Catheter Care Protocol Research Articles

Non-Adherence to Peripheral Venous Catheter Care Protocols Significantly Decreases Patient Safety and Impacts Costs: A Retrospective Observational Study.

In the healthcare field, the effective implementation of clinical protocols is crucial to ensuring patient safety and well-being. In this context, this study evaluates nurses' adherence to the maintenance and replacement protocol of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in a university hospital in Spain, examining the impact of compliance with the protocol on the loss of PVCs and on patient safety in addition to analyzing the related costs. A retrospective observational study was conducted with 590 patients who were admitted in 2018 and 2019. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, was used to see the association between the study variables; with the dependent variable being the loss of PVCs (including, as a dependent variable, the loss of PVCs before 48 h). The patients' electronic and physical medical records were reviewed to analyze nursing interventions related to the management of PVCs. A total of 24% of patients experienced PVC loss within the first 24 h after insertion. Failure to comply with the protocol resulted in 80% more catheter loss and increased the cost of cannulation by 46.84%. Low compliance with PVC care protocols significantly increases the risk of catheter loss, suggesting the need for increased training and strict protocol implementation. The findings emphasize the critical role of nursing in ensuring patient safety through adherence to evidence-based protocols. Continuing education and diligent protocol implementation are essential to reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

Meticulous catheter care and aseptic approach reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections significantly in hemodialysis patients: A 5-year single center study.

The use of central venous catheters as hemodialysis vascular access is a major contributor to high bloodstream infection rate. In our dialysis unit in Shenzhen Guangdong Province China, we have developed and used our own dialysis catheter care protocol since May 2013 with good results. In this study, we would like to share our experience with the other units. We have undertaken a 5-year retrospective analysis to determine our tunneled dialysis catheter-related blood stream infection rate by adding the number of infections divided by total number of catheter days × 1000. The results were compared with another study carried out in Henan Province China. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using t-test and χ2 test respectively. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 216 tunneled dialysis catheters were managed by following our own dialysis access pathway and catheter care protocol. The tunneled dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection rate was 0.0229 per 1000 catheter days in the 5-year period. Comparing with other published studies in China, our unit has achieved a very low rate of tunneled dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection which has been sustained over time. This paper explores how our protocol and implementation might have contributed to the results.

CLINICO-MICROBIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF HEMODIALYSIS CATHETER-RELATED BLOOD STREAM INFECTIONS: A CONCISE REVIEW

The disease burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide, and with the growing population of patients requiring hemodialysis, more patients are placed on central venous catheters (CVCs). Vascular access infections significantly cause hospitalization and mortality among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. As per the data from the United States, Gram-positive organisms account for almost 56% of the total cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), in stark contrast to Indian studies showing a dominance of Gram-negative organisms. The prolonged use of non-tunnelled catheters, poor hygiene, lack of catheter care protocols, and the tropical climate pose unique challenges to control CRBSIs in resource-poor countries. The most effective strategy to prevent CRBSI is to minimize the duration of dialysis catheters. Other strategies include the introduction of strict catheter care protocols, using tunnelled cuffed catheters, anti-microbial lock solutions, and topical antimicrobials. Eradicating nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus also reduced the incidence of CRBSIs.Treatment of suspected CRBSI should be promptly initiated with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Catheter removal is indicated only if the patient is clinically unstable, has metastatic infections, and those who do not respond to antibiotic therapy.

