Antimicrobial-impregnated Catheters Research Articles

Transcriptomic Response of Human Nosocomial Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Following Continuous Exposure to Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters

Biofilms are complex surface-attached bacterial communities that serve as a protective survival strategy to adapt to an environment. Bacterial contamination and biofilm formation on implantable medical devices pose a serious threat to human health, and these biofilms have become the most important source of nosocomial infections. Although antimicrobial-impregnated catheters have been employed to prevent bacterial infection, there have been concerns about the potential emergence of antibiotic resistance. To investigate the risk of developing resistance, we performed RNA-sequencing gene expression profiling of P. aeruginosa biofilms in response to chronic exposure to clindamycin and rifampicin eluted from antibiotic-coated catheters in a CDC biofilm bioreactor. There were 877 and 178 differentially expressed genes identified in planktonic and biofilm cells after growth for 144 h with control (without antibiotic-impregnation) and clindamycin/rifampicin-impregnated catheters, respectively. The differentially expressed genes were further analyzed by Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) functional classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The data are publicly available through the GEO database with accession number GSE153546.

Current Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Healthcare-Associated Ventriculitis and Meningitis.

Ventriculitis or post-neurosurgical meningitis or healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis (VM) is a severe infection that complicates central nervous system operations or is related to the use of neurosurgical devices or drainage catheters. It can further deteriorate patients who have already presented significant neurologic injury and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and poor functional outcome. VM can be difficult to distinguish from aseptic meningitis, inflammation that follows hemorrhagic strokes and neurosurgical operations. The associated microorganisms can be either skin flora or nosocomial pathogens, most commonly, Gram-negative bacteria. Classical microbiology can fail to isolate the culprit pathogen. Novel cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and molecular microbiology can fill the diagnostic gap and expedite pathogen identification and treatment. The pathogens may demonstrate significant resistant patterns and their antibiotic treatment can be difficult, as many important drug classes, including the beta-lactams and the glycopeptides, hardly penetrate to the CSF, and do not achieve therapeutic levels at the site of the infection. Treatment modifications, such as higher daily dose and prolonged or continuous administration, might increase antibiotic levels in the site of infection and facilitate pathogens clearance. However, in the case of therapeutic failure or infection due to difficult-to-treat bacteria, the direct antibiotic instillation into the CSF, in addition to the intravenous antibiotic delivery, may help in the resolution of infection. However, intraventricular antibiotic therapy may result in aseptic meningitis and seizures, concerning the administration of aminoglycosides, polymyxins, and vancomycin. Meanwhile, bacteria form biofilms on the catheter or the device that should routinely be removed. Novel neurosurgical treatment modalities comprise endoscopic evacuation of debris and irrigation of the ventricles. VM prevention includes perioperative antibiotics, antimicrobial impregnated catheters, and the implementation of standardized protocols, regarding catheter insertion and manipulation.

Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection in Adult Intensive Care Unit Population—Changes in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Addition of New Technologies

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) have an increased risk of Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) due to the prevalence of invasive procedures, devices, immunosuppression, comorbidity, frailty, and elderly patients. We have seen a successful reduction in Central line associated bloodstream infection related the past decade. In spite of this, Intensive care unit-Catheter related bloodstream infections remain high. The emergence of new pathogens further complicates treatment and threatens patient outcomes in this context. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic served as a reminder that an emerging pathogen poses a challenge for adjusting prevention measures regarding both the risk of exposure to caregivers and maintaining a high level of care. ICU nurses play an important role in the prevention and management of CLABSI as they are involved in basic hygienic care, quality improvement initiatives, microbiological sampling, and aspects of antimicrobial stewardship. Microbiological techniques that are more sensitive and our increased knowledge of the interactions between critically ill patients and their microbiota are forcing us to rethink how we define CLABSIs and how we can diagnose, treat, and prevent them in the ICU. The objective of this multidisciplinary expert review, focused on the ICU setting, is to summarize the recently observed occurrence of CLABSI in ICU, to consider the role of modern microbiological techniques in their diagnosis, to examine clinical and epidemiological definitions, and to redefine several controversial preventive measures including antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, chlorhexidine-gluconate impregnated sponge, and catheter dressings.

