Catheter Days Research Articles

Central Venous Access: Conventional Seldinger Versus Ultrasound-Guided Technique to Reduce Associated Complications in A School Hospital

Hypertension and diabetes are the main comorbidities and risk factors for complications related to the placement of central venous accesses,these complications are extremely frequent when performed by the conventional Seldinger technique. Through this study, an attempt was made to establish the frequency and reduction of complications when comparing placement by internal medicine resident using conventional marking techniques of seldinger versus ultrasound guided in emergency service in 76 patients. The results through the chi square test with a p value of 0.05, showed successful placement: Increases the chance of success when using Ultrasound by 57% (RR: 1.57) successful placement rate was achieved with the use of ultrasound of 91.6% versus 52% in patients with conventional technique, the Reduction of risk of arterial complications with the use of ultrasound was 26% (RR: 0.74), the reduction risk of pneumothorax with ultrasound was 86% (RR: 0.14) and reduction of infectious complications with Ultrasound was 86% (RR: 0.14). Time required for placement of the central venous access was significantly shorter with ultrasound when analyzed with U-Mann Whitney with P value: 0.002, There were 6 catheter-associated infections per thousand catheter days in the conventional technique group versus 1 in the Ultrasound group (with an average hospital days associated with infection of 11.2). The main associated comorbidities HBP, DM-2, Cancer and Obesity, with higher prevalence in the ultrasound placement group. Ultrasound considerably reduced the number of mechanical, vascular or infectious complications associated with placement of central venous accesses, becoming a valuable tool for internal medicine resident physicians.

Bacterial and Fungal Superinfections in COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit from Timișoara, Romania.

Critically ill patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) have an increased infection risk. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial and fungal superinfections rate in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients stationed in the ICU, identify risk factors associated with their development and to determine whether superinfection plays a role in patients' outcome in this population. In this retrospective, non-interventional, single centre, cohort study, medical records of 302 consecutive patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia admitted into the COVID-19 ICU of the largest university hospital from Western Romania between October 2020 and May 2021, were reviewed, of whom 236 patients met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and nineteen patients developed a superinfection ≥48 h after being admitted to the hospital. Superinfection rate in the ICU was 50.42%. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) and Enterococcus spp. were predominantly isolated from blood cultures, while Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. from tracheobronchial aspirates. Significant independent risk factors regarding bacterial/fungal superinfection in COVID-19 patients were obtained for the following variables: number of days of central venous catheter (HR = 1.13 [1.07-1.20], p < 0.001) and prior administration of corticosteroids (HR = 2.80 [1.33-5.93], p = 0.007). Four independent predictive risk factors were associated with unfavorable outcome: age (HR = 1.07 [95% CI 1.03-1.12], p = 0.001); Carmeli Score (HR = 6.09 [1.18-31.50], p = 0.031); body mass index (HR = 1.11 [1.02-1.21], p = 0.011) and the presence of a central venous catheter (HR = 6.49 [1.93-21.89], p = 0.003). The superinfection rate in COVID-19 patients was high in this study group. Exogenous risk factors were associated with superinfection more than endogenous factors. Only a small percentage of uninfected COVID-19 patients were not prescribed antibiotics during their hospitalization, raising serious concerns regarding the judicious prescribing of antibiotics in viral infections.

Ultrasound to guided epicutaneo-caval catheter insertion in newborn infants.

Recently, ultrasound (US) has been increasingly used for epicutaneo-caval catheter (ECC) tip positioning; however, the selection of blood vessels for ECC still depends on the operator's subjective judgment. This study aimed to explore the value of US in decision-making regarding the great saphenous vein (GSV), tip navigation, and tip location of ECC. Catheterization through the GSV of the lower extremity was selected. The running condition of the GSV was assessed by using US, and the angle between the GSV and the femoral vein was observed and measured. We selected the GSV with a smaller angle to the femoral vein for ECC catheterization. ECC catheterization under ultrasound guidance increased the success rate at the time of catheterization from 82.5% to 100% (increased by 17.5%) and shortened the catheterization time from 56.1 ± 5.30 min to 31.5 ± 2.58 min on average (shortened by 44%). The incidence rate of catheter-related complications decreased by 58.2% catheter days from 6.80/1,000 to 2.84/1,000. ECC insertion under the guidance of US has numerous advantages, including significantly improving the success rate of one-time catheterization, shortening the time of catheterization, and reducing catheter-related complications.

