Impact of early dressing removal on tunneled central venous catheters infections

Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are linked with Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or exit-site infections. Dressings may reduce the rate of infection, but they are uncomfortable, do not eliminate the risk of infection, and in some cases become the cause of infection” Ammar et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are linked with Catheter-related […]
Needlestick and sharps injuries in orthopedic surgery residents

Needlestick and sharps injury (NSSI) is a common occupational hazard of orthopedic surgery training. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and surrounding circumstances of intraoperative NSSI in orthopedic surgery residents and fellows and to examine postexposure reporting” Snavely et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Needlestick and sharps injury (NSSI) is a common […]
What are the predictive factors of peripheral infusion phlebitis?

This study aimed to identify predictive factors of peripheral phlebitis related to intravenous injection among orthopedic inpatients, develop a prediction model, and evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the prediction model” Lee et al (2019). Abstract: Phlebitis leads to increased discomfort for patients, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify predictive factors […]
Effect of PICC administered parenteral nutrition on immune function

Objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) parenteral nutrition support on immune function and nutritional support in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer” Zhang et al (2019). Abstract: Objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) parenteral […]
Air embolism from an unprimed peripheral IV line

We report the first prehospital case of a venous air embolism in a 31-year-old male who became hemodynamically unstable after a peripheral intravenous catheter with unprimed tubing was placed by paramedics in the prehospital setting” Abramson et al (2019). Abstract: Venous air embolisms are rare but a cause of potentially life-threatening events with associated cardiovascular, […]
Heuristic evaluation and simulated use testing of infusion pumps

This study aimed to identify design deficiencies and evaluate the usability and performance of four infusion pump models and thus inform decisions about infusion pump selection” Liu et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Poorly designed infusion pumps can lead to user errors and adverse incidents. Therefore, assessments of their usability and performance that can inform managerial […]
Randomized trial of PICC complications in neuro-intensive care

The objective of this study was to compare the relative number of complications from peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) and centrally inserted central venous catheters (CVC) in the neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU)” Brandmeir et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the relative number of complications from peripherally […]
Cather-related right atrial thrombosis review

Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is an under-recognized complication of central venous catheter placement. We performed a retrospective review, characterizing clinical aspects of catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT)” Tran et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is an under-recognized complication of central venous catheter placement. We performed a retrospective review, characterizing clinical aspects of […]
Dialysis catheter insertion with extended ultrasound monitoring

Dialysis catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed when there is necessity of urgent renal replacement therapy initiation. Due to limited access, higher costs, and long waiting times for fluoroscopy, alternative visualization methods are introduced into clinical practice” Letachowicz et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Dialysis catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed when there is […]
Drug interactions with silicone or polyurethane vascular catheters

This work aims to evaluate the possible impact of interactions between bevacizumab solutions and an implantable port equipped with a silicone or a polyurethane catheter after infusion through a complete infusion set-up in simulated use conditions” Tokhadzé et al92019). Abstract: This work aims to evaluate the possible impact of interactions between bevacizumab solutions and an […]
Will single versus double tourniquet technique improve vein visualisation?

Peripheral, ultrasound-guided intravenous (IV) access occurs frequently in the emergency department, but certain populations present unique challenges for successfully completing this procedure” Price et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripheral, ultrasound-guided intravenous (IV) access occurs frequently in the emergency department, but certain populations present unique challenges for successfully completing this procedure. Prior research has demonstrated decreased […]
Patient experience with scalp cooling during chemotherapy

During the visit, the nurse noted Ms. X could not keep her hands out of her hair; she continually played with it. The nurse, judging by Ms. X’s body language, suspected she valued her hair” Weatherby and Brophy (2019). Abstract: CASE STUDY: Ms. X is a 23-year-old female who presented to clinic with stage 2A […]
Shortening OPAT duration of ertapenem for complicated urinary tract infections

Short duration ertapenem via OPAT with or without adjunctive fosfomycin is safe and effective for the treatment of complicated UTIs” Fink et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of multi-drug resistant ESBL-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) is increasing globally. Patients with abnormal renal tract anatomy and other co-morbidities are at increased risk of complicated UTI […]
Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism in the real world

In a current real-world VTE registry, patients with active cancer had higher risk for VTE recurrence, bleeding, and death, with variations according to cancer status, than patients without active cancer” Sakamoto et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the management and prognosis of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE), leading to uncertainty […]
Impact of needlefree connectors compared with 3-way stopcocks on CRBSI

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare NFCs with 3-way stopcocks (3WSCs) and their effects on CRBSI rates” Rosenthal (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Needle-free connectors (NFCs) were introduced to eliminate the use of needles in intravascular catheters, and their newest generations were designed to improve patient safety and reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) risks. The […]
Meta-analysis of infusion phlebitis risk with peripheral IV catheters

