Catheter Thrombosis Research Articles

Acute Vascular Complications of VA-ECMO in COVID-19 Patients. Does COVID-19 Affect the Outcome?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) through the femoral artery and vein can lead to significant vascular complications. We retrospectively studied the acute vascular complications of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID patients during the period from January 2020 to July 2023. Seventy-eight patients underwent VA-ECMO for various indications from January 2020 to July 2023. The studied patients had a mean age of 59.6 ± 6.9 years for non-COVID patients (38 patients), and 62.2 ± 7.6years for COVID patients (40 patients), with a P = 0.268. In non-COVID patients, The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The primary indications for ECMO were cardiac diseases, followed by respiratory failure (78.9% vs 10.5%). Conversely, in COVID patients, respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection was the main indication (45% vs 40%). The overall incidence of general complications, including cerebrovascular stroke, acute kidney injury, intracardiac thrombi, and wound infection, was comparable in both groups (31.6% vs 45%). The overall incidence of vascular complications in both groups was 33.3%. Ipsilateral acute lower limb ischemia occurred in 5.3% vs 10% of non-COVID and COVID patients, respectively. Thrombosis of the distal perfusion catheter (DPC) occurred in 10.5% vs 15%, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of patients required VA-ECMO due to associated respiratory failure. Patients undergoing VA-ECMO are at high risk of developing various vascular complications. COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of acute limb ischemia and distal perfusion catheter thrombosis in both upper and lower limbs. However, other VA-ECMO-related vascular complications are comparable between COVID-19 and non-COVID patients.

Placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters - interventional standard.

While the native arterio-venous fistula (AVF) remains the first choice in vascular access for most hemodialysis patients, tunneled hemodialysis catheters (tHDC) continue to be an option in selected patients. Since timely access to vascular surgery-due to delayed referral or resource limitations-is not always possible, nephrologists have to become more actively involved in planning, creation and monitoring of vascular access. Moreover, this approach could also strengthen patient-centered care in nephrology. This manuscript reviews the current standard in tHDC creation, patient selection and strategies to mitigate the risk of infectious complications and catheter thrombosis. Presentation of novel developments in catheter placement with ultrasound-guided or ECG-guided positioning, their benefits and possible disadvantages emphasizes the complexity of vascular access planning. We offer an approach for choice of insertion method, depending on selected side and existing resources and set focus on the necessity and required resources of 'interventional nephrology' training programs.