Prediction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Among Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients: A Decision Tree Analysis

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common device-associated infections in hospitals and can be prevented. To identify the risk factors and develop a risk prediction model for CAUTIs among neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) patients. All patients admitted to the NICU of a tertiary hospital between January 2019 and January 2020 were enrolled. Two decision tree models were applied to analyze the risk factors associated with CAUTIs in NICU patients. The performance of the decision tree model was evaluated. A total of 537 patients admitted to the NICU with indwelling catheters were recruited for this study. The rate of CAUTIs was 4.44 per 1000 catheter days, and Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen causing CAUTIs among indwelling catheter patients. The classification and regression tree model displayed good power of prediction (area under the curve : 0.920). Nine CAUTI risk factors (age ≥60years (P=0.004), Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 (P=0.009), epilepsy at admission (P=0.007), admission to the hospital during the summer (P<0.001), ventilators use (P=0.007), receiving less than 2 types of antibiotics (P<0.001), albumin level <35g/L (P=0.002), female gender (P=0.002), and having an indwelling catheter for 7-14days (P=0.001) were also identified. We developed a novel scoring model for predicting the risk of CAUTIs in patients with neuro-critical illness in daily clinical practice. This model identified several risk factors for CAUTI among NICU patients, novel factors including epilepsy and admission during the summer, can be used to help providers prevent and reduce the risk of CAUTI among vulnerable groups.

CLABSI in Hemodialysis– New Face to an Old Foe; A Look at Current Trends and a Review of Literature

Background: Bloodstream infections are a potentially devastating complication of hemodialysis. This study aimed to elucidate the rates of CLABSI (Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections)in a south Indian dialysis cohort and determine the catheter care and hygiene practices in the dialysis unit which might contribute to CLABSI Methods: A prospective observational study involving in-center dialysis patients with temporary access was conducted from June 2019 to December 2019. The catheter insertion and line handling techniques were monitored using a proforma adapted from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines. Adherence to infection control practices, rates of CLABSI identified using CDC surveillance definitions, and organisms identified were reported. Results and Discussion: The median rate of CLABSI in this dialysis unit was 1.68 per 1000 catheter days. Gram-positive organisms were the majority – 69.2% and 72.27% were drug-resistant pathogens. The adherence to infection control practices in hand sterility, use of barriers, and sterile insertion technique were 100% with respect to existing CDC guidelines. The use of sterile semi-transparent dressings, however, was 98.2%. 65% of all patients had soiled dressings on arrival to the hospital. Line handling protocols were followed in accordance with CDC guidelines in 97.1% of cases Conclusion: CLABSI rates in this institute are in keeping with those around the world. There is a predominance of gram-positive organisms causing CLABSI. Drug-resistant organisms represent an alarming 72.27%of all infections. Soiled dressing and home care of the dialysis catheters represent a neglected aspect of catheter care and should be addressed.

The ABBA project (Assess Better Before Access): A retrospective cohort study of neonatal intravascular device outcomes.

Venous access devices (VADs) play a vital role within the neonatal intensive care unit. However, there are significant risks associated with the use of VADs, with complications such as infection, thrombosis, device occlusion, and infiltration/extravasation frequently contributing to device-related failures and increasing the risk of significant patient harm or injury. This study aimed to explore the relationships between risk factors and different venous access device complications in the neonatal setting, and then use that evidence to develop an algorithm based on observational data. This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study that was conducted in a large 112-bed neonatal intensive care unit in Qatar. We examined venous access device data from January 2016 to December 2018 for all term and preterm neonates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the outcomes, which included a mean and its standard deviation or median and an interquartile range for continuous variables regarding normal distribution, and absolute numbers with percentages for discrete variables. The authors recorded a total of 23,858 VADs inserted during the study period. Of these, 21,313 (89%) were peripheral intravenous catheters, 689 (3%) were extended dwell-peripheral intravenous catheters, 1,335 (6%) were epicutaneo-caval catheters, and 521 (2%) were umbilical venous catheters. In total, 51,179 catheter days were registered, with 2.17 catheter days reported per patient. Peripheral device dwell times were significantly shorter when compared with central venous catheter devices (P < 0.001), with mean dwell times of 22 days ± 23 h and 236 days ± 183 h, respectively. After insertion, a complication occurred in 11,177 (51%) of peripheral VADs and 221 (12%) of central VADs. The type of device inserted [P < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-0.54], reason/indication for intravenous therapy (P < 0.001, HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82-0.87), and the side of insertion of the device (P < 0.001, HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.24-1.27) had a significant relationship with outcomes. Four subgroups of VADs were identified (peripheral intravenous catheters, extended dwell-peripheral intravenous devices, epicutaneo-caval catheters, and umbilical venous catheters) with outcome-related differences. Central venous access devices (epicutaneo-caval catheters and umbilical venous catheters) had lower complications compared with peripheral VADs. Proper venous access device selection, early insertion, and early removal approaches remain crucial to preventing venous access device complications. Peripheral intravenous devices should be used carefully and closely watched for early detection of complications.

