Implications of alarm fatigue in the intensive care unit
“The alarms of equipment intended to protect patients have increased noise within the unit, the level of distraction and interruptions in the workflow, leading to a false sense of security” Bridi et al (2014). Reference: Bridi, A.C., Louro, T.Q. and Silva, R.C. (2014) Clinical Alarms in intensive care: implications of alarm fatigue for the safety […]
Teaching patients about their short peripheral intravenous catheters
“They should provide education on caring for, monitoring, and preventing injury to the peripheral venous access site” Spencer and Gilliam (2015). Reference: Spencer, S. and Gilliam, P. (2015) Teaching patients about their short peripheral I.V. catheters. Nursing. 45(2), p.64. Extract: “When patients are admitted to the hospital or an outpatient unit, most will need a […]
CLABSI risk factors associated with home parenteral nutrition
“Catheter-related complications were extremely common in patients receiving HPN. Healthcare providers caring for individuals who require home TPN should be aware of risk factors for complications” Durkin et al (2015). Reference: Durkin, M.J., Dukes, J.L., Reeds, D.N., Mazuski, J.E. and Camins, B.C. (2015) A Descriptive Study of the Risk Factors Associated with Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections […]
Intravenous methadone for severe pain in children with cancer
“We describe the effect and side effects in two children with cancer treated with intravenous methadone in extreme doses (>10 mg/kg/day) due to vincristine-induced neuropathy where surgical procedures provoked severe neuropathic pain” Rasmussen et al (2015). Reference: Rasmussen, V.F., Lundberg, V., Jespersen, T.W. and Hasle, H. (2015) Extreme doses of intravenous methadone for severe pain in […]
Catheter to vein ratio and rates of symptomatic venous thromboembolism
“It was found that a 45% catheter to vein ratio was the optimal cut off with high sensitivity and specificity to reduce the risk of VTE” Sharp et al (2014). Reference: Sharp, R., Cummings, M., Fielder, A., Mikocka-Walus, A., Grech, C. and Esterman, A. (2014) The catheter to vein ratio and rates of symptomatic venous […]
Experimental study investigates Vancomycin associated adverse effects
“Vancomycin (VCM) is indicated in combat against Gram-positive infections, but it is not considered a first-choice drug because of its adverse effects. It is believed that oxidative stress is the primary mechanism of endothelial injury and the consequent VCM toxicity, which varies from phlebitis to nephrotoxicity” Bruniera et al (2014). Reference: Bruniera, F.R., Ferreira, F.M., […]
Confusion between Hickman catheter and percutaneous endoscopic gastric tube
“A man was found dead in his nursing bed. The responsible assistant nurse explained that she had administered liquid nutrition (Isosource Energy Fibre 500ml) via perfusion pump into the Hickman catheter…” Hartung et al (2014). Reference: Hartung, B., Gahr, B. and Ritz-Timme, S. (2014) Pulmonary and coronary foreign particle embolism after central venous injection of liquid […]
Systematic review: Ultrasound guidance for jugular vein catheterization
“The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two-dimensional (imaging ultrasound (US) or ultrasound Doppler (USD)) guided puncture techniques for insertion of central venous catheters via the internal jugular vein in adults and children” Brass et al (2015). Reference: Brass, P., Hellmich, M., Kolodziej, L., Schick, G. and Smith, […]
Systematic review: Ultrasound guidance for subclavian or femoral vein catheterization
“The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two-dimensional ultrasound (US)- or Doppler ultrasound (USD)-guided puncture techniques for subclavian vein, axillary vein and femoral vein puncture during central venous catheter insertion in adults and children” Brass et al (2015). Reference: Brass, P., Hellmich, M., Kolodziej, L., Schick, G. and […]
Implantable venous port associated skin erosion
“Chemoports are totally implantable venous access devices, which are retained over long periods of time to facilitate chemotherapy administration” Harish (2014). References: Harish, K. (2014) Chemoport-skin erosion: our experience. The International Journal of Angiology. 23(3), p.215-6. [ctt tweet=”Implantable venous port associated skin erosion http://ctt.ec/tbJQ5+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”tbJQ5″] Abstract: Chemoports are totally implantable venous access devices, […]
Conversion from temporary to tunnelled central venous catheter
“We propose a conversion technique without peel-away sheath: a guide wire is advanced through the existing temporary CVC; then, a subcutaneous tunnel is created from the exit to the venotomy site” Limonite et al (2015). Reference: Lomonte, C., Libutti, P., Casucci, F., Lisi, P. and Basile, C. (2015) Efficacy and Safety of a New Technique […]