#2430 Comparison of the efficacy of gentamicin-citrate and gentamicin-citrate/Taurolock-urokinase locks for non-tunneled catheters in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Catheter-related complications, such as dysfunction, thrombosis and infection, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients on hemodialysis (HD) receiving dialysis through temporary non-tunneled double-lumen central venous catheters (CVC). Catheter lock solutions containing antibiotics and antitrombolytics are commonly used to prevent such complications. The aim of the present study was to compare impact of a different prophylactic catheter lock solutions on the incidence of catheter-related complications (catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter thrombosis) and mortality compared with heparin catheter locks. Method We performed a single-centre prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial of 96 adult patients undergoing HD in our institution from Jun 2018 to Jun 2023. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either a lock solution combining gentamicin-citrate twice a week with taurolidine-citrate (Taurolock)/urokinase at the end of the third hemodialysis session before the end of the week (TAURO group) or gentamicin-citrate at the end of all hemodialysis sessions (GENTAM group) or unfractionated heparin 5000 U/mL thrice weekly as control (HEPARIN group). Catheter lock solutions were administered for 3 months after insertion of CVC and patients were followed for at least 6 months after insertion of CVC. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as used medications, were analyzed. Episodes of acute catheter thrombosis and incidence of CRBSI were recorded, along with dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) and adverse events. Results The study population (96 patients, 32 in each group) had a median age of 60 years (range 19–85 years), 56.3% man. In the majority of patients (88.5%) the indication for placement of the CVC was the initiation of dialysis, while in the remaining patients indication was thrombosis of the existing vascular access. The most important baseline clinical and laboratory values are presented in Table 1. The catheter median length of stay was of 125.94 ± 87.48 (from 50 to 535) days in TAURO group, 113.44 ± 35.68 (from 54 to 233) days in GENTAM group and 108.59 ± 37.84 (from 42 to 212) days in HEPARIN group (p = 0.831). There was no difference between groups with regard to catheter thrombosis (3.3 events/1000 catheter-days in all groups). The CRBSI rate of 3.2 episodes/1000 catheter-days in TAURO group was slightly lower than the rate of 5.3 episodes/1000 catheter-days in GENTAM group (p = 0.479) and 4.3 episodes/1000 catheter-days in control HEPARIN group (p = 0.705). The CRBSI-free survival time in TAURO group was 197 ± 220 (from 28 to 447) days, longer than in the GENTAM group (38 ± 33 days, from 8 to 86) and HEPARIN group (37 ± 35 days, from 4 to 86), p = 0.21. Impact of catheter lock solution on dialysis adequacy as measured by Kt/V in time is presented in Fig. 1. No significant differences were found between study groups in survival after 6 months (p = 0.810) and at the end study period (p = 0.096)-presented in Fig. 1. Conclusion We observed no difference in the incidence of catheter thrombosis and mortality rate in groups with prophylactic catheter lock solutions and control group. The use of Gentamicin-citrate/Taurolock-urokinase as a dialysis catheter lock solution, as compared with gentamicin-citrate or heparin administered three times a week, led to a nonsignificant reduction of CRBSI incidence and longer CRBSI-free survival time in patients on HD receiving dialysis through temporary non-tunneled double-lumen CVC.

Comparison of the effect of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters.

One of the complications of using catheters is the occurrence of thrombosis, which can be dangerous for patients. The main objective of this study is to compare the effect of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters. The present study is a clinical trial, in which the effect of three drugs, heparin, reteplase, and taurolock, in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters, has been investigated. The research units were studied in two intervention and control groups. The stratified random allocation method was used to assign patients to five groups (control, Heparin 50, Heparin 1000, reteplase, and taurolock), with strata based on the patient's age (20-70 years), gender, and duration of dialysis. Within each stratum, patients were also assigned to groups using the randomized block permutation method and a random number table tool. To prevent bias, this study is triple-blinded. This means that the patient, the thrombosis assessor, and the statistical analyst are unaware of the type of intervention received by the patient. Gender (p < 0.999), age distribution (p = 0.774), and duration of dialysis (p = 0.875) showed no statistically significant relationship with thrombosis. However, significant differences were observed among the five groups regarding thrombosis incidence. The relative risk of thrombosis in the Heparin 50, Heparin 1000, reteplase, and taurolock groups compared to the control group was 92.5%, 92.2%, 98.2%, and 89% lower, respectively. Our study underscores the efficacy of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in preventing thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters. While all three drugs demonstrated efficacy, the Heparin 50 group exhibited the highest relative risk reduction. These findings suggest that heparin, particularly at a low dose, should be considered a standard prophylactic treatment in hemodialysis patients.

Variables Leading to Usage of Alteplase Versus Heparin Lock in Patients With Tunneled Catheters in Hemodialysis Care Project Centers, Saudi Arabia.

A hemodialysis tunneledcatheter is one option for vascular access used with hemodialysis patients; however, catheter complications such as thrombosis are still inevitable. To prevent thrombosis formation, a catheter-locking solution is instilled between dialysis sessions. Heparin is used as a default locking solution in our Hemodialysis Care Project centers, while arecombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) such as alteplase is used to treat suspected catheter thrombosis. This study aimed to identify the clinical factors, catheter brands, and hemodialysis variables that influence the choice of use for alteplase versus heparin, for those patients with tunneled catheters, and reduce overprescribing of high-alert medication alteplase. A retrospective medical chart review study was conducted involving 230 patients with tunneled catheters; the first group of 133 patients used alteplase regularly three times a week, while the second group of 97 patients completed at least one year using the same catheter access with heparin lock only. Multivariate logistic regression and logistic regression analysis showed a significant association (p < 0.05) between different variables. Results suggest that overweight and hyperlipidemia patients are more likely to use alteplase. Patients using brand-name catheters such as Hemostar/Vas-cath (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ) are less likely to use heparin than those using Medcompcatheters (Medcomp, Yuma, AZ). In addition, patients having a history of angioplasty would be less likely to have heparin than no angioplasty. Moreover, if the patient's fluid removal were equal to or less than 2 kg, they would be more likely to use heparin and vice versa. The study postulates that identified variables affect whether alteplase or heparin is used in hemodialysis tunneled catheters, and may be useful to increase awareness, improve practices, or judiciously control the use of alteplase within Saudi Arabia and globally.