Femorally inserted central catheters with exit site at mid-thigh: A low risk alternative for central venous catheterization.

Femorally inserted central catheters are increasingly used, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, also thanks to widespread of tunneling techniques that allow the exit site to be moved away from the groin. In this retrospective observational study, femorally inserted catheters, with exit site at mid-thigh and the tip in Inferior vena cava or in Inferior vena cava at the junction with right atrium, have been observed and complications have been analyzed. All catheters were inserted by trained Nurses of a tertiary hospital Vascular Access Team. In 142 catheters (126 inserted via common femoral vein and 16 inserted via superficial femoral vein) and 3060 catheter days, we observed an infection rate of 1.3 events/1000 catheter days (all of them in oncologic patients and up to 30 days of catheterization), 2 cases of thrombotic events (1.41%) and 17 cases of accidental removal (11.97%). Other rare complications, as primary malposition, tip migration, arterial pseudoaneurysm, have been recorded. The average length of catheters inserted, from the exit site to the tip, was 47.6 ± 2.4 cm. The attention to the correct position of the tip, the exit site at mid-thigh and the new techniques during insertion make these femoral catheters as safe as other central vascular access devices. For this kind of central access device, a catheter at least 50 cm long is needed.

Effect of external urinary collection device implementation on female surgical patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common hospital-acquired infection. Female external urinary collection devices (EUCDs) may be an alternative to indwelling urethral catheters (IUCs), thereby decreasing CAUTIs. However, no study has demonstrated that EUCDs can help reduce CAUTIs in female surgical patients. We sought to compare CAUTI rate and the median number of days an IUC was used before and after availability of this female EUCD for surgical patients. A retrospective analysis of adult female surgical patients admitted to a single academic institution who received an IUC and/or EUCD was performed. Patients who received an IUC three months before (PRE) EUCD availability (08/2017-10/2017) were compared to patients receiving an IUC and/or EUCD 12 months after (POST) (11/2017-11/2018). From 906 surgical patients receiving an IUC/EUCD, 127 received an EUCD in the POST cohort. Compared to the PRE, the POST had a higher rate of CAUTIs (infections per 1000 catheter days, 11.2 vs. 4.6, p=0.017) and overall UTI rate (infections per 1000 catheter days, 5.4 vs. 4.8, p=0.036), whereas IUC days were similar between cohorts (median, two vs. two days, p=0.18). The POST cohort rate of EUCD UTI was 4.6 infections per 1000 device days. While EUCDs appear to be a promising alternative to IUCs for female surgical patients, this study found increased CAUTIs after introduction of an EUCD. Further research is needed to clarify if female EUCDs are effective in decreasing CAUTI prior to widespread adoption.

Characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised inpatients with indwelling urinary catheter-a retrospective study from a large regional hospital in Queensland

Indwelling urinary catheters (IDCs) are a common invasive device in hospitalised patients. Their use is associated with increased risks of developing catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and blood stream infections (BSI). To examine the characteristics and outcomes of adult inpatients with an IDC inserted in hospital and identify risk factors for developing CAUTI and BSI. We performed a retrospective observational study of 430 patients with IDC admitted to medical and surgical units of a leading (tertiary) hospital between Nov 2019 till April 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for developing urinary tract infection and blood stream infection. The prevalence of CAUTI in our study was 7.4%. Results of multiple logistic regression indicated that with each day of IDC in situ, the likelihood of UTI development increased by 9% (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18; p=0.03). Age, gender, and catheter reinsertion were not associated with UTI development. Longer duration of IDC was associated with elevated risk of developing CAUTI. CAUTI rates were higher than some of those previously published. There was no statistical significance in frequency of CAUTI between medical and surgical patients. No statistically significant variables that contributed to the development of BSI were found. Interventions targeted at reducing catheter days should be used to improve CAUTI rates.