777. Implementation of Antimicrobial Impregnated Catheters to Reduce Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in a Pediatric Setting

BackgroundAntimicrobial impregnated catheters (AIC) are one strategy to prevent CLABSI with existing data for central lines required for short duration, however, the strength of evidence, particularly for children, is lacking. Recent 3-year CLABSI data at our institution show 60 (51%) infections occurred in central lines within 8 weeks of insertion, suggesting an opportunity for evaluation of an intervention targeting this time frame. We implemented AIC to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing CLABSI standardized infection ratio (SIR) in patients requiring central venous access for less than 8 weeks. We also monitored for complications (malfunction, line exchange, fungal infection).MethodsA stepped wedge observational design was used to implement Minocycline + Rifampin impregnated catheters in a rolling fashion across the institution. Children > 3kg were eligible if admitted to a participating unit and required central venous access through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), non-tunneled catheter, or tunneled non-cuffed femoral catheter for < 8 weeks. Units, prioritized based on CLABSI SIR, were added to the intervention monthly until AIC were used throughout the institution. A multidisciplinary team (infectious diseases and infection control experts, CLABSI leaders, unit-based physicians and nurses, proceduralists, supply chain) met weekly to facilitate implementation, assess for CLABSI and monitor for complications.Figure 1. Study design. This figure describes the stepped wedge study design where units were phased into the invention on a rolling monthly basis allowing for comparison between and within units. The shaded boxes represent time periods when units were using antimicrobial impregnated catheters and the white boxes represent time periods when units were using standard non-impregnated catheters.ResultsAIC were systematically implemented over a 7-month period. The institution’s CLABSI SIR decreased from 0.80 to 0.59 during this timeframe. There were no NHSH defined CLABSI in patients with an AIC during the intervention. Obstacles included shortage of catheters due to supply chain disruption, adjustment of technique for line insertion and cracked/broken lines. Infections and complications were reviewed by the multidisciplinary team and compared to historical rates with non-impregnated lines. This figure shows the institution’s rolling 12-month SIR during the intervention period.ConclusionCLABSI SIR decreased at our institution during the intervention period. While many efforts likely led to this reduction (optimizing maintenance bundle, unit based CLABSI initiatives), we believe the use of AIC contributed to this improvement. There were no pediatric-specific safety events identified during implementation.Disclosures Ravi Jhaveri, MD, AstraZeneca (Consultant)Dynavax (Consultant)Elsevier (Other Financial or Material Support, Editorial stipend as Co-EiC, Clinical Therapeutics)Hologic (Consultant)Seqirus (Consultant)

A Narrative Review of the Published Literature, Hospital Practices, and Policies Related to External Ventricular Drains in the United States: The External Ventricular Drain Publications, Practices, and Policies (EVDPoP) Study.

External ventricular drain (EVD) placement and management pose risks to neurocritically ill patients. Yet, little is known about EVD management or hospital EVD management practices and policies in US hospitals. A narrative review was conducted to describe EVD-related publications reported in PubMed and Embase between 1953 and 2019, and a survey was used to examine US hospital EVD practices and policies, including adherence to EVD guideline recommendations. Overall, 912 relevant articles were published between 1953 and 2019 (average 21; range, 0 to 102 articles, per year), primarily related to indications for EVD placement (n=275, 30.2%), EVD-associated complications (n=206, 22.6%), and EVD care (n=200, 21.9%). The number of EVD publications increased over time (R2=0.7), and most publications addressed EVD-associated infection (n=296, 73.4%) and EVD insertion (n=195, 45.2%). Survey responses were received from 30 hospitals (37.5% response rate), and reported use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in 80% of hospitals, preinsertion antibiotic administration in 70%, collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples for suspicion of ventriculitis in 73.3%, tracking of EVD-associated infection in 86.7%, routine EVD clamping during transport in 66.7%, and monitoring of intracranial pressure during transport in 33.3%. Adherence to hospital policies was high for recommendations related to flushing an EVD and changing cerebrospinal fluid drainage systems (100% [range, 0% to 100%] each), but low for intrahospital transportation (16.7% [0% to 83.3%]), EVD removal (0% [0% to 66.7%]), patient and family education (0% [0% to 100%]), and administration of intraventricular medication (0% [0% to 100%]). In summary, the published literature related to EVD insertion and maintenance, and reported EVD hospital practices and policies, primarily focus on reducing EVD-associated infections. Still, overall adherence of hospital EVD policies to guideline recommendations is modest. To promote a culture of EVD safety, clinicians should focus on reducing all EVD-associated adverse events.