Echocardiographic detection of intraluminal catheter thrombosis during percutaneous atrial septal defect closure.

Echocardiographic detection of intraluminal catheter thrombosis during percutaneous atrial septal defect closure.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Management of Central Venous Catheter Thrombosis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Incidence, Risk Factors and Management of Central Venous Catheter Thrombosis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Important issues in proposing autonomy training in home parenteral nutrition for short bowel syndrome patients: a qualitative insight from the patients' perspectives.

The standard treatment for short bowel syndrome is home parenteral nutrition. Patients' strict adherence to protocols is essential to decrease the risk of complications such as infection or catheter thrombosis. Patient training can even result in complete autonomy in daily care. However, some patients cannot or do not want too much responsibility. However, doctors often encourage them to acquire these skills. Based on qualitative investigations with patients, we wanted to document issues of importance concerning perceptions of autonomy in daily care. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 adult patients treated by home parenteral nutrition using a maximum variation sampling strategy. We proceeded to a thematic analysis following an inductive approach. After achieving clinical management of symptoms, a good quality of life is within the realm of possibility for short bowel syndrome patients with home parenteral nutrition. In this context, achieving autonomy in home parenteral nutrition could be a lever to sustain patients' quality of life by providing better life control. However, counterintuitively, not all patients aim at reducing constraints by reaching autonomy in home parenteral nutrition. First, they appreciate the social contact with the nurses, which is particularly true among patients who live alone. Second, they can feel safer with the nurse's visits. Regaining freedom was the main motivation for patients in the training program and the main benefit for those who were already autonomous. Medical teams should consider patients' health locus of control (internal or external) for disease management to support them concerning the choice of autonomy in daily care for parenteral nutrition.

Incidence of and risk factors for venous thrombosis in hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies: A single-center, prospective cohort study.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is higher than the expected in patients with hematologic malignancies and duration of hospitalization period increases the risk of thrombosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for venous thrombosis in hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies. We designed a prospective cohort study and enrolled patients with hematologic malignancies, who had been hospitalized between 2020 and 2021. Thromboprophylaxis was given to all patients, other than those under a high risk of hemorrhage. 94 patients were enrolled. The incidence of superficial vein thrombosis was 11.7% and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (including pulmonary embolism and catheter thrombosis) was 7.4%. Patients, who developed thrombosis, had statistically significantly longer hospital stays (21 vs. 11.5 days, p=0.023) and a higher number of hospitalizations (1 vs. 3, p=0.015) compared to those, who did not develop thrombosis. Patients, who had 3 or more risk factors for thrombosis, were found to be under the highest risk. (p=0.017, OR=4.32; 95% CI: 1.3-14.35). Furthermore, patients with recurrent hospitalizations (p=0.024, OR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.05-2.11) and higher fibrinogen levels (p=0.028, OR=1; 95% CI: 1-1.006) were under an increased risk of thrombosis. Venous thrombosis is frequently seen in hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies. A universally accepted risk scoring system is required for detection of patients, under a high risk for thrombosis.

