Prevention Of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections Research Articles

Taurolidina para prevenir infecciones asociadas a catéter venoso central en niños con insuficiencia intestinal: experiencia preliminar en un hospital terciario chileno

Taurolidine is a molecule with anti-endotoxic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibits bacterial adhesion, allowing for its use as lock therapy for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in long-term central venous catheters (CVC). To report a preliminary experience, the first one in Chile, using lock therapy with taurolidine for the prevention of CRBSI and to report its efficacy. A taurolidine-based solution was instilled in the CVC of three children with intestinal insufficiency dependent on parenteral nutrition, attended in a Chilean tertiary hospital, and the rate of CRBSI before and after its use was compared in retrospect. In the two patients who started lock therapy immediately after the installation of their CVC, the rate of CRBSI was brought to zero, whereas in the third patient, who had a 9 months-old CVC with a recurrent CRBSI history, an intercurrent CRBSI forced discontinuation of the prophylaxis. Lock therapy with a taurolidine-based solution prevented CRBSIs when it was begun immediately after installing the CVC, in contrast with an old CVC with a history of recurrent CRBSIs.

An overview of the current management of short-bowel syndrome in pediatric patients.

Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) is defined as a state of malabsorption after resection or loss of a major portion of the bowel due to congenital or acquired factors. This article presents an overview on the recent management of pediatric SBS. The pediatric SBS population is very heterogeneous. The incidence of SBS is estimated to be 24.5 per 100,000 live births. The nutritional, medical, and surgical therapies available require a comprehensive evaluation. Thus, multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRPs) are necessary for the management of these complex patients. The key points of focus in IRP management are hepato-protective strategies to minimize intestinal failure-associated liver disease; the aggressive prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections; strategic nutritional supply to optimize the absorption of enteral calories; and the management and prevention of small bowel bacterial overgrowth, nephrocalcinosis, and metabolic bone disease. As the survival rate of children with SBS currently exceeds 90%, the application of small bowel transplantation has been evolving. The introduction of innovative treatments, such as combined therapy of intestinotrophic hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-2, may lead to further improvements in patients' quality of life.

Vancomycin-lock therapy for prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in very low body weight infants

BackgroundThis study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin- lock therapy for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in very low body weight (VLBW) preterm infant patients.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-seven cases of VLBW preterm infants who retained peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were retrospectively reviewed, including 68 treating with heparin plus vancomycin (vancomycin-lock group) and 69 with heparin only (control group). The incidence of CRBSI, related pathogenic bacteria, adverse events during the treatment, complications, antibiotic exposure, PICC usage time, hospital stay, etc. were compared between the above two groups.ResultsThe incidence rate of CRBSI in the vancomycin-lock group (4.4%, 3/68) was significantly less than in the control group (21.7%, 15/69, p = 0.004). Total antibiotic exposure time during the whole observation period was significantly shorter in the group than in the control group (11.2 ± 10.0 vs 23.6 ± 16.1 d; p < 0.001). No hypoglycemia occurred during the locking, and the blood concentrations of vancomycin were not detectable.ConclusionsVancomycin-lock may effectively prevent CRBSI in Chinese VLBW preterm infants and reduce the exposure time of antibiotics, without causing obvious side complications.

Nurses' and physicians' knowledge of guidelines for preventing catheter-related blood stream infections.

Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is considered a major challenge for health care providers working in intensive care units. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for preventing catheter-related blood Stream infections among physicians and nurses working in critical care units in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. The study was conducted in five intensive care units; 181 nurses and 68 physicians were recruited from four governmental hospitals and one university-affiliated hospital. The mean total knowledge score for physicians' knowledge was low at 2.6, SD 1.5 (out of 10). While the mean total score for nurses' knowledge was low at 3.3, SD 1.8 (out of 10). The independent t test shows that nurses had a significantly higher mean total knowledge score than physicians (P < .05). The current study demonstrates that Jordanian nurses and physicians working in intensive care units have a low level of knowledge of the guidelines for preventing CRBSI. This problem should be addressed through routine assessment and evaluation and adoption and policies that make nurses and physicians comply with the evidence-based guidelines. Finally, conducting regular educational programmes on CRBSI prevention, and evaluation of compliance with the guidelines in daily clinical practice, are strongly recommended. The results of the current study suggest the need for regular assessment of physicians' and nurses' knowledge and skills with regard to central venous catheter insertion and maintenance care. Based on this assessment and using the best available evidence, training programmes on the prevention of CRBSI should be developed. Courses might be online, face to face, or using high fidelity simulation. Finally, regular observation and evaluation of compliance with the CRBSI guidelines in daily clinical practice is needed.