Evaluation of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters in Prevention of Shunt Infections: A Systematic Review

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts remain among the most failure-prone life-sustaining medical devices implanted in modern medical practice, with failure rates of 30–40% at 1 year and approximately 50% at 2 years in pediatric patients. Aim of the Work: To study the effectiveness of antimicrobial impregnated catheters in preventing shunt and EVD infections and the impact of antibiotic impregnated catheters on mortality, and prevention colonization. Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Catheter implantation was classified as either shunting (mainly ventriculoperitoneal shunting) or ventricular drainage (mainly external [EVD]). Studies evaluating antibioticimpregnated catheters (AICs), silver-coated catheters (SCCs), and hydrogel-coated catheters (HCCs) were included. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed. Results: Thirty-six studies (7 randomized and 29 nonrandomized, 16,796 procedures) were included. The majority of data derive from studies on the effectiveness of AICs, followed by studies on the effectiveness of SCCs. Statistical heterogeneity was observed in several analyses. Antimicrobial shunt catheters (AICs, SCCs) were associated with lower risk for CSF catheter-associated infections than conventional catheters (CCs) (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.35-0.56). Fewer infections developed in the patients treated with antimicrobial catheters regardless of randomization, number of participating centers, funding, shunting or ventricular drainage, definition of infections, de novo implantation, and rate of infections in the study. There was no difference regarding gram-positive bacteria, all staphylococci, coagulase-negative streptococci, and Staphylococcus aureus, when analyzed separately. On the contrary, the risk for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA, RR 2.64, 95% CI 1.26-5.51), nonstaphylococcal (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.52), and gram-negative bacterial (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.33-3.43) infections increased with antimicrobial shunt catheters. Conclusion: The use of antimicrobial shunt catheters reduces the risk for CSF infections in patients with hydrocephalus. Several subgroup analyses showed that factors related to study design, type of catheter, duration of catheter placement, and whether the procedure is a de novo implantation or a revision may affect this risk. Publication bias in the region of small negative trials was also observed.

Peripherally inserted central catheter–associated bloodstream infection: Risk factors and the role of antibiotic-impregnated catheters for prevention

Antimicrobial-impregnated (AIP) peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may lower risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) compared with nonantimicrobial-impregnated (NAIP) catheters. We sought to assess risk factors for CLABSI with a focus on the effect of AIP PICCs. CLABSI rate was determined among patients who received PICCs from July 2009 through June 2012 using a retrospective study design. A nested case-control study matched for operators (interventional radiology [IR], infectious diseases [IDs], and the nurse venous access team [VAT]) was conducted to assess risks for PICC CLABSI. Eighty-nine PICC CLABSIs (1.66%) occurred among 5,372 PICC placements a mean of 32 days after placement. Higher infection risk (1.75) was observed for IR-placed PICCs compared with ID-placed PICCs (P = .02). In addition, higher infection risk (4.22) was observed for IR-placed PICCS compared with VAT-placed PICCs (P = .0008). IR-placed NAIP catheters, as indicated by multivariate analysis, revealed a 5.45-fold greater CLABSI risk compared with AIP catheters (P < .0005). Other risk factors included chemotherapy, placement of a tunneled catheter, leukemia, and AIDS. PICC CLABSIs were highest among patients receiving NAIP catheters in this large study. Highest risk occurred with placement of a tunneled catheter, AIDS, leukemia, and if the indication for PICC was chemotherapy. Our study suggests that the AIP PICC should be considered in all patients receiving PICCs.