French guidelines for the treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism - 2023 update

BackgroundIn recent years, knowledge about cancer associated thrombosis has evolved considerably. MethodsPractical guidelines were drafted on the initiative of the INNOVTE FCRIN Network, led by the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF), by a coordinating group, a writing group, and a review group, with the involvement of different scientific societies practicing in various settings. The method followed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines" process of the French National Authority for Health (HAS). ResultsAfter a literature review, guidelines were formulated, improved, and then validated by the working groups. These guidelines addressed multiple aspects of the disease and management from the data of available clinical trials and observational studies : epidemiology, initial treatment, treatment duration, extended treatment, recurrent thrombosis, central venous catheter thrombosis, incidental thrombosis, treatment in case of thrombocytopenia. ConclusionThese evidence-based guidelines are intended to guide the practical management of patients with cancer associated thrombosis

Traitement de la maladie veineuse thromboembolique au cours du cancer Mise à jour Avril 2023: Treatment of cancer associated thrombosis. 2023 update of the french guidelines

BackgroundIn recent years, knowledge about cancer associated thrombosis has evolved considerably. MethodsPractical guidelines were led by the French Language Pulmonology Society (SPLF) and drafted by a coordinating group, a writing group, and a review group, with the involvement of different scientific societies practicing in various settings. The method followed the «Clinical Practice Guidelines» process of the French National Authority for Health (HAS). ResultsAfter a literature review, these guidelines were drafted and then validated by the working groups. These guidelines addressed multiple aspects of the cancer associated thrombosis and its management: epidemiology, initial treatment, treatment duration, extended treatment, recurrent thrombosis, central venous catheter thrombosis, incidental thrombosis and treatment in case of thrombocytopenia. ConclusionThese updated evidence-based guidelines are intended to guide the practical management of patients with cancer associated thrombosis.1877-1203/© 2023 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Histidine-rich glycoprotein attenuates catheter thrombosis.

Factor XII (FXII) knockdown attenuates catheter thrombosis in rabbits. Because histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) modulates FXIIa activity, we hypothesized that HRG depletion would promote catheter thrombosis. To test this, rabbits were given either antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against HRG or FXII, a control ASO, or saline. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), and catheter-induced thrombin generation were determined in blood collected before and after treatment. Compared with the controls, the HRG- and FXII-directed ASOs reduced hepatic messenger RNA and plasma levels of HRG and FXII, respectively, by >90%. Although HRG knockdown shortened the aPTT by 2.5 fold, FXII knockdown prolonged it by fourfold; neither of the ASOs affected the PT. Catheter segments shortened the lag time and increased peak thrombin in the plasma from control rabbits; effects were significantly enhanced and attenuated in the plasma from rabbits given the HRG- and FXII-directed ASOs, respectively. Catheters were then inserted into the right external jugular vein of the rabbits, and the time for catheter occlusion was determined. The catheter occlusion times with the control ASO or saline were 62± 8minutes and 60± 11minutes, respectively. The occlusion time was significantly reduced to 34± 9minutes, with HRG knockdown and significantly prolonged to 128± 19minutes with FXII knockdown. HRG levels are decreased with sepsis or cancer, and such patients are prone to catheter thrombosis. Because HRG modulates catheter thrombosis, our findings suggest that HRG supplementation may prevent this problem.

#5171 MODIFIED, NON-INVASIVE, TUNNELLED CATHETER REPOSITION (NTCR), SIMPLE AND SAFE TO RESTORE FUNCTION OF CENTRAL TUNNELLED CATHETER FOR HAEMODIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Still many end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are dialysed using central tunnelled catheters (CTC) as vascular access. Catheter thrombosis and is a dominant, non-infectious CTC complication. There are a number protocols established, to resolve the problem, all are not always effective, time as well as cost consuming. Method The modified maneuver of non-invasive tunnelled catheter reposition (mNTCR) was introduced and studied, to obtain an immediate haemodialysis start, in case of CTC dysfunction. The NTCR is based on gentle movements of CTC or its part, with CTC lines flushing which resulted with quick CTC's tip reposition. The study was a continuation of previously published with modification including mandatory CTC lines flushing and locking lines with antithrombotic agent after the dialysis session. Results A number of 205 mNTCR were performed in 110 patients with CTC. Effective blood flow CTC was obtained after 115 procedures (56%), partial function followed 73 procedures (35,6%), and 17 attempts (8%) failed. Over 90% interventions improved a CTC patency allowing start of effective haemodialysis. The procedure could be successfully repeated with similar effect after the first, and the second attempt (28 vs 22 hemodialyses performed respectively). In the group of 50 elderly patients (median age 74 years) with CTC as the only vascular access, mNTCR was successful in 31 patients allowing dialysis continuation for median period 54 months. The mNTCR is safe as minor complications were observed after 5,1% of all procedures. Conclusion The novel mNTCR manoeuvre was safe and effective in a majority cases of CTC dysfunction. It permitted immediate dialysis without time consuming fibrinolytic agents usage protocols before the dialysis session, saving costs and nursing staff time.

