Central Venous Catheter Insertion Site Research Articles

Should Blood Cultures Be Drawn Through an Indwelling Catheter?

There is no practical way to definitively diagnose a catheter-related bloodstream infection in situ if blood cultures are only obtained percutaneously unless there is the rare occurrence of purulent drainage from a central venous catheter insertion site. That is why the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines for diagnosis and management of catheter-related bloodstream infections and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines for evaluation of fever in critically ill patients both recommend drawing blood cultures from a central venous catheter and percutaneously if the catheter is a suspected source of infection. However, central venous catheter-drawn blood cultures may be more likely to be positive reflecting catheter hub, connector, or intraluminal colonization, and many hospitals in the United States discourage blood culture collection from catheters in an effort to reduce reporting of central-line associated bloodstream infections to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As such, clinical decisions are made regarding catheter removal or other therapeutic interventions based on incomplete and potentially inaccurate data. We urge clinicians to obtain catheter-drawn blood cultures when the catheter may be the source of suspected infection.

763 Is Central Venous Catheter the Main Culprit for Clinically Significant Venous Thromboembolism in Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant clinical problem for burn patients. The incidence of VTE has been reported as 0.25% to 47.1%. Known risk factors include large burn size, increasing age, male gender, active smoker or alcohol use, blood transfusion and surgeries. Central venous line (CVL) use is also a known risk factor for VTE. With all the known factors, we retrospectively analyzed our patients with VTE. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on a single institution burn center in the calendar year of 2022. Pediatric patients were excluded. Following data were collected: age, burn size, mechanism, length of hospital stays, VTE diagnosis, VTE chemoprophylaxis, and central venous line days. VTE diagnosis was made using CT venogram or ultrasound. This project was a quality improvement initiative. Results There were 420 patients in the study period. Of all the admitted patients, there were 6 patients diagnosed with 7 VTE. One patient had 2 separate diagnoses of VTE at 2 distinct period and anatomical site. The incidence of VTE is 1.7%. Upon further chart review, all the VTE were at the site of central venous catheters. All the patients were on VTE chemoprophylaxis. The correlation between burn size, age, length of hospital stay and VTE was not significant. Conclusions Risk of VTE is high in burn patients due to the correlation with the Virchow’s Triad. All the patients admitted to the burn unit are placed on chemoprophylaxis unless contraindicated. The 7 patients diagnosed with VTE were on chemoprophylaxis. All the VTE were at the site of central venous catheter insertion sites, which is a known complication of catheters. The incident of 1.7% is on par with VTE incidents of burn patients, but much less than VTE caused by central venous catheters in non-burn patients. Large multicenter data collection is needed to validate this finding. Applicability of Research to Practice Directly appliable

Anatomical analysis of Sedillot's triangle as a reliable landmark for insertion of central venous catheters in neonates using a central approach

IntroductionSurgeons employ central venous catheterization as a therapeutic or preventive measure in the pediatric population. These catheters are introduced into the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins using the central approach, involving the insertion of the needle into the apex of Sedillot's triangle, a well-defined anatomical reference point. Using a neonatal sample, this study ascertained the precise positioning of the internal jugular vein to evaluate its suitability as a central venous catheter insertion site. We also determined the location of the vein in relation to Sedillot's triangle. Materials and methodsNineteen formalin-fixed neonatal cadavers, encompassing both the left and right sides of the neck region (totaling 38 sides), were dissected to expose the underlying soft tissues and neurovascular structures. Thereafter, the three boundaries of Sedillot's triangle were identified, demarcated, and measured. The internal jugular vein's position within Sedillot's triangle was meticulously recorded, and the diameter of the vein was measured. ResultsAmong the 38 sides examined, only three exhibited fully formed triangles, with most of the samples featuring a groove instead. When the needle was placed at the apex of Sedillot's triangle (or within the groove), the needle consistently accessed the internal jugular vein only 65.8% of the time. In 23.7% of cases, the apex was observed lateral to the internal jugular vein, and in 10.5% of cases, the apex was positioned medially. ConclusionThe apex of Sedillot's triangle is an unreliable anatomical landmark for the insertion of central venous catheters in neonates. Caution should be exercised when employing this landmark in the absence of ultrasound guidance.