Central venous catheter insertion: Review of recent evidence.

Guidelines for prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) describe a series of recommendations for correct insertion and handling of central venous catheters (CVCs). Since their implementation, quality programs such as "Zero bacteremia" have achieved a reduction in CR-BSI rates, but there is still room for further improvement. New evidence is emerging regarding, e.g., antiseptic-antimicrobial impregnated catheters or the use of passive disinfection of closed connectors. These examples of new tools among others might help to further decrease infection rates. This article aims to review new evidence-based strategies to reduce catheter insertion-related infection.

Inhibition of Mixed Biofilms of Candida albicans and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Positively Charged Silver Nanoparticles and Functionalized Silicone Elastomers.

Both bacterial and fungal organisms display the ability to form biofilms; however, mixed bacterial/fungal biofilms are particularly difficult to control and eradicate. The opportunistic microbial pathogens Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are among the most frequent causative agents of healthcare-acquired infections, and are often co-isolated forming mixed biofilms, especially from contaminated catheters. These mixed species biofilms display a high level of antibiotic resistance; thus, these infections are challenging to treat resulting in excess morbidity and mortality. In the absence of effective conventional antibiotic treatments, nanotechnology-based approaches represent a promising alternative for the treatment of highly recalcitrant polymicrobial biofilm infections. Our group has previously reported on the activity of pure positively charged silver nanoparticles synthesized by a novel microwave technique against single-species biofilms of C. albicans and S. aureus. Here, we have expanded our observations to demonstrate that that silver nanoparticles display dose-dependent activity against dual-species C. albicans/S. aureus biofilms. Moreover, the same nanoparticles were used to functionalize catheter materials, leading to the effective inhibition of the mixed fungal/bacterial biofilms. Overall, our results indicate the potent activity of silver nanoparticles against these cross-kingdom biofilms. More studies are warranted to examine the ability of functionalized catheters in the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Comparison of Standard Dressing and Chlorhexidine Gluconate-impregnated Dressing for the Prevention of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection in Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Comparison of Standard Dressing and Chlorhexidine Gluconate-impregnated Dressing for the Prevention of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection in Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