Study of pattern and etiological factors of nosocomial infections in critical care unit in a multispecialty, tertiary care hospital in Central India

Background: Nosocomial infection is a key factor determining the clinical outcome, especially among patients admitted in critical care areas. The objective of the study was to ascertain the pattern and risk factors of nosocomial infections in Critical Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This prospective, observational clinical study included patients admitted in intensive care unit over a period of one and a half years. Routine surveillance of various nosocomial infections such as catheter‑associated urinary tract infections, central‑line‑associated blood stream infections, and ventilator‑associated pneumonias was done through specific infection surveillance proforma.Results: Out of 679 patients, 166 suffered 198 episodes of device‑associated infections. The infections included CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP. The number of urinary tract infection episodes was found to be 73 (10.75%) among the ICU patients who had indwelling urinary catheter. In addition, for 1 year CAUTI was calculated as 9.08/1000 catheter days. The number of episodes of blood stream infection was 86 (13.50%) among ICU patients having central line catheters. Also, CLABSI was found to be 13.86/1000 central line days. A total of 39 episodes (6.15%) of VAP was found in ICU patients over 18 months and VAP present for 6.04/1000 ventilator days.Conclusions: The organisms most commonly associated with nosocomial infections were Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species. The risk factors identified as being significantly associated with device associated infections in our ICU were diabetes, COPD and ICU stay for ≥8 days (p&lt;0.05).

Risk factors for mortality over 18 years in 317 ICUs in 9 Asian countries: The impact of healthcare-associated infections.

To identify risk factors for mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) in Asia. Prospective cohort study. The study included 317 ICUs of 96 hospitals in 44 cities in 9 countries of Asia: China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Patients aged >18 years admitted to ICUs. In total, 157,667 patients were followed during 957,517 patient days, and 8,157 HAIs occurred. In multiple logistic regression, the following variables were associated with an increased mortality risk: central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI; aOR, 2.36; P < .0001), ventilator-associated event (VAE; aOR, 1.51; P < .0001), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI; aOR, 1.04; P < .0001), and female sex (aOR, 1.06; P < .0001). Older age increased mortality risk by 1% per year (aOR, 1.01; P < .0001). Length of stay (LOS) increased mortality risk by 1% per bed day (aOR, 1.01; P < .0001). Central-line days increased mortality risk by 2% per central-line day (aOR, 1.02; P < .0001). Urinary catheter days increased mortality risk by 4% per urinary catheter day (aOR, 1.04; P < .0001). The highest mortality risks were associated with mechanical ventilation utilization ratio (aOR, 12.48; P < .0001), upper middle-income country (aOR, 1.09; P = .033), surgical hospitalization (aOR, 2.17; P < .0001), pediatric oncology ICU (aOR, 9.90; P < .0001), and adult oncology ICU (aOR, 4.52; P < .0001). Patients at university hospitals had the lowest mortality risk (aOR, 0.61; P < .0001). Some variables associated with an increased mortality risk are unlikely to change, such as age, sex, national economy, hospitalization type, and ICU type. Some other variables can be modified, such as LOS, central-line use, urinary catheter use, and mechanical ventilation as well as and acquisition of CLABSI, VAE, or CAUTI. To reduce mortality risk, we shall focus on strategies to reduce LOS; strategies to reduce central-line, urinary catheter, and mechanical ventilation use; and HAI prevention recommendations.

Feeding: the hidden variable affecting prognosis of critically ill children

BackgroundNutrition of critically ill children is a frequently ignored issue. The purpose of this study was to describe nutritional practices in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a resource-limited country and evaluate their association with prognosis.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study, conducted on critically ill children admitted into PICU. Nutritional status was assessed, and nutritional practices (enteral and parenteral) were recorded. The primary outcome was PICU mortality.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-one patients were recruited. Mortality rate was 17.6%. Parenteral nutrition (PN) administration and longer PN duration were associated with mortality (p<0.001 for each). Early enteral nutrition was associated lower rates of mortality (5.6% vs 26.9%, p<0.001); hospital-acquired infections (18.9% vs 67.3%, p<0.001); and enteral feeding intolerance (13.3% vs 28.8%, p=0.018), compared with late enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition onset correlated with length of PICU stay (rs=0.66, p<0.001); mechanical ventilation duration (rs=0.53, p<0.001); vasoactive infusion days (rs=0.25, p<0.001); central venous catheter days (rs=0.69, p<0.001); and time to full enteral caloric intake (rs=0.63, p<0.001). Bolus nasogastric feeding was superior to continuous nasogastric feeding since it was associated with a shorter time to full enteral caloric intake, without a higher risk of feeding intolerance or mortality. Malnutrition was associated with higher PN (75.4% vs 60.3%, p=0.03) and mortality (26.2% vs 14.1%, p=0.032) rates, in addition to longer mechanical ventilation duration (p=0.041) and time to full enteral caloric intake (p=0.010).ConclusionMalnutrition, PN, and late enteral nutrition are associated with poor outcome of PICU patients. Bolus nasogastric feeding appears to be superior to continuous feeding.