Using New Technology to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infection in Pediatric Patients

Healthcare-associated infections have a great impact in patients’ morbidity and mortality, as well as increasing the length of stay in the hospital and treatment costs. Progresses in the study of epidemiologic health care and researches in its implementation have led to a better comprehension of the effective strategies to prevent the foresaid infections. The objective of this study is to present and discuss the technological innovations in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. The following data bases were accessed: PUBMED, EMBASE, Scielo, Scopus, and Cochrane, using the key words: healthcare-associated infections, prevention, innovations, innovative, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). The evidence degree from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care was used. For every item, the recommendation degree from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA/IDSA) was used. Telemedicine, computerized training, realistic training, hand hygiene monitoring technology, chlorhexidine bathing, chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings, antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, high-flow nasal cannula, subglottic aspiration cannula, and silver-coated endotracheal tubes are examples of the new technologies discussed in the article. However, they do not replace cultural measures, such as the healthcare team’s education, the establishment and compliance to protocols, and multidisciplinary visits where the need for devices and mechanical ventilation is questioned.

Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Central venous catheters are commonly used in critically ill patients. Such catheterization may entail mechanical and infectious complications. The interest in catheter-related infection lies in the morbidity, mortality and costs that it involved. Numerous contributions have been made in the prevention of catheter-related infection and the current review focuses on the possible current role of antimicrobial impregnated catheters to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). There is evidence that the use of chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (CHSS), rifampicin-minocycline, or rifampicin-miconazol impregnated catheters reduce the incidence of CRBSI and costs. In addition, there are some clinical circumstances associated with higher risk of CRBSI, such as the venous catheter access and the presence of tracheostomy. Current guidelines for the prevention of CRBSI recommended the use of a CHSS or rifampicin-minocycline impregnated catheter in patients whose catheter is expected to remain in place > 5 d and if the CRBSI rate has not decreased after implementation of a comprehensive strategy to reduce it.

The Role of Antimicrobial-Impregnated Catheters on Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention

Context: The catheterization of a central venous catheter (CVC) may be needed due to different motives. However, that central venous catheterization has different risks such as infection, which leads to morbidity, mortality and assistant costs. Different measures to prevent catheter-related infection have been proposed. Evidence Acquisition: Electronic medical data bases (including PubMed and Scopus) from first of January 1975 to 30th of July 2015 were searched. The key words used for the relevant articles search were catheter, venous, prevention, impregnated, bloodstream, chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine, rifampicin-minocycline, and rifampicin-miconazole. This review focuses on the evidence on the efficacy and efficiency of antimicrobial impregnated catheters for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). Results: The use of catheters impregnated in different antimicrobial agents has been found to be an effective and efficient measure for the prevention of CRBSI. Most antimicrobial agents used for such impregnation have been chlorhexidine silver sulfadiazine (CHSS), rifampicin-minocycline, and rifampicin-miconazole. The use of a CHSS or rifampicin-minocycline impregnated catheter in patients has been recommended by the current guidelines for the prevention of CRBSI when CVC is expected to remain in place for > 5 days and if the CRBSI rate has not decreased after implementation of a comprehensive strategy. Conclusions: Based on the current knowledge, it can be assumed that the use of antimicrobial impregnated catheters could be considered in some clinical circumstances associated with higher risk of CRBSI, such as patients with a CVC in the internal jugular venous site with the presence of tracheostomy or in the femoral venous site.

PP02.7 – 2580: Influence of antimicrobial-impregnated external ventricular catheters on infection rates of preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus – a retrospective, descriptive analysis