582. Impact of Central Line Bundle for Prevention of Umbilical Vein Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundUmbilical vein catheters (UVC) are one of the most common types of vascular access device in the neonatal intensive care units. Central line-associated bloodstream infections were reported to be in the first place of healthcare-associated infections in preterm infants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the bundle applications in the prevention of umbilical vein catheter-associated bloodstream infections in neonates including premature infants.MethodsThis 40 months cross-sectional study included two periods, including pre-bundle period (from August 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017) and bundle period (April 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018). The umbilical vein catheter-related bloodstream infections, catheter line days, number of the patients were recorded and compared between the prebundle and bundle periods. Bundle steps were defined as education-training-assignment, evaluation of daily catheter indications, hand hygiene and aseptic technique while insertion, maximal sterile barrier precautions, closure of the catheter area with transparent semi-permeable membrane, using needless connectors in stead of 3-way stop-cocks, and single-use prefilled saline syringes for flushing.ResultsDuring the whole study period total umbilical vein catheter days were 2,228 days. During the prebundle period there was 10 and in the bundle period there was 2 umbilical vein catheter-related bloodstream infections (Table 1). While umbilical vein-associated bloodstream infection rate was 8.9 per 1,000 catheter days in the pre-bundle period, and significantly decreased to 1.79 in the bundle period (P < 0.05). After the introduction of bundle applications, it was observed that the rate of infection decreased by 68% (P < 0.05)ConclusionOur study showed that implementation of central line bundle including needless connectors and single-use prefilled syringes for umbilical vein-related bloodstream infections was effective for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Ethanol locks for the prevention of catheter-related infection in patients with central venous catheter: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BackgroundThe widespread use of central venous catheters (CVCs) has exposed patients to a high risk of catheter-related infection (CRI), which is linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. Several strategies for preventing CRI, including ethanol lock prophylaxis, have been explored. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of ethanol locks for preventing CRI in patients with CVC.MethodsWe searched six electronic databases, earlier relevant meta-analyses and the reference lists of the included studies for RCTs that assessed the effects of ethanol locks on CRI in patients with CVC versus a control group. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and extracted relevant information according to a predesigned extraction form. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.3.ResultsNine studies involving 2451 patients were included. Although limited in power, the results of the meta-analysis indicated a positive effect of ethanol lock prophylaxis on reducing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) compared to heparin alone [OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34, 0.82, P = 0.004]. The effects on other outcomes, such as exit site infection, catheter dysfunction, catheter removal, thrombosis and mortality, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, although the effect of ethanol on CRBSI was in the expected direction compared to 0.9% NaCl locks, this effect was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe present data indicate that ethanol lock prophylaxis is a potential candidate for the prevention of CRBSI in patients with CVC. However, more attention should be paid to the uniform ethanol lock procedure and toxic effects after long-term ethanol lock exposure.

Management and Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infections in the ICU

Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are a frequent event in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. In contrast to other nosocomial infections, most risk factors for CR-BSI are linked to the device and can be prevented efficiently. Rates of CR-BSI higher than 1 per 1,000 catheter days are no longer acceptable. A continuous quality improvement program is effective to reduce them. Key elements of prevention of CR-BSI are hand hygiene, avoidance of insertion of unnecessary catheters, full sterile barrier precautions at insertion, preferential use of subclavian venous insertion site, cutaneous antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine alcoholic preparation, use of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings, immediate replacement of moistened or detached catheter dressings, and removal of catheters as soon as possible. Audit and feedback of the process of care, infection rates, and periodic re-education of health care providers are other instrumental tools in the prevention of CR-BSI. Catheter removal is the main therapeutic intervention, especially recommended in the case of sepsis or shock. While awaiting culture results, an empiric antimicrobial treatment of CR-BSI should target gram-positive microorganism (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative coverage should be based on clinical variables, patients' risk factors, and previous colonization status. While a short course of antimicrobials (7 days) is sufficient for noncomplicated CR-BSI, a longer course of 14 days should be preferred for uncomplicated S. aureus and Candida CR-BSI. In case of persisting fever or positive blood culture after 3 days despite adequate antimicrobial therapy and catheter removal, catheter-related complications (e.g., endocarditis, thrombophlebitis, septic metastasis) should be ruled out.

Taurolidine, an antiseptic for the prevention of central venous catheter-related infections

Taurolidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used as lock therapy solution in adult and pediatric patients with long term central venous catheters (CVC) for the prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). Taurolidine doesn't induce the resistant development and has only minor and brief side effects, which makes it an alternative both as a lock therapy and for the prevention of CRBSI in this group of patients.

Incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter failure among inpatients: variability between microbiological data and clinical signs and symptoms

BackgroundPeripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most widely used invasive devices among inpatients. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are serious yet preventable events for patients. Although the contribution of PIVCs towards these infections is gradually being recognised, its role in the Spanish setting is yet to be determined. We aimed to estimate the rate and incidence of PIVC failure at Manacor hospital (Spain) as baseline within a wider quality improvement initiative.MethodsTips from all PIVC removed during December 2017 and January 2018 in hospital wards were cultured semiquantitatively. The study population included all PIVCs inserted in adult patients admitted to any of three medical and one surgical wards, emergency department, critical care unit and operating rooms. Clinical, microbiological and ward information was collected by clinical researchers for each PIVC from insertion to removal on the study sites. CRBSI was defined per international guidelines (i.e., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA). Data was analysed descriptively.ResultsSeven hundred and eleven tips were cultured, with 41.8% (297/711) reported as PIVC failure. The PIVC failure rate density-adjusted incidence for hospital length of stay (HLOS) was 226.2 PIVC failure/1000 HLOS. 5.8% (41/711) tips yielded positive isolates, with most frequent microorganisms Staphylococcus spp (S. epidermidis 29/41, 70.7%, S. aureus 2/41, 4.9%, S. hominis 2/41, 4.9%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (1/41, 2.4%). One S. aureus isolate was methicillin-resistant. 53.6% (22/41) positive cultures were obtained from patients with local signs and symptoms compatible with catheter-related infection (CRI), 2.4% (1/41) were compatible with CRBSI type 2 and that clinical signs improve within 48 h of catheter removal (density-adjusted incidence for hospital stays of 16.7 PIVC-CRI/1000 hospital-stays and 0.76 PVC-BSI/1000 hospital-stays respectively) and no patients were diagnosed CRBSI type 3 with a bacterial growth concordant in tip and blood cultures. Most cases responded favourably to catheter removal and management.ConclusionsOur findings show that almost 42% PIVCs resulted in unplanned removal, amplifying the importance in terms of morbidity, mortality and patient safety. A high number of positive tip cultures without clinical signs and symptoms was observed. We underpin the importance to remove unnecessary PIVCs for the prevention of CRBSI.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Lock Solutions for the Prevention of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: Central venous catheters are still used extensively as temporary or permanent blood access for hemodialysis patients. Catheter-related bloodstream infections are the main complication of central venous catheters and increase morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, the most appropriate lock solution for central venous catheters to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections is still uncertain. Methods: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched up to August 2018. The reference lists of eligible studies and relevant reviews were also checked. The primary outcomes were catheter-related bloodstream infections and bleeding events. The secondary outcomes were catheter malfunction, exit-site infection, and all-cause mortality. Findings: 50 trials (7142 patients) were included for this study. Compared with heparin 5000U/ml, antibiotic locks (antibiotics with TSC, EDTA, heparin 5000U/ml, low-dose heparin, or urokinase) and ethanol locks were more effective in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections. Antimicrobial agents plus low-dose heparin (500-2500 U/ml), TSC and low-dose heparin locks had lower risk of bleeding events than heparin 5000 U/ml. No lock solution reduced rates of catheter malfunction and all-cause mortality compared with heparin 5000 U/ml. In summary, antibiotics plus low-dose heparin was ranked as the best lock solution. The overall results were not materially changed in sensitivity analyses. Interpretation: Taking into account both efficacy and safety, antibiotics plus low-dose heparin (500-2500 U/ml) may be the preferred lock solution. Funding: Chinese Special Funds for Scientific Research on Public Causes (201502010). Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests.

Development of the peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention knowledge and attitudes scale.

Because of the necessities of modern medicine, catheters are frequently used for patients today. Mistakes made in catheter implementation frequently cause nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to be used for the evaluation of nurses' knowledge and attitudes about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention. This methodological study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2017, with 150 nurses who worked in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in hospitals located in two different cities in the eastern part of Turkey and who consented to participate in the study. Item total correlation values of the scale ranged between 0.515 and 0.703. Correlation coefficient between the two measurements as a result of the test-retest reliability was found to be 0.64, and there was a linear relationship between the measurements. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was found to be0.875, which indicates the adequacy of the sample. Barlett's test results indicated a correlation between the items (P < .01). Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.86. Results showed that the 5-point Likert scale was formed with 14 items and two factors, which included "general precautions" and "catheter care." Scale total score is obtained by collecting all the items. Higher scores indicate higher knowledge and attitudes. This scale could be used for assessing the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about peripheral and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention precautions. The Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes Scale could be used for infection prevention in the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses with a view of preventing infections. The scale can be used in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in order to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes.