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service review
“Adequate patient selection, a structured OPAT team with an effective communication system, and routine clinical monitoring are key elements to establish a successful OPAT program” Touzard Romo et al (2015). Reference: Touzard Romo, F., Resnick, B., Perez-Cioe, M., Flanigan, T.P., Kojic, E.M. and Beckwith, C.G. (2015) Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy in an academic practice in […]
Automatic detection of air embolism using a precordial Doppler
“This work aims to study different features of the heart sound through a precordial Doppler, that may provide useful information on VAE episodes” Tedim et al (2014). Reference: Tedim, A., Amorim, P. and Castro, A. (2014) Development of a system for the automatic detection of air embolism using a precordial Doppler. Conference proceedings : … […]
Role of microbiology in the surveillance of catheter-related infections
“The aim of the study was to provide baseline data on the prevalence of CRIs and to describe the epidemiology of CRI events within a tertiary academic hospital” Strasheim et al (2015). Reference: Strasheim, W., Kock, M.M., Ueckermann, V., Hoosien, E., Dreyer, A.W. and Ehlers, M.M. (2015) Surveillance of catheter-related infections: the supplementary role of the […]
Central venous catheter complications
“Out of total number of catheters of both groups, out of 108 catheters the complications during insertion occurred in 49 catheters (45.40%). The most common complications in both groups were heart arrhythmias, artery punctures and hematomas at the place of catheter insertion” Hodzic et al (2014) Reference: Hodzic, S., Golic, D., Smajic, J., Sijercic, S., […]
Intravenous infusion or single dose of Ketamine for postoperative analgesia
“This review seeks to exclusively examine the evidence supporting the use of low-dose IV infusion of ketamine for the management of perioperative pain” Jouguelet-Lacoste et al (2014). Reference: Jouguelet-Lacoste, J., La Colla, L., Schilling, D. and Chelly, J.E. (2014) The Use of Intravenous Infusion or Single Dose of Low-Dose Ketamine for Postoperative Analgesia: A Review […]
Occupational exposure to blood in multiple trauma care
“Little is known regarding compliance with standard precautions or occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among multiple trauma care personnel in Germany” Wicker et al (2015). Reference: Wicker, S., Wutzler, S., Schachtrupp, A., Zacharowski, K. and Scheller, B. (2015) Occupational exposure to blood in multiple trauma care. Der Anaesthesist. January 9th. [epub ahead of […]
Effect of Medicare’s nonpayment for CLABSI
“The HACs Initiative was associated with improvements in CLABSI and CAUTI trends, conditions for which there is strong evidence that better hospital processes yield better outcomes” Waters et al (2015). Reference: Waters, T.M., Daniels, M.J., Bazzoli, G.J., Perencevich, E., Dunton, N., Staggs, V.S., Potter, C., Fareed, N., Liu, M. and Shorr, R.I. (2015) Effect of […]
Subclavian central venous catheter insertion OSCE
“The purpose of this study was to develop a Procedural Objective Structured Teaching Exercise for subclavian central venous catheter insertion and to determine specific aspects of procedural teaching associated with improved skills in novices” McSparron et al (2015). Reference: McSparron, J.I., Ricotta, D.N., Moskowitz, A., Volpicelli, F.M., Roberts, D.H., Schwartzstein, R.M. and Huang, G.C. (2015) […]
Audit identifies misuse and overuse of non-sterile gloves
“This paper describes a small-scale application and validation of an observational audit tool devised to identify inappropriate use of NSG and potential for cross contamination” Wilson et al (2015). Reference: Wilson, J., Prieto, J., Singleton, J., O’Connor, V., Lynam, S. and Loveday, H. (2015) The misuse and overuse of non-sterile gloves: application of an audit […]
Central line–associated bloodstream infections in pediatric intestinal failure
“The objective of this study is to characterize the presentation of CLABSIs in pediatric IF and to determine the time to positivity of blood cultures” Chang et al (2015). Reference: Chang, M.I., Carlson, S.J., Nandivada, P., O’Loughlin, A.A., Potemkin, A.K., Cowan, E., Mitchell, P.D., Gura, K.M. and Puder, M. (2015) Challenging the 48-Hour Rule-Out for […]
Comparison of intraosseous and intravenous antibiotic administration
“We aimed to investigate whether comparable antibiotic concentrations could be reached with intraosseous and intravenous administration during septic shock” Strandberg et al (2015). Reference: Strandberg, G., Larsson, A., Lipcsey, M., Michalek, J. and Eriksson, M. (2015) Intraosseous and intravenous administration of antibiotics yields comparable plasma concentrations during experimental septic shock. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. January 5th. […]
How is income generated by outpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment?
