Consumer audit of home parenteral nutrition training
Published guidelines recommend patients and carers are trained and meet competency in certain criteria of connecting and disconnecting procedures before discharge from hospital on home parenteral nutrition (HPN)” Winterbourn et al (2019). Abstract: Introduction: Published guidelines recommend patients and carers are trained and meet competency in certain criteria of connecting and disconnecting procedures before discharge […]
Current science and perspectives on granulocyte transfusions
Since the 1960s, granulocyte transfusions have been used to either treat or prevent serious infections in patients with neutropenia or neutrophil dysfunction” West and Conry-Cantilena (2019). Abstract: Severe neutropenia renders patients susceptible to life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. Despite improvements in supportive care and antimicrobial therapy, morbidity and mortality remains significant. Since the 1960s, granulocyte […]
Assessment of dextrose 50 bolus versus dextrose 10 infusion
In our study, D10 infusions appeared to be at least as effective as D50 bolus in preventing hypoglycemia in hyperkalemic patients receiving IV insulin” Yang et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hypoglycemia is a common adverse effect when intravenous (IV) insulin is administered for hyperkalemia. A prolonged infusion of dextrose 10% (D10) may mitigate hypoglycemia compared […]
Taurolidine antiseptic for CLABSI prevention
Taurolidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used as lock therapy solution in adult and pediatric patients with long term central venous catheters (CVC) for the prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI)” Haro (2019). Abstract: Taurolidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used as lock therapy solution in adult and pediatric patients with long term central venous catheters […]
Comparison between approaches to ultrasound-guided implantable port placement
To compare the efficacy and safety of right internal jugular vein (IJV) approach and right innominate vein (INV) approach for US-guided totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs)” Sun et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of right internal jugular vein (IJV) approach and right innominate vein (INV) approach for US-guided totally […]
Defined strategy for intraosseous devices in small children
Our study shows that the current procedure for establishing an intraosseous access in infants and children should also be critically reviewed” Maxien and Wirth (2019). Extract: We are grateful for the important remarks by Dr Bouchut and colleagues. The letter highlights a highly relevant and interesting aspect of the topic. The saying “children are not […]
Evaluation of the first 5 minutes of emergency department resuscitation
The aim of the study was to describe the performance data of emergency department (ED) teams who performed CPR in a pediatric ED” Grimsley et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Effective leadership and teamwork are imperative during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR). The initial phase of pediatric CPR, termed the “first 5 minutes,” has significant care delivery […]
Central line utilization following standard feeding roadmap in NICU
Implementation of a standardized feeding roadmap was associated with a reduction in days to first enteral feeds, an increase in the primary use of human milk for initiation of enteral feeds, and a decrease in the utilization of central lines while improving weight gain in very low-birth-weight infants” Kohler et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Before […]
Comparative efficacy and safety of IV lock solutions
To assess the most appropriate lock solution for central venous catheters to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections and other complications” Sheng et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Central venous catheters are used extensively as temporary or permanent vascular access for hemodialysis patients. Catheter-related bloodstream infections are the main complication of central venous catheters and increase morbidity and […]
Guidelines and protocols for subcutaneous hydration
To evaluate the availability of, adherence to, and perceived usefulness of guidelines and protocols for managing hydration and subcutaneous hydration in palliative care settings” Cabañero-Martínez et al (2019). Abstract: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the availability of, adherence to, and perceived usefulness of guidelines and protocols for managing hydration and subcutaneous hydration in palliative care […]
Inferior vena cava syndrome in neonates
This review comprised 61 neonates across 33 reports. Thrombosis occurred in 98% and 42% involved a central venous catheter” Tieu et al (2019). Abstract: Neonatal inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS), though uncommon, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Information on risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes is limited. This review comprised 61 neonates across […]
Aerobic-only blood cultures for routine detection of bacteraemia
Sampling practices determine the accuracy of blood culture in diagnosing bloodstream infection. Our main acute hospital introduced aerobic-only routine blood cultures aiming to increase the volume and number of aerobic samples” Stoneham et al (2019). Summary: Sampling practices determine the accuracy of blood culture in diagnosing bloodstream infection. Our main acute hospital introduced aerobic-only routine […]
Standard of care following extravasation of chemotherapy drugs
The recommended procedures will contribute to reducing the risk and consequences of extravasation” Vokurka et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extravasation (paravasation) of chemotherapy drugs is a very significant complication in the treatment of cancer patients. Preventive and therapeutic interventions reduce the risk of this complication or the extent of its consequences. A working group of […]
Designated nurse PICC teams and CLABSI prevention
These data suggest that nurse PICC teams play an integral role in PICC use at many hospitals and that use of such teams may promote key practices to prevent complications” Krein et al (2019). Abstract: Objectives: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased substantially within hospitals during the past several years. Yet, […]
Patient position affects venodilation for peripheral IV cannulation
Vein size during tourniquet application was greater in the supine than in the seated position even in cases of DPIVC” Yamagami and Inoue (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Larger veins are associated with a higher rate of success of peripheral intravenous cannulation. Although patient position affects venodilation during central venous cannulation, the association between patient position and […]
Review of Ethanol lock therapy in pediatric patients
Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been performed for the purpose of preserving central venous catheter (CVC) against central venous catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), but evidence is not established. We conduct a multicenter prospective study on the ELT protocol to clarify the safety and effectiveness against CRBSI” Chiba et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ethanol lock […]
Procedural analgesia in newborns from the viewpoint of professionals
To identify the procedures considered painful and stressful by health professionals from a neonatal intensive care unit and check the measures of analgesia” Moraes and Freire (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify the procedures considered painful and stressful by health professionals from a neonatal intensive care unit and check the measures of analgesia. METHOD: Descriptive exploratory […]
Are intraosseous infusion needles long enough for children?