Innovations in Quality Improvement of Intravascular Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections

Significant reductions in catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) have occurred in the United States. Reductions in CRBSIs are attributed to the widespread implementation of the practice-based measures and innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CRBSI. Diagnosis of CRBSI historically required removal of the central venous catheter (CVC) for catheter tip culture. Removing the CVC for CRBSI diagnosis predisposes many patients to potential life-threatening complications. Advances in diagnostic techniques such as culturing catheter hubs, catheter entry site cultures, applying differential time to positivity, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, and innovative approaches like biosensors on the CVC lumen may provide an alternative to CVC removal. Removal of the CVC is common for the treatment of CRBSI; however, antimicrobial lock therapy is increasingly used as a CVC salvage method. Implementation of newer technology such as antimicrobial coated catheters, chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings, and antiseptic port protectors are crucial for the prevention of CRBSIs. Increasing evidence also support newer sutureless CVC securement devices prevent CRBSIs. CRBSI remains a significant clinical problem despite advances made in the diagnosis, management, and prevention. Molecular techniques are increasingly being used for pathogen identification in CRBSI, but the optimal diagnostic test remains debatable. Increasing experience is being gained with antimicrobial lock therapy for CRBSI treatment with catheter salvage. Use and adherence to practice-based measures and technological innovations has significantly reduced CRBSIs. Continued efforts are required to develop a cost-effective and targeted approach for CRBSI prevention.

Video Assisted Teaching Program on Knowledge and Preventive Practices of Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections among Health Care Professionals: A Hospital-based Prospective Study

Objective : The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme,in terms of improvement in knowledge and practices to prevent catheter related blood stream infections.Method: The study adopted pre-experimental study design in the intensive care units of a selected tertiaryreferral hospital of Karnataka, India. The study included mainly the infection control practices followedby the health care personnel for the selected events related to catheter related blood stream infectionprevention and knowledge of health care personnel regarding preventive practices of catheter related bloodstream infection. The pre-test observations of practices related to prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections was done using observational checklists and the knowledge assessment was done usingstructured knowledge questionnaire among health care personnel in the intensive care units and a videoassisted teaching intervention was given, after seven days of intervention the post-test data was taken for thepractices and knowledge.Results: The results show that there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test knowledgescores, practices of nurses while administration of medications through central line and central line dressingprocedure (p<0.05).Conclusion: The present study showed that video assisted teaching on hospital infection control measuresregarding catheter related blood stream infections was effective in supporting participants to increase theirknowledge levels and preventive practices of catheter related blood stream infections and thereby reduceinfection in the hospital.

Ethanol locks for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

BackgroundCurrent evidence regarding the efficacy of ethanol locks in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI) is inconclusive.MethodsElectronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (until April 2018),were systematically searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved records and identified RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted for pooled analyses using Review Manager 5.3 software. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the study quality, duration of the ethanol lock, disease type and CRBI definition. Eggs’ method was applied to detect publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to check the stability of the meta-analysis results.ResultsTen RCTs involving 2760 patients were included in the analysis. The overall pooled result indicated that ethanol locks significantly reduced the incidence of CRBI (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51–0.86). Subgroup analysis suggested that an ethanol lock significantly decreased the incidence of CRBI in patients with hematological diseases (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31–0.80). An ethanol lock significantly reduced the incidence of CRBI in a2-hour ethanol lock group (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.73). The meta-analysis showed that an ethanol lock significantly reduced the incidence of CRBI according to analysis of high-(RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47–0.94) or low-(RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.95) quality studies. Meta-analysis of studies with a strict CRBI definition showed that an ethanol lock can significantly prevent CRBI (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.89). The results of sensitivity analysis suggested that the pooled result was stable. Meta-analysis of adverse events showed that an ethanol lock did not increase the incidence of thrombosis (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.51–2.18) or mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.90–1.08) but did result in increased nausea (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.35), dizziness (RR 4.21, 95% CI 2.40–7.39),elevated blushing rates (RR 3.27, 95% CI 2.05–5.22) and altered taste rates (RR 2.61, 95% CI 1.93–3.54).ConclusionsAn ethanol lock may play a role in the prevention of CRBI, especially in immunocompromised patients with hematological diseases.