Objective The objective of our retrospective study was to evaluate whether the use of antimicrobial impregnated EVDs could decrease the risk of ventricular infection. Methods We included all preterm infants who had developed PHH and were born below the 32nd gestational week and were treated with EVDs between 2001 and 2011. Following variables were evaluated: birth weight, week of gestation, grade of the intraventricular haemorrhage, quantity of catheter revision, quantity of definite ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shuntings, rate of ventriculitis, which was diagnosed only if the liquor showed positive culture results and rate of mortality. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20.0 using Mann-Whitney U-test and χ 2 -test. Results 26 patients were treated with EVDs before 2007 (without antimicrobial impregnation, = Group A), 21 patients were treated after 2007 (with EVDs with antimicrobial impregnation, = Group B). Group A: mean gestational weight: 1036 g (±474.209), mean gestational week: 26.7 (±1.80), 2 patients suffered from IVH II° (7.7%), 16 patients from IVH III° (61.5%) and 8 patients from IVH IV° (30.8%), Mortality rate: 57.7%. Group B: mean gestational weight: 1115 g (±494.902), mean gestational week: 27.3 (±2.32), 1 patient suffered from IVH II° (4.8%), 10 patients from IVH III° (47.6%) and 10 patients from IVH IV° (47.6%), Mortality rate: 33.3%. No infection Infection Total Significance EVD without antimicrobial impregnation 21 5 (19.2%) 26 EVD with antimicrobial impregnation 20 1 (4.8%) 21 p=0.150 Total 41 6 47. Conclusion After implementation of antimicrobial impregnated ventricular catheters, there has been a marked decrease of secondary ventriculitis of EVDs from 19.2% to 4.8%.

An update on prevention and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most important nosocomial infections. This review summarizes the latest advances in the field of catheter care and the management of catheter-associated UTIs. The most efficient methods to prevent catheter-associated UTIs are to avoid unnecessary catheterizations and to remove catheters as soon as possible. The use of different reminder systems and implementation of infection control programs can effectively decrease catheter-associated UTIs, although their introduction can be challenging. There is still no evidence to support the routine use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, but the use of hydrophilic-coated catheters for clean intermittent catheterization can effectively reduce infections. Preliminary results with chlorhexidine-coated catheters are promising. In cases of serious catheter-associated UTI in patients with a history of previous antibiotic therapy or healthcare-associated bacteraemia, empirical antibiotic treatment should be initiated with activity against multiresistant uropathogens. Suprapubic catheterization is not superior to urethral catheters in terms of reducing the rate of catheter-related bacteriuria. A technology to prevent catheter-associated UTIs is still not available; however, there are promising results with new approaches such as the use of reminder systems and infection control programs, which can effectively decrease the rate of catheter-associated UTIs. There is evidence supporting the use of hydrophilic coated catheters for clean intermittent catheterization, but an optimal catheter material or coating still has to be developed. Evidence-based catheter management is crucial for every patient in need of a catheter.

Clinical review: Efficacy of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in external ventricular drainage - a systematic review and meta-analysis

To assess the efficacy of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in preventing catheter-related infections during external ventricular drainage (EVD), we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review. We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized prospective studies (NPSs) related to antimicrobial-impregnated EVD catheters were included. The primary outcome was the rate of cerebrospinal fluid infection (CFI). The secondary outcomes included the rate of time-dependent CFI and catheter bacterial colonization. We further performed subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis, and microbial spectrum analysis. Four RCTs and four NPSs were included. The overall rate of CFIs was 3.6% in the antimicrobial-impregnated catheter group and 13.7% in the standard catheter group. The pooled data demonstrated that antimicrobial-impregnated catheters were superior to standard catheters in lowering the rate of CFIs (odds ratio (OR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12 to 0.52, P <0.05). In survival analysis, the 20-day infection rate was significantly reduced with the use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters (hazard ratio = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.95, P <0.05). Furthermore, a significantly decreased rate of catheter bacterial colonization was noticed for antimicrobial-impregnated catheters (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.64, P <0.05). In subgroup analyses, although significant results remained for RCTs and NPSs, a subgroup difference was revealed (P <0.05). Compared with standard catheters, a significantly lower rate of CFIs was noticed for clindamycin/rifampin-impregnated catheters (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.73, P <0.05) and for minocycline/rifampin-impregnated catheters (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.21, P <0.05). However, no statistical significance was found when compared with silver-impregnated catheters (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.69, P = 0.18). In microbial spectrum analysis, antimicrobial-impregnated catheters were shown to have a lower rate of Gram-positive bacterial infection, particularly the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobial-impregnated EVD catheters could be beneficial for the prevention of CFI and catheter bacterial colonization. Although antibiotic-coated catheters seem to be effective, no sufficient evidence supports the efficacy of silver-impregnated catheters.