#3349 METICULOUS CATHETER CARE CAN REDUCE CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS SIGNIFICANTLY IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS – A 5-YEAR SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims The use of central venous catheters as hemodialysis (HD) vascular access is a leading contributor to a high rate of bloodstream infection. Our dialysis unit in China has followed the China National Infection Control Policy for HD unit as well as developed its own specific dialysis catheter care protocol using the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as a template. By doing so, our HD unit has achieved a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC)- related bloodstream infection rate of 0.0229 per 1000 catheter days in the past 5 years. This report, aims to share our experience with the other units. Method We have undertaken a retrospective analysis to determine our catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate. The local Ethics and Research Committee has approved the conduct of the retrospective study. In this study, the definition of a CRBSI is taken from Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Vascular Access-2019 update as 1) clinical manifestations (fever > 37.5°C or rigors or presence of clinical signs of infection); 2) confirmation of bacteremia (blood cultures growing the same organism from the dialysis catheter and a peripheral vein), with either positive semiquantitative (>15CFU/catheter segment), or quantitative (>102 CFU/catheter segment), differential period of catheter culture versus peripheral blood culture (BC) positivity of 2 hours; 3) exclusion of another source of infection. Information including patient demographics, causes of kidney failure, and duration of TDC was obtained. Results The Covidien Palindrome chronic catheters have been used in the majority of our patients during the study period. All tunneled dialysis catheters were placed by the nephrologists under radiological guidance in the Hospital's sterile Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Suite. In the study period (2017-2021), an average of 235 prevalent patients were receiving dialysis in the HD unit. A total of 212 tunneled dialysis catheters have been inserted and managed according to our local dialysis access pathway and catheter care protocol. The TDC days have been calculated by adding all the catheter days until the catheters have been removed or the patients have been transferred out of our HD unit. There was a total of 43,585 catheter days. The average waiting time for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery was two weeks. The mean duration of TDC use was 107.8±14.8 days, range 1-1827 days. The incidence of confirmed tunneled CRBSI was 0.0229/ 1000 catheter days. Conclusion Our local catheter care protocol is similar to the CDC's “scrub-the-hub” protocol. 2% chlorhexidine with 70% alcohol has been used for the scrubbing and disinfection but we have a few additional steps. In our practice, great attention is given to the cleansing of the clamps. 1) Prior to removal of the caps, the clamps are opened and the surroundings are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. 2) Two nurses are assigned to connect the bloodlines to the hubs, hence the risk of hub contamination is reduced. 3) The point of connection between the hubs and the bloodlines is protected with a gauze dressing in 3 layers during the entire duration of the dialysis. We believe our success with a very low rate of CRBSI has been the result of strict adherence to 1) good and general hygiene, 2) a well-designed dialysis catheter care protocol, 3) good use of a vascular access nurse, 4) short-duration of TDC days, and 5) short waiting time for AVF. Limitations: We may have underestimated the true rate of CRBSI because of the inherent nature of the diagnostic criteria as mentioned above. Although it is unlikely that a blood culture would have been missed before intravenous antibiotics under our hospital's stringent antibiotics stewardship and continuous audit, it is still possible in theory. Finally, a small number of patients has been transferred out to other HD units due to their change of residence, hence the follow up data might be incomplete. However, such patients are very few in number and the long follow up of this study strengthens our findings and conclusion.

SG-APSIC1180: Successful reduction in the number of hospital-acquired dialysis- catheter–related bloodstream infections: Quality improvement initiative

Objectives: Patients undergoing hemodialysis using a catheter are at significant risk of developing central venous catheter–related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), especially with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. In our 1,000-bed regional hospital, the average CRBSI (any bacteria) rate in patients dialyzing via dialysis catheters was 1.44 per 1,000 catheter days, and the average CRBSI (MRSA) rate was 0.56 per 1,000 catheter days. A quality improvement project was initiated to reduce the overall dialysis CRBSI and CRBSI-MRSA by 50%. Methods: Following the formation of a multidisciplinary team, the catheter-insertion protocols and catheter-care protocols were standardized throughout the hospital. We adopted a well-established scientific quality improvement method, plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycle model for all interventions that were implemented. The patients and general ward nursing staff were provided education and training in dialysis catheter care. Results: The project was initiated in January 2016, and the initial improvement was seen from July 2017 onward. Analysis of the data since 2016 showed a steady improvement in the overall CRBSI rates, as well as CRBSI-MRSA rates. The average CRBSI rate improved to 0.76 per 1,000 catheter days, and the average CRBSI-MRSA rates improved to 0.15 per 100 catheter days in the calendar year 2021. Conclusions: Because the causes of these infections are multifactorial, emphasis should be placed on improving care processes from the patient preparation phase prior to catheter insertion to regular catheter care in the inpatient wards and dialysis units. We attribute the success of our project to involving all stakeholders and obtaining constant feedback from the staff. We successfully applied PDSA cycles to make relevant incremental changes.