Clinical and economic impact of the taurolidine lock on home parenteral nutrition.

catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are one of the most serious concerns in patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) which involve high morbidity and cost for the healthcare system. In the last years, taurolidine lock has proven to be beneficial in the prevention of CRBSI; however, the evidence of its efficiency is limited. to determine if taurolidine lock is a cost-effective intervention in patients on HPN. retrospective study in patients on HPN with taurolidine lock. We compared the CRBSI rate and cost of its complications before and during taurolidine lock. thirteen patients, six (46%) males and seven (54%) females, with a mean age of 61.08 (SD = 14.18) years received taurolidine lock. The total days of catheterization pre and per-taurolidine were 12,186 and 5,293, respectively. The underlying disease was benign in five patients (38.5%) and malignant in eight (61.5%). The CRBSI rate pre vs per-taurolidine was 3.12 vs 0.76 episodes per 1,000 catheter days (p = 0.0058). When the indication was a high CRBSI rate, this was 9.72 vs 0.39 (p < 0.001) in pre and per-taurolidine period respectively. No differences have been observed in the occlusion rates. None of the patients reported any adverse effects. The total cost of CRBSI in the pre-taurolidine period was 151,264.14 euros vs 24,331.19 euros in the per-taurolidine period. our study shows that taurolidine lock is a cost-effective intervention in patients on HPN with high risk of CRBSI.

Ethanol lock is effective on reducing the incidence of tunneled catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of ethanol lock on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in patients with central venous catheters. RCTs comparing ethanol lock with another solution lock for prevention of CRBSI were obtained by searching databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials for eligible randomized controlled trials (inception to December 2017). Two researchers separately selected the RCTs and assessed their quality. Data on patient characteristics and ethanol protocols were collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBSI, and the secondary outcomes were catheter colonization, exit infection and thrombosis. A total of 2575 patients with 3375 catheters from 7 eligible RCTs were included. Overall, ethanol lock significantly decreased the risk of CRBSI, with RR 0.54 (95% CI 0.38-0.78; I2 = 0%; p = 0.001); no obvious heterogeneity was observed in the fixed-effects model (I2 = 0%). Of note, subgroup analysis demonstrated that ethanol lock conferred significant benefit in studies with tunneled catheters (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.30-0.72) but not in studies with untunneled catheters. Only two studies provided data regarding catheter colonization, and no significant difference was found (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.87-1.38; I2 = 41%; p = 0.45). Moreover, pooled data did not show significant differences between ethanol and control groups with regard to the incidence of thrombosis (RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.91-1.22; I2 = 0%; p = 0.48). Our meta-analysis suggests that ethanol lock is effective on reducing the incidence of CRBSI in hemodialysis patients with tunneled central venous catheters.

Diagnosis and treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infection: Clinical guidelines of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology and (SEIMC) and the Spanish Society of Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC)

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) constitute an important cause of hospital-acquired infection associated with morbidity, mortality, and cost. The aim of these guidelines is to provide updated recommendations for the diagnosis and management of CRBSI in adults. Prevention of CRBSI is excluded. Experts in the field were designated by the two participating Societies (the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology and [SEIMC] and the Spanish Society of Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units [SEMICYUC]). Short-term peripheral venous catheters, non-tunneled and long-term central venous catheters, tunneled catheters and hemodialysis catheters are covered by these guidelines. The panel identified 39 key topics that were formulated in accordance with the PICO format. The strength of the recommendations and quality of the evidence were graded in accordance with ESCMID guidelines. Recommendations are made for the diagnosis of CRBSI with and without catheter removal and of tunnel infection. The document establishes the clinical situations in which a conservative diagnosis of CRBSI (diagnosis without catheter removal) is feasible. Recommendations are also made regarding empirical therapy, pathogen-specific treatment (coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Gram-negative bacilli, and Candida spp.), antibiotic lock therapy, diagnosis and management of suppurative thrombophlebitis and local complications.