The EZ-IO intraosseous (IO) needle is available in 2 needle sizes for children based on the patient weight. To date, there is no published evidence validating the use of weight-based scaling in children. We hypothesized that pretibial subcutaneous tissue thickness (PSTT) does not correspond with patient weight but rather with age and body mass index […]
Intraosseous access devices in small children
Perhaps a more suitable question would be: which strategy adopt based on the type of IO device used, the age of the child and the location of the IO site?” Peguet et al (2019). Extract: We read with great interest the recently published study by Maxien et al. on the rate of malposition of intraosseous […]
Review of intravenous device occlusion during syringe pump use
Unintentional catecholamine flush caused by inappropriate release of an intravenous occlusion during use of a syringe pump in the intensive care unit (ICU) can have dangerous consequences in patients receiving critical care. We investigated whether anesthesiology residents understood how to deal with syringe pump occlusion in a simulated ICU setting” Kariya et al (2019). Abstract: […]
Job burnout reduces hand hygiene compliance among nursing staff
The aim of the study was to examine whether job burnout reduces hand washing compliance among nursing staff” Manomenidis et al (2019). Abstract: Objectives: Health professional burnout has been associated with suboptimal care and reduced patient safety. However, the extent to which burnout influences hand hygiene compliance among health professionals has yet to be explored. […]
Implementation of extended-infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam dosing protocol
Piperacillin-tazobactam infusions were administered faster than recommended during implementation (i.e., peri-EI) despite standardized orders” J Rhodes et al 92019). Abstract: Compliance with recommended infusion rates was evaluated before, during, and after the implementation of extended-infusion (EI) piperacillin-tazobactam at an academic medical center. Software-controlled infusion-pump alert data were studied for piperacillin-tazobactam administrations before and after implementation […]
Totally implantable venous access ports in the upper arm
This retrospective study investigated the safety, technical feasibility, and device-related complications of totally implantable venous access ports implanted in the upper arm” Xu et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Totally implantable venous access ports are widely used in chemotherapy for malignant tumors. This retrospective study investigated the safety, technical feasibility, and device-related complications of totally implantable […]
Ultrasound guided techniques for peripheral IV placement in children
Different techniques have been used to improve first pass success rates in children with known history of difficult venous access including surface landmarking, local warming, transillumination, ultrasonography, epidermal nitroglycerin, central venous access, intraosseus placement and venous cutdown” Munshey et al (2019). Abstract: Peripheral intravenous placement in children can be challenging. Different techniques have been used […]
Twice daily Cefazolin in the OPAT setting
The use of twice daily cefazolin for serious MSSA infection on an OPAT program is safe and effective. Further study is needed to assess for noninferiority to conventional treatment regimes” Birrell and Fuller (2019). Abstract BACKGROUND: The use of cefazolin for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus has been demonstrated to be effective, and associated with […]
Insulin therapy in hospitalized patients
Hyperglycemia is prevalent and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Insulin therapy is the most appropriate method for controlling glycemia in hospital, but is associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is a barrier to achieving glycemic goals” Pérez et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is prevalent and is […]
Subcutaneous Magnesium Sulfate to correct hypomagnesemia
We describe the management of chronic hypomagnesemia and dehydration secondary to a high-output ileostomy following radiation and chemotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma with intermittent home-based subcutaneous magnesium infusions in a 61-year-old female with a history of Crohn’s disease and multiple bowel resections” Makowsky et al (2019). Abstract: Fluid and magnesium abnormalities are common in […]
Contamination of hospital facilities by intravenous antineoplastic drugs
Over the past 40 years, numerous actions have been undertaken to decrease the contamination of hospital facilities by intravenous conventional antineoplastic drugs (ICADs) such as centralizing compounding in pharmacies, using personal protective equipment, specific compounding, or infusion devices” Simon et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Over the past 40 years, numerous actions have been undertaken to […]
Arrhythmias in children with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
To analyze the prevalence, types, and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children” Dhillon et al (2019). Abstract: To analyze the prevalence, types, and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children. This is a case-control single center retrospective study. From 3180 […]
Retrospective analysis of central venous catheters in elective intracranial surgery
It remains unclear whether the use of central venous catheters (CVC) improves a patient’s clinical outcome after elective intracranial supratentorial procedures” Löser et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether the use of central venous catheters (CVC) improves a patient’s clinical outcome after elective intracranial supratentorial procedures. METHODS: This two-armed, single-center retrospective study sought […]