Monitoring long-term parenteral nutrition.

This review discusses the monitoring aimed at achieving good long-term outcomes in people dependent on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). There have been recent studies highlighting the importance of treating low bone mineral density in HPN-dependent patients, methods of screening for liver disease, assessment of quality of life (QoL) and the need for early assessment for intestinal transplantation and growth factor therapy. High-quality HPN services require expert multidisciplinary teams with a focus on strict aseptic catheter care protocols alongside regular monitoring and management of clinical, laboratory and patient-related factors. Areas that should be considered in the routine monitoring of HPN include regular laboratory measurements, QoL, assessment for intestinal failure-associated liver disease, treatment of metabolic bone disease and consideration of evolving treatments, alongside management of any underlying condition leading to intestinal failure.

CARE PROTOCOL WITH TOTALY IMPLANTED VENOUS CATHETER: A COLLECTIVE CONSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT Objective: to collectively construct a fully implanted central venous catheter care protocol with nurses from a highly complex oncology center. Method: a convergent care research, conducted at a hospital qualified as a highly complex oncology care unit in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from September 2017 to January 2018. The construction of the protocol was guided by Evidence Based Practice. Initially, data was collected from client records. After that, five workshops were held with the nurses, aiming to verify the material and human resources available, besides the viable care to compose the protocol. The analysis involved processes of apprehension, synthesis, theorization and transference. Results: most of the 219 medical records evaluated from clients with fully implanted venous catheters were female (77.1%), with a mean age 49.6 years old, breast cancer, and average catheter stay of 502 days. The nurses participating in the research were female, with a mean age 30.2 years old, time since graduation of 5.2 years and experience in oncology of 4.8 years on average. During the workshops, the participants reflected on the daily routine of the service, with a theoretical and scientific basis, which allowed, considering the professionals' opinion, to verify the care evidences and the practicability of the practices in the study scenario for the construction of a protocol. Care emerged related to puncture, manipulation, salinization and catheter clearance. Conclusion: the protocol construction process involved the participation of all oncology nurses, and all the mentioned care has scientific evidence for its use.

Aplicación de los protocolos por parte de enfermería: la mejor barrera contra las infecciones de los catéteres de hemodiálisis

Introducción: La utilización de catéteres venosos tunelizados para hemodiálisis, se ha ido incrementando en los últimos años, aunque su uso, no está exento de complicaciones, sobre todo infecciosas, que aumentan la morbi-mortalidad. Objetivos: Conocer el índice de bacteriemia de nuestra unidad y las complicaciones relacionadas con las mismas. Material y Método: Se estudió el índice de bacteriemia relacionada con el catéter (número infecciones/número total días-catéterx1000 días catéter) en 30 pacientes portadores de catéteres tunelizados tras una revisión del protocolo del cuidado del catéter. En la segunda mitad del estudio se introdujeron unos nuevos tapones (bioconectores) durante estudio, aunque no era objeto de este estudio la comparación entre los 2 periodos. También se recogieron las complicaciones derivadas de las bacteriemias y el coste económico del tratamiento de dichas bacteriemias. Resultados: Se obtuvo un índice de bacteriemia de 0,30/1000 días-catéter. No se registraron complicaciones derivadas de la bacteriemia. El coste e económico fue de 126 euros/infección, sin recambio de catéter. Conclusión: A la vista de estos resultado podemos concluir que la tasa de BRC de nuestra unidad es baja, y que en ello, confluyen varios factores: la utilización estricta de un protocolo de manipulación de los catéteres tunelizados, el conocimiento y seguimiento generalizado de todo el personal de enfermería, en el que destacaríamos realizar cualquier manipulación con 2 profesionales; y sobre todo, la concienciación de todo el grupo, de que la primera prevención de las infecciones relacionadas con los catéteres de HD, son las medidas de barrera.

Reducing tunneled catheter-related infection in hemodialysis patients with nationwide standardization of catheter care protocol.

Reducing tunneled catheter-related infection in hemodialysis patients with nationwide standardization of catheter care protocol.