#5245 SUCCESSFUL THROMBOLYSIS OF AN ATRIAL TUNNELED DIALYSIS CATHETER AS A LAST RESORT VASCULAR ACCESS

Abstract Background and Aims The prolonged survival of patients on dialysis has resulted in a higher frequency of complications and failure related to vascular access. As a result, the situation of depleted vasculature in hemodialysis is becoming increasingly prevalent. The use of an atrial tunneled dialysis catheter (ATDC) has been reported as an effective solution for vascular access in these patients, but limited data is available on the associated complications, particularly thrombosis. Method This study reports the experience of a single nephrology center in Tunis with thrombosis of an ATDC as a last resort vascular access for dialysis. Results A 32-year-old patient with undetermined tubulo-interstitial nephropathy receiving dialysis presented in November 2022 with depleted vasculature. An ATDC was inserted as a final solution for vascular access, with an initial complication of a catheter-related bloodstream infection, which was resolved with broad-spectrum antibiotics with favorable results. One month later, dialysis could not be initiated through the ATDC. Catheter thrombosis was diagnosed as a guidewire was unable to pass through the catheter's lumen. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolysis using 50 mg of Alteplase, allowing dialysis to be resumed with a blood flow of 300 mL/min. Conclusion ATDC is a lifesaving and safe option for patients with depleted vasculature, with only 51 cases reported since 1999 [1]. The treatment of catheter thrombosis is not well defined, and to the best of our knowledge, no thrombolysis protocol has been established. This successful case may contribute to filling the knowledge gap in this field.

#5111 HEMODIALYSIS TUNNELED CATHETERS LOCK WITH TAUROLOCK™ VERSUS A COMBINATION OF GENTAMYCINE AND HEPARINE

Abstract Background and Aims Catheter-associated infections (CAIs) and thrombosis (CAT) are the most common complications, associated with the use of tunneled catheters for hemodialysis. The incidence of infections is about 1.8-6.5/1000 catheter-days, and thromboses are the main cause of catheter dysfunction and loss of vascular access in 30-40% of patients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of these complications in patients in whom we used prophylactic “locking” of their tunneled catheters. Method The patients included in the study signed an Informed Consent (№29.06.2021) approved by the Research Ethics Committee at MU-Pleven. The study was conducted in the period 01.10.2021 - 31.03.2022, a total of six months. The study included 23 men and 22 women with an average age of 60.82 (+/-13,629) years, and the age difference between the three groups can be considered insignificant (P = .046). All patients had tunneled catheters placed &amp;gt;3 months ago (mean duration was 714 +/- 247 catheter-days) as the only vascular access for hemodialysis treatment. After a clinical examination and a negative result of two blood cultures, the patients were randomly divided into three groups of 15 (fifteen) people each, a total of 45 (forty-five) participants: group A – locking the catheter only with TauroLock™ (Tauropharm, Waldbüttelbrunn, Germany), group B – locking with gentamicin (10 mg/ml) and heparin (1250 IU/ml) and group C – locking with TauroLock™ for three months, then – with heparin and gentamicin for the next three months of the study. Patients were monitored for the major complications of catheter-related infection (CRI) and catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). All data was statistically processed with Statgraphics 19. Results The median duration for tunneled catheters was 8,105 catheter-days (CD). One complication was reported in each of the three groups: group A – one case of CRI, groups B and C – one case of CRT each. No cases of catheter-associated bloodstream infection, requiring prolonged treatment and catheter thrombosis, requiring replacement of the tunneled catheter were reported. Reported costs for patients treated with TauroLock™ were calculated at 3 EUR/each dialysis session, and for patients treated with gentamicin and heparin – 0.88 EUR/dialysis session. Conclusion The data from our study unequivocally support the thesis that locking the catheter with a solution containing TauroLock™ is comparable to the effect of locking the catheter with a solution containing an antibiotic and anticoagulant. In the short term, the difference in the price of medicines is significant, but it does not exceed the potential losses of public funds in the medium and long term. We recommend the use of a similar prophylactic regimen in all patients with tunneled catheters as the only possible vascular access for hemodialysis or with an expected duration of use greater than ninety days.