Long-term survival following fungal catheter-related bloodstream infection for patients with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral support.

A fungal-related catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is less frequent than those induced by bacteria. In the past, a single episode of fungal CRBSI has been used as a marker of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) failure and thus a possible indication for intestinal transplantation. Survival outcomes were assessed from a prospectively maintained database of patients initiated on HPN for underlying chronic intestinal failure between 1993 and 2018, with a censoring date of December 31, 2020. Cox regression was performed to assess predictors of mortality with univariable and multivariable analysis. A total of 1008 patients were included in the study, with a total of 1 364 595 catheter days. There were 513 CRBSI events recorded in 262 patients, equating to a CRBSI rate of 0.38/1000 catheter days. A total of 38/262 (14.5%) patients had at least one episode of fungal CRBSI, whereas 216/262 (82.4%) had at least one bacterial but no fungal CRBSI. The median time between HPN initiation and the first CRBSI episode was 20.6 months (95% confidence interval, 16.5-24.1). Episodes of fungal or bacterial CRBSI and the number of CRBSI episodes were not associated with increased mortality. Overall, 15 CRBSI-related deaths were observed in the observation period (0.01 CRBSI deaths/1000 catheter days), two of these were fungal in origin. The occurrence of a fungal CRBSI does not increase the risk of death compared with patients who have bacterial CRBSI or those without a CRBSI event.

Reduction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Driving Change.

Despite the many advancements in infection prevention, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) continue to be problematic for many hospitals. The large urban teaching hospital featured in this article developed a team that consisted of a registered nurse quality Lean coach, bedside nurses from each inpatient nursing unit, physicians, an infection prevention specialist nurse, an education specialist nurse, and members of the quality department to study this matter. The team focused on understanding current practice related to the use and duration of indwelling urinary catheters. It was discovered that while some indwelling urinary catheters were justified, others could have been avoided altogether or removed earlier. Multifaceted measures were instituted at this hospital to decrease indwelling urinary catheter days and reduce CAUTI rates. The team's journey to successfully decreasing indwelling urinary catheter days by 19.79% and CAUTI rates by 38% is highlighted.

Risk factors and clinical outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia infection in intensive care unit: A retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, especially Klebsiella pneumonia, have become a severe global problem with a significant threat to public health, but few studies have investigated the risk factors and epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumonia (CRKP) infections in India. We performed a retrospective observational study of 224 participants with K. pneumoniae who were admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India, between January 1 and December 30, 2020. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by automated broth microdilution VITEK® 2 (BioMerieux, Inc., Hazelwood, USA). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M100-S22 (January 2020) was used to interpret antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data were obtained from paper medical records. Two hundred and twenty-four subjects with culture-positive for K. pneumonia were retrieved during the study period, out of which 108 had CRKP. The risk factors for univariate analysis were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, ICU length of stay (LOS), invasive mechanical ventilator days, central venous catheter days, and arterial line days. The multivariate analysis showed invasive mechanical ventilation and ICU LOS were independent risk factors for CRKP infection. Mortality in the CRKP group was 48 (44%) compared to 27 (23%) in the carbapenem-sensitive K. pneumonia (CSKP) group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Infection due to CRKP in the ICU was associated with 1.9 times higher mortality as compared to CSKP. Invasive mechanical ventilation and ICU LOS were found to be independent risk factors for CRKP infection.

Microdialysis of Drug and Drug Metabolite: a Comprehensive In Vitro Analysis for Voriconazole and Voriconazole N-oxide