Incidence of and factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients with advanced solid tumors on home parenteral nutrition managed using a standardized catheter care protocol

BackgroundCatheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as increased medical costs. Cancer patients, who are often immunocompromised, are susceptible to CRBSI while receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We evaluated the incidence of and factors associated with CRBSIs in cancer patients undergoing HPN managed using a standardized catheter care protocol.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 335 cancer patients receiving HPN between January 2012 and July 2015. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of CRBSI expressed as events per 1000 HPN days. HPN days were calculated from the start date with the home infusion provider until the discontinuation of HPN, or the removal of the venous access device (VAD), or the death of the patient. The VADs used were either peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or a subcutaneous implanted port or tunneled central catheters (TCCs). Univariate Poisson regression analyses were used to determine the variables associated with CRBSIs.ResultsOf 335 patients, 193 were females and 142 were males. The most common cancer types were colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian and stomach. A total of 408 VADs in 335 patients were studied, covering a total of 29,403 HPN days. Of 408 VADs, 206 (50.5%) were ports, 191 (46.8%) were PICCs, and 7 (2.7%) were TCCs. The median duration of HPN was 54 days. A total of 16 CRBSI episodes were recorded (8 in ports, 7 in PICCs and 1 in TCCs). The median duration from the start of HPN to the development of CRBSI episodes was 43.5 days. The overall incidence of CRBSI per 1000 HPN days was 0.54 (95% confidence interval: 0.32–0.86). Upon univariate analysis, no variables were found to be statistically significantly associated with CRBSI incidence.ConclusionsWe found a low rate of CRBSI following a standardized catheter maintenance protocol in a high-risk oncology population undergoing HPN.

Catheter‐related Infection and Septicemia: Impact of Seasonality and Modifiable Practices from the DOPPS

Hemodialysis (HD) catheter-related infection (CRI) and septicemia contribute to adverse outcomes. The impact of seasonality and prophylactic dialysis practices during high-risk periods remain unexplored. This multicenter study analyzed DOPPS data from 12,122 HD patients (from 442 facilities) to determine the association between seasonally related climatic variables and CRI and septicemia. Climatic variables were determined by linkage to National Climatic Data Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Catheter care protocols were examined to determine if they could mitigate infection risk during high-risk seasons. Survival models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of septicemia by season and by facility catheter dressing protocol. The overall catheter-related septicemia rate was 0.47 per 1000 catheter days. It varied by season, with an AHR for summer of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.19-1.80) compared with winter. Septicemia was associated with temperature (AHR=1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13; p<0.001). Dressing protocols using chlorhexidine (AHR of septicemia=0.55; 95% CI: 0.39-0.78) were associated with fewest episodes of CRI or septicemia. Higher catheter-related septicemia in summer may be due to seasonal conditions (e.g., heat, perspiration) that facilitate bacterial growth and compromise protective measures. Extra vigilance and use of chlorhexidine-based dressing protocols may provide prophylaxis against CRI and septicemia.

Recurrent life-threatening sepsis in intestinal failure: transplantation or foster care?

Parenteral nutrition has transformed the outlook for patients with intestinal failure, but is associated with serious long-term complications, including catheter-related blood stream infection, liver disease and loss of venous access....

A Brief Recap of Tips and Surgical Manoeuvres to Enhance Optimal Outcome of Surgically Placed Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters

Background. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective option of renal replacement therapy for ESRF, offering advantages over haemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) placement is thought to be the key to successful PD and the economic advantages are lost if a patient switches to HD in the 1st year. This paper is a brief document elaborating a recap of published literature, looking at various surgical tips and manoeuvres to enhance optimal outcome of PDC placement. Methods. A search strategy assessing for access team, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, type of catheter, catheter exit site, intraoperative catheter trial, optimal time to commence PD, hernia repairs, number of cuffs, catheter-embedding procedures, rectus sheath tunnelling, laparoscopic fixing, omentopexy, omentectomy, the “Y”-Tec system, resection of epiploic appendages, adhesiolysis, a trained surgeon, and perioperative catheter care protocol was used looking at various databases. Findings. The complications of catheterrelated dysfunction can be reduced with advanced planning of access placement, immaculate surgery, and attention to catheter insertion techniques. Conclusion. The success of a peritoneal dialysis programme depends upon functional and durable long term access to the peritoneal cavity; this depends on placement techniques and competent surgeons and psychosocial support to the patient. The various technical tips and manoeuvres elaborated here should be considered options carried out to improve outcome and reduce catheter dysfunction.