Antimicrobial catheters for reduction of symptomatic urinary tract infection in adults requiring short-term catheterisation in hospital: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a major preventable cause of harm for patients in hospital. We aimed to establish whether short-term routine use of antimicrobial catheters reduced risk of CAUTI compared with standard polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) catheterisation. In our parallel, three group, multicentre, randomised controlled superiority trial, we enrolled adults (aged ≥16 years) requiring short-term (≤14 days) catheterisation at 24 hospitals in the UK. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1:1 with a remote computer allocation to receive a silver alloy-coated catheter, a nitrofural-impregnated catheter, or a PTFE-coated catheter (control group). Patients undergoing unplanned catheterisation were also included and consent for participation was obtained retrospectively. Participants and trial staff were unmasked to treatment assignment. Data were collected by trial staff and by patient-reported questionnaires for 6 weeks after randomisation. The primary outcome was incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infection for which an antibiotic was prescribed by 6 weeks. We postulated that a 3·3% absolute reduction in CAUTI would represent sufficient benefit to recommend routine use of antimicrobial catheters. This study is registered, number ISRCTN75198618. 708 (10%) of 7102 randomly allocated participants were not catheterised, did not confirm consent, or withdrew, and were not included in the primary analyses. Compared with 271 (12·6%) of 2144 participants in the control group, 263 (12·5%) of 2097 participants allocated a silver alloy catheter had the primary outcome (difference -0·1% [95% CI -2·4 to 2·2]), as did 228 (10·6%) of 2153 participants allocated a nitrofural catheter (-2·1% [-4·2 to 0·1]). Rates of catheter-related discomfort were higher in the nitrofural group than they were in the other groups. Silver alloy-coated catheters were not effective for reduction of incidence of symptomatic CAUTI. The reduction we noted in CAUTI associated with nitrofural-impregnated catheters was less than that regarded as clinically important. Routine use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters is not supported by this trial. UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Rifampicin–miconazole-impregnated catheters save cost in jugular venous sites with tracheostomy

Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters are more expensive than standard catheters (S-C). A higher incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) has been found in jugular venous access with tracheostomy than without tracheostomy. The objective of this study was to determine central venous catheter (CVC)-related costs (considering only the cost of the CVC, diagnosis of CRBSI, and antimicrobial agents used to treat CRBSI) using rifampicin-miconazole-impregnated catheters (RM-C) or S-C in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with tracheostomy who received one or more jugular venous catheters. RM-C showed a lower incidence of CRBSI compared with S-C (0 vs. 20.16 CRBSI episodes/1,000 catheter-days; odds ratio=0.05; 95% confidence interval=0.001-0.32; p<0.001) and lower CVC-related costs (including the cost of the CVC, diagnosis, and treatment of CRBSI) (<euro>11.46 ± 6.25 vs. <euro>38.11 ± 77.25; p<0.001) in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. The use of RM-C could reduce CVC-related costs in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. The results of our study may contribute to clinical decision-making and selection of those patients who could benefit from the use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters.

Recognition and prevention of nosocomial vascular device and related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit

Central venous catheters have become a mainstay in the care of critically ill patients but, unfortunately, are associated with a significant risk of bloodstream infections. There are 80,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections that occur annually in the United States, with a high human and financial cost. This paper reviews the main tools for prevention and diagnosis of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit. We discuss specific aspects of prevention, including education, hand hygiene, sterile technique, skin cleansing, choice of catheter site, antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, catheter site dressings, antibiotic lock solutions, anticoagulation, catheter changes, and needleless connection devices. An analysis of studies evaluating the use of catheter "bundles" is also included. Diagnostic methods discussed include how to obtain blood cultures, when to culture catheter tips, how to interpret culture results, and the best methods for diagnosis.