PurposeVoriconazole is a therapeutically challenging antifungal drug associated with high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. As a prerequisite to performing clinical trials using the minimally-invasive sampling technique microdialysis, a comprehensive in vitro microdialysis characterization of voriconazole (VRC) and its potentially toxic N-oxide metabolite (NO) was performed.MethodsThe feasibility of simultaneous microdialysis of VRC and NO was explored in vitro by investigating the relative recovery (RR) of both compounds in the absence and presence of the other. The dependency of RR on compound combination, concentration, microdialysis catheter and study day was evaluated and quantified by linear mixed-effects modeling.ResultsMedian RR of VRC and NO during individual microdialysis were high (87.6% and 91.1%). During simultaneous microdialysis of VRC and NO, median RR did not change (87.9% and 91.1%). The linear mixed-effects model confirmed the absence of significant differences between RR of VRC and NO during individual and simultaneous microdialysis as well as between the two compounds (p > 0.05). No concentration dependency of RR was found (p = 0.284). The study day was the main source of variability (46.3%) while the microdialysis catheter only had a minor effect (4.33%). VRC retrodialysis proved feasible as catheter calibration for both compounds.ConclusionThese in vitro microdialysis results encourage the application of microdialysis in clinical trials to assess target-site concentrations of VRC and NO. This can support the generation of a coherent understanding of VRC pharmacokinetics and its sources of variability. Ultimately, a better understanding of human VRC pharmacokinetics might contribute to the development of personalized dosing strategies.

Strategies to Sustain Quality Interventions: Case Examples of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing.

Strategies to Sustain Quality Interventions: Case Examples of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing.

Catheter-related complications in onco-hematologic children: A retrospective clinical study on 227 central venous access devices.

The use of central venous access devices (CVADs) is of paramount importance to safely deliver antiblastic and support therapies in children with cancer. Though, in pediatric patients, as much as in adults, CVADs are potentially associated with severe complications which may result in unscheduled interruption of therapy, hospitalization, increased morbidity/mortality, and increased cost of care. We have reviewed retrospectively our experience with CVADs in children with solid tumors and hematologic diseases, with the purpose of verifying if the adoption of well-defined insertion and maintenance bundles might be effective in reducing catheter-related complications, and in particular catheter-related thrombosis. A total of 227 CVADs were analyzed: 175 peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), 50 centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs), and 2 femorally inserted central catheters. All CVADs were non-valved, non-cuffed power injectable polyurethane catheters; 81% were tunneled. Median dwelling time of CVADs was 172 days, for a total number of 39,044 catheter days. A very low incidence of both symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (0.9%) and catheter-related blood stream infection (0.56 episodes per 1000 catheter days) was found. Unscheduled removal or guidewire replacement because of mechanic complications occurred in 15.7% of CVADs. There was no difference in terms of complications between PICCs and CICCs or between tunneled and non-tunneled catheters. Our experience with CVADs in oncologic and hematologic children suggests that catheter-related complications may be minimized by the adoption of appropriate insertion and maintenance bundles.

Bacteriological Profile of Clinical Isolates from Urinary Samples and Prevalence of CAUTI at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) attributed to the use of an indwelling catheter is one of the most common infections acquired by patients in health care facilities. This infection is associated with varied microbiological etiology. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in India. The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of CAUTI infection and to determine their antibiotic profile. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to provide a baseline information in the context of culture positivity rate of urinary isolates and prevalence of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), to identify the associated microbial, and to determine their susceptibility pattern to commonly used antimicrobial agents for prophylactic and empiric therapy. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done on nonrepetitive urine samples from all age group patients of both inpatient and outpatient department. Semi quantitative bacterial culture was performed, and isolates were identified and antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out by Vitek-2 compact automated method. Results: Significant bacteriuria was observed among 257/1543 (16.65%) urine samples. Among bacterial isolates, Gram negative bacilli predominate. Escherichia coli 7/17 (44%) being the most common isolate followed by Klebsiella (35%). The incidence of CAUTI/1000 catheter days observed in our study was 2.77. Total 3 CAUTI were identified from July 2021 to June 2022, out of which 2 were Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 isolate was Enterococcus faecium. Conclusions: Uropathogens from CAUTI patients exhibit significantly higher resistance to most antibiotics than non- CAUTI isolates. This is an important factor to take into consideration when choosing correct treatment options for patients with urinary tract infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the important notable pathogens causing nosocomial infections.............

POS-122 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS (CRBSIS) IN VICTORIANO LUNA MEDICAL CENTER (VLMC) FROM JANUARY 2020 TO DECEMBER 2020: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Infections are common complications among patients on chronic hemodialysis. Hemodialysis patients with a catheter have a two- to three-fold increased risk of hospitalization for infection and death compared with patients with an arteriovenous fistula or graft.1 CRBSIs alone have a reported incidence of 1.1 to 5.5 episodes per 1000 catheter days and are associated with increased morbidity, hospitalization, and death.3This current study investigated the demographic profile, microbiological spectrum, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters of patients with NHTCs with CRBSI at Victoriano Luna Medical Center.