“We determined the available mechanisms to generate income from outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the UK and calculated the revenue generated from treatment of an episode of cellulitis” Jones et al (2015). Reference: Jones, G.R., Cumming, D.V., Honeywell, G., Ball, R., Sanderson, F., Seaton, R.A., Healy, B., Hedderwick, S. and Gilchrist, M. (2015) How […]
Preventing the formation of biofilm-associated CVAD infections
“The objective of this study was to clarify the antifungal properties of cerium, a lanthanide member, against Candida species” Silva-Dias et al (2015). Reference: Silva-Dias, A., Miranda, I.M., Branco, J., Cobrado, L., Monteiro-Soares, M., Pina-Vaz, C. and Rodrigues, A.G. (2014) In vitro antifungal activity and in vivo antibiofilm activity of cerium nitrate against Candida species. […]
Methods of neonatal PICC insertion reviewed
“We compared the success rates of peripherally inserted central catheters by two methods of using static ultrasound and traditional technique (vein visualization and palpation) in neonates” Abdeyazdan et al (2014). Reference: Abdeyazdan, Z., Sheikhan-Sudani, E., Sadeghnia, A. and Talakoub, S. (2014) Effect of using static ultrasound technique on peripherally inserted central catheters’ insertion success rate […]
Simulation-based central line training for emergency medicine residents
“Emergency medicine residents received simulation-based sterile technique training during CVC placement between May 2008 and September 2010” Hoskote et al (2014).
Bacterial colonization portable electronic devices
“We conducted a convenience sampling of devices in 2 large medical centers to identify bacterial colonization rates and potential risk factors” Khan et al (2015). Reference: Khan, A., Rao, A., Reyes-Sacin, C., Hayakawa, K., Szpunar, S., Riederer, K., Kaye, K., Fishbain, J.T. and Levine, D. (2015) Use of portable electronic devices in a hospital setting […]
Infectious complications among pediatric blood and marrow transplant recipients
“We assessed clinical practice standards for infectious complications among pediatric blood and marrow transplant (PBMT) recipients” Azim et al (2015). Reference: Azim, H.A., Balian, C., Tewari, P., Santizo, R., Kapoor, N. and Mahadeo, K.M. (2015) A survey of infectious disease clinical practices among pediatric blood and marrow transplant programs in the United States. Pediatric Blood […]
Surveillance criteria for central line–associated bloodstream infections
“Surveillance criteria for central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are continually being refined to more accurately reflect infections related to central lines” Hazamy et al (2014). Reference: Hazamy, P.A., Haley, V.B., Tserenpuntsag, B., Tsivitis, M., Giardina, R., Knab, R. and Lutterloh, E. (2014) Effect of 2013 National Healthcare Safety Network definition changes on central line bloodstream […]
Impact of the INICC multidimensional hand hygiene approach on compliance
“With the implementation of the INICC approach, adherence to HH was significantly increased” Medeiros et al (2015). Reference: Medeiros, E.A., Grinberg, G., Rosenthal, V.D., Angelieri, D.B., Ferreira, I.B., Cechinel, R.B., Zanandrea, B.B., Rohnkohl, C., Regalin, M., Spessatto, J.L., Pasini, R.S. and Ferla, S. (2015) Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional hand […]