Incidence of phlebitis with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters during infusion is 31%. Severe phlebitis develops in 4% of all patients” Lv and Zhang (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Phlebitis is a common complication associated with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of phlebitis with peripheral […]
CRBSI rates when using using metal coated central venous catheters

Among the methods considered in this regard is using catheters coated with antiseptic agents, antibiotics, and metals such as silver and platinum (8). Some studies have suggested using these methods for reducing the mentioned infections and their consequences” Ardehali et al (2019). Abstract: Blood infections due to intravenous catheters make up about 10\% — 15\% […]
Population-based active surveillance for culture-confirmed candidemia

Candidemia is a bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by yeasts in the genus Candida. Candidemia is one of the most common health care-associated BSIs in the United States, with all-cause in-hospital mortality of up to 30%” Toda et al (2019). Abstract: PROBLEM/CONDITION: Candidemia is a bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by yeasts in the genus Candida. Candidemia […]
Computer or paper-based insulin infusion algorithm for diabetic ketoacidosis

We aimed to determine the differences in time to diabetic ketoacidosis resolution and incidence of hypoglycemia between computer and paper-based insulin infusion” Younis et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Paper-based and computer-based insulin infusion algorithms facilitate appropriate glycemic therapy. The data comparing these algorithms in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in the intensive care unit (ICU) […]
Position paper on ultrasound guided central and peripheral vascular access

To increase the success rate of ultrasound-guided vascular access procedures, we recommend that providers should utilize echogenic needles, plastic needle guides, and/or ultrasound beam steering when available” Franco-Sadud et al (2019). Abstract: PREPROCEDURE: 1) We recommend that providers should be familiar with the operation of their specific ultrasound machine prior to initiation of a vascular […]
Emerging challenges linked to vascular access in hospitalised patients

Peripheral venous catheters are the most commonly used vascular devices in hospitals. The ageing population and the increase in comorbidities makes their insertion more complex” Massebiaux and Roulin (2019). Abstract: Peripheral venous catheters are the most commonly used vascular devices in hospitals. The ageing population and the increase in comorbidities makes their insertion more complex. […]
Experience with central venous line insertion in Nigeria

Central venous catheterization is an uncommon procedure in most hospitals in the West African subregion. This article presents our initial experience with central line insertion” Edaigbini et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterization is an uncommon procedure in most hospitals in the West African subregion. This article presents our initial experience with central line […]
Accuracy of water delivery in enteral nutrition pumps

The purpose of this study was to explore accuracy of delivering 1 L of water by EN pumps using different flush volumes and hang heights” Bertagnolli et al(2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adequate delivery of both enteral formula and water in patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) is critical. Pump accuracy has been identified as a factor impeding […]
Pre-analytical potassium EDTA sample contamination

We report, for the first time, that K-EDTA sample contamination almost always, if not exclusively, occurs following open phlebotomy methods” Asif et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K-EDTA) contamination of serum samples is a common cause of spurious electrolyte results which may adversely affect patient care. The source of K-EDTA sample contamination is […]
Reducing pain and fear in children during venipuncture

This study was conducted to determine and compare the effects of balloon inflation, ball squeezing, and coughing methods on levels of pain and fear during venipuncture in children aged 7-12 years” Aykanat Girgin and Göl (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous blood sampling is a common procedure in the hospital setting and cause significant pain and stress […]
Catheter-associated thrombosis in pediatric trauma patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic, catheter-associated thrombosis in critically injured children” McLaughlin et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury and the presence of a central venous catheter are 2 of the strongest risk factors for venous thromboembolism in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the […]
Neonatal pericardial effusion and tamponade after umbilical catheter insertion

Pericardial effusion, one of the rare but fatal complications of UVC insertion, requires rapid diagnosis and management” Elbatreek et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND Umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion is a standard of care in neonatal units. Pericardial effusion, one of the rare but fatal complications of UVC insertion, requires rapid diagnosis and management, and saline […]
Management of pediatric bone and joint infections according to French guidelines

Short treatments for acute bone and joint infections (BJI) are recommended. We implemented a protocol in 2009 to improve diagnosis and bacteriological documentation, and to shorten antibiotic therapies as per French guidelines” Bréhin et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Short treatments for acute bone and joint infections (BJI) are recommended. We implemented a protocol in 2009 […]
Audit of overnight transfusion practice

Overnight transfusion (OT) is the blood transfusion taking place from 9pm to 8am. During this period, patients are exposed to increased risk of errors. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the incidence and practice of OT in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre” Tang et al (2019). Abstract; INTRODUCTION: Overnight transfusion (OT) is the blood transfusion […]
Ultrasound-based prediction of cephalic vein cut down for implantable port

The aim of this study was to assess preoperative ultrasound imaging as a tool to predict cephalic vein cut down failure for TIVAD insertion” Staszewicz et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Surgical venous cut down is a method for totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) insertion. The main drawback of this technique is its higher failure […]