Clinical factors of PICC-RVT in cancer patients: a meta-analysis.

There is a lack of studies that systematically evaluate the clinical factors of PICC-RVT such as treatment, tumor stage, metastasis, and chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the clinical factors of catheter-related venous thrombosis in cancer patients with indwelling PICC to provide a basis for the clinical prevention and reduction of thrombosis. Relevant studies were retrieved from major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and China Biology Medicine disc (CMB)) and searched from their earliest available dates until July 2022. If two or more studies had the same outcome, a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1 was performed. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (number CRD42022358426). A total of 19 articles involving 19,824 patients were included for quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis of these studies indicated that a history of chemotherapy, tumor type, tumor stage, presence or absence of metastasis, and use of fluorouracil, etoposide, platinum drugs, and taxane were all risk factors for PICC catheter thrombosis in cancer patients. In clinical PICC catheter thrombosis prevention, patients with the above characteristics should be watched more closely than other patients, as they have a higher risk for PICC catheter thrombosis. Based on the present evidence at hand, radiotherapy cannot be considered to be related to the formation of PICC-RVT in cancer patients.

Case report: Central venous catheter thrombosis complicated by chronic thromboembolic disease/pulmonary hypertension in two children requiring parenteral nutrition

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a rare but life-threatening complication of long-term central venous catheters (CVC) in children. However, evidence in terms of potential treatment strategies and outcome data remains scarce. We describe two cases of CVC-related thrombosis (Hickman-catheter) complicated by recurrent pulmonary emboli. One patient experienced a complete thromboembolic obstruction of the right pulmonary artery with normal pulmonary pressures and the second patient suffered from a central thromboembolic obstruction of both pulmonary arteries associated with severe pulmonary hypertension. Both patients successfully underwent surgical thromboendarterectomy with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

511 Mobilization with Femoral Catheters in the Burn Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series

Abstract Introduction Femoral catheters are a known barrier for ICU therapy sessions and mobility progression due to the anatomical location and potential risk of complications. Safety and feasibility of mobilization has been studied in ICU populations but has not been explored specifically within the burn population. Burn survivors in the ICU have challenges in terms of line access and are at high risk of complications concerning thrombosis A previous retrospective study found that 21% of mobility sessions within the burn ICU on vented patients were limited due to line limitations. This case review was completed following implementation of new mobility guidelines allowing the mobilization of patients with femoral catheters within the burn ICU. Methods This retrospective case series was completed in the first year following implementation of new femoral catheter mobility guidelines within a 15-bed adult burn unit. Burn therapy notes were reviewed for burn admissions with at least one femoral catheter in place, including arterial and central lines. Mobility was recorded based on achieved activity levels achieved during each session. Passive interventions (stretching, ROM, and positioning) were excluded. Results 13 patients were admitted with a total of 55 femoral catheters (8 arterial, 46 central venous) treated. Patients were seen by PT and OT for a combined 417 sessions with lines in place. A total of 65 active therapy sessions occurred with 112 mobility activities including bed exercises/cycle ergometry (11), chair mode (13), cardiac chair transfer (28), tilt table (1), sitting on the side of the bed (32), standing (15), active chair transfers (8), and ambulation (4). No catheter related complications including catheter malfunctions, removal, bleeding, or thrombosis occurred during any therapy sessions. Conclusions Active therapy sessions including out of bed activities are safe and feasible in burn ICU patients with femoral catheters. Early mobilization within ICU settings is necessary in preventing complications, combating muscle wasting, and improving long term outcomes for survivors. This study supports that the presence of femoral catheters alone should not limit the progression of mobility interventions. Applicability of Research to Practice Using clinical judgement and specialty training, burn therapists can safely mobilize burn ICU patients with femoral catheters in place.

