurized delivery of crystalloid and banked red blood cells” Lehn et al (2015). Reference: Lehn, R.A., Gross, J.B., McIsaac, […]
Risk factors and treatment associated with PICC-DVT

“Several factors appear associated with PICC-DVT. While some of these characteristics may be non-modifiable, future studies that target potentially modifiable variables to prevent this adverse outcome would be welcomed” Chopra et al (2015) Reference: Chopra, V., Fallouh, N., McGuirk, H., Salata, B., Healy, C., Kabaeva, Z., Smith, S., Meddings, J. and Flanders, S.A. (2015) Patterns, […]
Abnormal U-shape course of central venous catheter

“However, there was no back flow in all 3 lumens, so it was removed. Chest X-ray revealed abnormal U-shape course of CVC” Raut and Maheshwari et al (2015). Reference: Raut, M.S. and Maheshwari, A. (2015) Abnormal U-shape course of central venous catheter. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine. 19(2), p.127–128. [ctt tweet=”Abnormal U-shape course of […]
Ultrasound for detection of deep vein thrombosis of upper extremities

“…determine the prevalence and characteristics of sonographically evident upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in symptomatic Chinese patients and identify its associated risk factors” Chung et al (2015). Reference: Chung, A.S., Luk, W.H., Lo, A.X. and Lo, C.F. (2015) Duplex sonography for detection of deep vein thrombosis of upper extremities: a 13-year experience. Hong Kong Medical Journal. […]