Efforts to Use the Direct Observation Model to Ensure Compliance with Urinary Catheter Care Protocols

Catheter associated urinary catheter infections (CAUTIs) remain a target by national organizations as preventable healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals. We previously reported our attempt to evaluate the care and maintenance of indwelling urinary catheters through two day prevalence surveys at our 3 division, 1,491 bed teaching hospital, following an increase in CAUTI rates. Five of 8 indicators of care had compliance rates above 90%. The remaining 3 indicators of care did not achieve the target goal of 80% or higher compliance.

Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients on hemodialysis

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used as vascular access for patients who require hemodialysis, but infectious complications remain a major clinical problem. Specifically, catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) have an adverse effect on survival, hospitalization, mortality, and the overall cost of care in this setting. The growing number of patients who require hemodialysis, combined with an increasing number of patients who cannot use any vascular access other than a CVC, stress the importance of strategies to prevent CRBSI. Various interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of CRBSI are available, but they have not yet been integrated into evidence-based, consensus guidelines. In this Review, the results from several CVC infection prevention studies-of patients from dialysis and nondialysis settings-are combined to outline a rational approach to CRBSI prevention. Prevention of intraluminal contamination of the CVC is pivotal and of proven efficacy, as are strict aseptic CVC insertion and handling protocols, use of chlorhexidine in alcohol solutions for skin cleansing, topical application of antimicrobial ointments, and antimicrobial lock solutions. Adherence to a meticulous catheter care protocol can achieve a CRBSI incidence well below one episode per 1,000 catheter days, even without the need for antimicrobial ointments or lock solutions.

Risk Factors of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection With Percutaneously Inserted Central Venous Catheters in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Center's Experience in Taiwan

Infected percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are a problem in hospitalized patients, especially in the neonatal intensive care unit. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of infection and other PICC-associated complications in very low birth weight infants. Between January 2005 and December 2006, we studied 412 PICCs inserted in 267 neonates with a birth body weight ≤ 1500g. PICC-related bloodstream infections and other complications were recorded and analyzed. These 412 PICCs were inserted for a mean duration of 16.6 ± 9.9 (SD) days. The most common catheter-related complications were catheter-related blood-stream infection (CRBSI; incidence: 8.3 per 1000 catheter days), followed by catheter occlusion (4.0 per 1000 catheter days), catheter site inflammation (3.5 per 1000 catheter days), and phlebitis (3.1 per 1000 catheter days). The most common pathogen of CRBSI was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (40.1%). Significant risk factors of CRBSI included catheters inserted at femoral sites (increased risk of CRBSI compared with nonfemoral catheters: 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.07, p = 0.045) and a longer duration of PICC placement (p < 0.001). A low birth body weight and gestational age were not found to significantly affect the risk of CRBSI. It is important to avoid inserting a PICC at the femoral site. Strict catheter care protocol should also be applied to reduce local site bacterial colonization and removal of PICCs as soon as they are no longer essential for patient care to reduce the incidence of infection.

Hemodialysis Catheters With Citrate Locking in Critically Ill Patients With Acute Kidney Injury Treated With Intermittent Online Hemofiltration or Hemodialysis