Cuffed-tunneled catheters in hemodialysis patients: problems and solution methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study

Background/Aim: Cuffed-tunneled catheter patients encounter various problems during their catheterization period. Early detection and resolution of these problems prolong the life of the catheter. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the problems and solution methods of cuffed-tunneled catheters in hemodialysis patients during their use in light of our experience and literature. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study. Twenty-four months of patient data who had a diagnosis of renal failure and who received cuffed-tunneled hemodialysis catheters between January 2013 and June 21 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine were analyzed electronically based on the hospital data recording system. The demographic characteristics, localization of the inserted catheter, and duration of catheter use were determined. Primary and secondary patency ratios were calculated and recorded along with the complications in the patients and our treatment approaches to these complications. Finally, the collected data were discussed with reference to the literature data. Results: The data from 322 cuffed-tunneled catheters were collected in a total of 228 patients during the observation period. It was found that no revision procedure was applied to 73 patients (catheter) during the 24-month period, and a total of 204 revision procedures were applied to 155 patients. The revision procedure consisted of 110 thrombolytic treatments, 64 vein exchanges, 18 tunnel changes, and 12 catheter changes. Primary and secondary patency ratios at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were calculated as 90.79%, 63.60%, 40.11%, and 32.02% and 96.05%, 89.91%, 72.37%, and 58.33%, respectively. The most common factors that affected primary and secondary patency ratios were determined to be gender (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.056, respectively), body mass index (P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.001, respectively) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.018 and P=0.690, respectively). Conclusion: Thrombolytic treatment is an effective and safe method in catheter thrombosis, which is one of the most important factors rendering the cuffed-tunneled hemodialysis catheters dysfunctional. Also, in tunnel infections, tunnel replacement is a salvage procedure in patients with vascular access problems.

Evaluation of non-infectious complications in children receiving parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition may lead to inevitable complications. To determine the indications, metabolic and mechanical complications of parenteral nutrition in children. One hundred fifty-eight children (91 males; 57.8%) who received 179 episodes of individualized parenteral nutrition for ≥ 5days within 2years were analyzed. Indications and duration of parenteral nutrition, effect on growth, and metabolic and central venous catheter-related non-infectious complications were evaluated. Parenteral nutrition was administered in 179 different episodes (109 males; 60.9%), and the median age during these episodes was 64.0 (14.0-129.0) months. The most common indications were hematological malignancies, gastrointestinal surgery, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Most of the electrolyte imbalances occurred in the first 3days. Hypophosphatemia (44.7%), hypomagnesemia (43.0%), hypokalemia (43.0%), hyponatremia (40.8%), and hypertriglyceridemia (38.2%) were the most common metabolic complications. Liver transaminases elevated in 32/145 (22.1%) episodes and bilirubin in 30/149 (21.0%). Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment was added to 25 patients with hypertransaminasemia and/or hyperbilirubinemia. Transaminase levels improved in 16 (64%) and bilirubin levels in 15 (60%) patients receiving ursodeoxycholic acid. Catheter thrombosis was seen in 4.5% of the episodes. The targeted energy could be given more efficiently via central catheters rather than peripheral venous accesses. Patients' bodyweights increased in 39.1% of the episodes. Close monitoring of electrolyte levels, especially in the first 3days, is crucial to prevent complications of parenteral nutrition. When individualized PN preparations are used for metabolically unstable patients, it can be easier to maintain the blood glucose, lipids, and electrolyte levels within the normal range.