Nephrology literature watch

Nephrology literature watch

Prevention of access-related infection in dialysis

Access-related infections (ARIs), such as exit-site infections, tunnel infections, bacteremia, fungemia and peritonitis, are the Achilles’ heel of dialysis, and contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality and excess healthcare costs in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patient populations. Despite international guidelines recommending the avoidance of catheters for hemodialysis access, hospital admissions for vascular ARIs have doubled in the last decade. Moreover, repeated use of antibiotics to treat ARIs has been associated with the selection of multiresistant organisms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. ARIs result from direct inoculation of skin organisms during access cannulation/connection, migration of skin organisms along dialysis catheters into the bloodstream or peritoneal cavity, or contamination and colonization of catheter lumens with subsequent biofilm formation. This paper will review the epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention of ARIs. It will focus specifically on randomized, controlled trial evidence in relation to the safety and efficacy of aseptic techniques, nasal eradication of S. aureus, oral antimicrobial prophylaxis, topical antimicrobial prophylaxis (including disinfectants, antibiotics and antibacterial honey), antimicrobial catheter lock solutions (including gentamicin, citrate and ethanol), antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, catheter design (straight vs coiled, single vs double cuff), peritoneal dialysis catheter connectology, catheter insertion technique, germicidal devices, vaccines and preinsertion antibiotic prophylaxis.

Systematic review of antimicrobials for the prevention of haemodialysis catheter-related infections

Almost 30% of chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients are dependent on central venous catheters (CVCs) for their vascular access, and catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) is the major reason for catheter loss and has been associated with substantial morbidity, including meta-static infections. This systematic review evaluates the benefits and harms of antimicrobial interventions for the prevention of catheter-related infections (CRIs). MEDLINE (1950-May 2009), EMBASE (1980-May 2009) CENTRAL (up to May 2009) and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched for relevant RCTs. Analysis was by a random effects model and results expressed as rate ratio, relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 29 trials with 2886 patients and 3005 catheters were included. Antimicrobial catheter locks (AMLs) significantly reduced the rates of CRBs (rate ratio, 0.33, 95% CI 0.24-0.45) and exit-site infections (ESIs) (rate ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.96). Exit-site antimicrobial application also significantly reduced the rates of CRBs (rate ratio 0.21, 95% CI 0.12-0.36) and ESIs (rate ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.10-0.47). Antimicrobial coating of HD catheters and the use of peri-operative antimicrobials did not result in significant reduction in rates of CRBs and ESIs. The use of AMLs and exit-site antimicrobials are useful measures in the reduction of CRIs, whereas antimicrobial impregnated catheters and peri-operative systemic antimicrobial administration have not been found to be beneficial. Further head-to-head trials of various AMLs and exit-site antimicrobials are needed to know about their comparative clinical efficacy.

External ventricular drains in pediatric patients*

To determine the indications and complications of external ventricular drain (EVD) placement in pediatric patients. Retrospective chart review. University associated, tertiary-level Children's Hospital. Sixty-six [median age, 10.1 years (interquartile range, 5.9)] patients between 1994 and 2006 with 96 EVDs. Clinical indications for EVD insertion include traumatic brain injury (TBI; 36%), acute hydrocephalus (35%), and ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure (29%). Of the 96 EVDs, 65% were inserted at the bedside in the pediatric critical care unit (PCCU) and 33% in the operating room (OR). Median duration of EVD insertion was 7.0 days (interquartile range, 8.8). Complications occurred with 26% of EVD insertions and included infection (9.4%), misplacement (6.3%), hemorrhage (4.2%), obstruction (3.1%), and malfunction (3.1%). The primary infectious etiology was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (67% of infections). Despite patients with TBI having significantly smaller lateral ventricles than hydrocephalus patients (p < 0.05), EVD complications were similar (risk ratios 1.41; 95% confidence interval 0.68-2.72). Furthermore, the complication rate was the same for EVDs inserted in either the PCCU or OR (risk ratios 1.10; 95% confidence interval 0.55-2.29). EVDs were placed for TBI, ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure and new-onset hydrocephalus. The overall complication rate was 26%. Complication rates were similar in TBI and hydrocephalus patients, and with EVDs inserted in either the PCCU or OR. Prophylactic antibiotics or antimicrobial-impregnated catheters directed against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus may reduce EVD infections.