The purpose of the study was to compare the long-term catheter-related complications associated with temporary untunneled hemodialysis catheters, locked with citrate in the interdialysis period, inserted in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, between different catheter insertion sites (femoral vs. jugular and subclavian) and catheter types (single-lumen [SL] vs. double-lumen [DL]). In a retrospective clinical study, the long-term catheter-related complications in 290 critically ill patients treated with intermittent high-volume online hemofiltration or hemodialysis between December 2004 and January 2008 were analyzed. Among 534 inserted catheters, 493 (92.3%) were femoral, 29 (5.4%) jugular, and 12 (2.3%) subclavian; 304 (56.9%) were SL and 230 (43.1%) were DL. There were 125 (20.3/1000 catheter days [c.d.]) thrombotic complications, while infectious complications were exceptionally rare, that is, only 13 (2.1/1000 c.d.), of which 10 (1.6/1000 c.d.) were possible catheter-related bloodstream infections and 3 (0.5/1000 c.d.) exit-site infections. The incidence rate of all thrombotic complications was significantly lower in all jugular and subclavian vs. all femoral catheters (7.7/1000 c.d. vs. 21.8/1000 c.d., P = 0.01), and in all SL vs. DL catheters (11.4/1000 c.d. vs. 32.2/1000 c.d., P < 0.001). The incidence rate of any possible catheter-related bloodstream and exit-site infections was not significantly different in all jugular and subclavian vs. all femoral catheters, neither in femoral SL vs. DL catheters. The major long-term catheter-related complications were thrombotic, and significantly more frequent in DL vs. SL catheters. Infectious complications were exceptionally rare, most probably due to the strict catheter care protocol, as well as the routine use of a citrate catheter lock and antibiotic ointment at the catheter exit-site.

Prospective follow-up of a novel design haemodialysis catheter; lower infection rates and improved survival

Untunnelled straight jugular catheters (USC) are uncomfortable for patients and cannot be well fixated. This could be a reason for the high incidence of catheter-related complications. We prospectively analysed the outcome of a novel designed untunnelled precurved catheter (UPC) with better fixation properties and compared it with the outcome of USC. The outcome was also related to data on tunnelled cuffed catheters (TCC). The outcome of USC was documented over a 32-month period. Thereafter, we switched to an UPC. The same catheter care protocol was used and not changed over time. A total of 104 USC and 65 UPC were inserted. Compared to USC, less UPC had to be removed for a complication (53 versus 15%; P < 0.001) and less periods of catheter-related bacteraemia were observed in UPC compared to USC [0 versus 5.6 per 1000 catheter days (cd); P < 0.01]. Removal for flow problems was similar. Compared to 64 TCC, inserted in the same period, UPC had more flow problems. Other outcomes and complication rates were similar. Complication rates for TCC inserted before and after the switch from USC to UPC were similar. UPC have better patency rates and a lower risk for bacteraemia and exit-site infection compared to USC.

Intestinal failure.

The recognition of intestinal failure (IF) as a distinct clinical entity over the past 20 years has primarily come about through the emergence of increasingly successful treatment based on use of intravenous nutrition delivered both in hospital and at home. Intestinal failure has many and varied causes, and may be complete or partial, acute and short lived, or chronic and permanent. If the latter, lifetime dependence on parenteral nutrition will usually be indicated and where possible patients are trained in the techniques of home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The success of HPN is itself primarily dependent on meticulous catheter care protocols. Sufficient numbers of such patients have now been entered into randomized controlled trials for there to be an evidence base for this aspect of IF treatment. The balanced delivery of nutrients, especially when an enteral component is included, can prevent many of the complications, such as liver and bone disease, recorded as being associated with prolonged total parenteral nutrition. However, nutritional balance is difficult to achieve in the presence of total gut resection, multiple intestinal fistulas or persisting sepsis. Surgical approaches involving bowel lengthening and reversed loops are indicated in selected patients. They have limited success and carry with them the risk of further loss of precious residual bowel. Greatest promise is held out by intestinal transplantation, but the problems associated with the powerful immunosuppression required reduce the value of this treatment. Specialized referral units for patients with severe and persistent IF can produce a high percentage of clinically effective and cost-effective outcomes.

Review article: towards safer parenteral nutrition

Central parenteral nutrition can cause serious complications, particularly in association with the feeding catheter, previously in relation to nutrient provision, and occasionally in other organ systems, notably disease of the liver and abnormalities of bone composition. Developments in catheter design, the introduction of catheter care protocols based on an understanding of the common routes of catheter infection, and the identification of factors associated with central vein thrombosis have all reduced dramatically the incidence of complications. Furthermore, problems such as catheter occlusion, catheter infection and central vein thrombosis can now be treated effectively in many patients without the loss of the feeding catheter. This review summarizes the common and important complications of parenteral feeding with emphasis on their practical prevention and management.