PB1815: T(8;16)(P11;P13): A RARE CASE OF ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;16) is a rare AML subtype (0.2% in adult setting) that represents a distinct clinical entity, often therapy-related. t(8;16)(p11;p13) involves MYST histone acetyltransferarse 3 (MYST3) gene on chromosome 8p11 and cAMP response element binding protein (CREBBP) gene on chromosome 16p13. Both genes code for proteins with histone acetyltransferase activity crucial for cell cycle control. Pediatric t(8;16) AML may be associated with extramedullary disease, high rate of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), FAB M4 or M5 morphology. In neonatal cases spontaneus regression is frequently observed. Aims: To report on a pediatric case of the rare AML with t(8;16)(p11;p13). Methods: A 12 year-old female was hospitalized for hypermenorrhea, drop attack, fatigue and leukocytosis. Clinical examination showed: paleness, diffuse pain, petechiae to the oral mucosa. No organomegaly was detected. At peripheral blood cells count she had serum hemoglobin of 5 g/dL, 78.900/mm3 White Blood Cells (WBC) and 96.000/mm3 platelets. Fibrinogen was diminished (32 mg/dL; range 150-400 mg/dL) while D-Dimers were elevated (30.644 ng/ml; Range 0-500) as laboratory signs of DIC. Peripheral blood smear showed myeloid blasts. Platelets and plasma transfusions were performed. Myeloid blast combined to DIC suggested acute promyelocitic leukemia presumptive diagnosis but t(15;17) was not found at PCR rapid test. Bone marrow observation confirmed AML-M5 diagnosis with monocytoid blasts infiltrate. Central Nervous System involvement was ruled out by lumbar puncture. The patient was enrolled in AIEOP LAM 2013-01 protocol. Before first chemotherapy administration, spontaneous WBC reduction was observed (6.730/mm3). The hemorrhagic diathesis worsened drammatically during the second day of chemotherapy with bleeding from the central venous catheter insertion site. The blood tests revealed rapid decrease of WBC to 1.240/mm3, platelet and fibrinogen respectively to 34.000/mm3 and 57 mg/dL, while D-Dimers raised to 113.304 ng/ml and INR became 2.04. During the following days of chemotherapy, the performance status of the patient improved and the bleeding episodes decreased. WBC count progressively declined while platelet count and fibrinogen level gradually raised to better values; D-Dimers level and INR progressively recovered too. Bone marrow molecular biology revealed the presence of t(8;16)(p11;p13). In addition, a complex karyotipe (45XX,t(8;16)(p11;p13),-9[4]/46XX,t(8;16)(p11;p13),-9,+21[1]/46XX[1]) was found during the cytogenetic tests. According to protocol LAM 2013-01, both these features are predictive of poor prognosis, therefore the patient was enrolled in the high risk therapeutic outline, receiving four cycles of chemotherapy (ICE, ICE, AVE, HAM) and bone marrow transplantation. She achieved hematological complete remission after the first cycle of chemotherapy, maintaining that until an HLA identical sibling bone marrow transplant was performed. Results: Actually, 7 months after the trasplant, the patient is in complete remission. Summary/Conclusion: t(8;16) AML is a rare pediatric leukemia, characterized by M4/M5 morphology, high frequency of extramedullar involvement, complex karyotipe and DIC. Spontaneous remission often occur in neonatal cases. In our case, the presence of t(8;16) could explain the WBC reduction before the administration of chemotherapy. The knowledge of this entity is importat to quickly recognize the correct diagnosis and to begin the proper therapy as soon as possible, avoiding major complications due to coagulopathy.

Comparison of Efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate-Alcohol and 10% Povidone-Iodine-Alcohol against Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections and Bacterial Colonization at Central Venous Catheter Insertion Sites: A Prospective, Single-Center, Open-Label, Crossover Study.

An effective antiseptic agent is an essential component of a central venous catheter (CVC) care bundle, to protect against catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). We conducted a trial to compare the incidences of CRBSI and the growth of insertion site flora in patients with CVC using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate–alcohol (CHG) or 10% povidone-iodine–alcohol (PVI) in the CVC care bundle. Patients who were admitted to two medical intensive care units (ICUs) and had CVC placement for >48 h were enrolled. Using a two-way crossover design with two six-month interventions, the ICUs were assigned to use either CHG or PVI in their care bundles. A total of 446 catheters in 390 subjects were enrolled in the study. The detection rate of flora was greater in the PVI group on both day 7 (26.6% versus 6.3%, p < 0.001) and day 14 (43.2% versus 15.8%, p < 0.001). The incidence rate of CRBSI was higher in the PVI group compared to the CHG group (2.15 vs. 0 events per 1000-catheter-days, p = 0.001), although the significance was lost in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, 2% CHG was superior to 10% PVI in the CVC care bundle in terms of the inhibition of skin flora growth at CVC insertion sites and was potentially associated with lower incidence rates of CRBSI.

An audit of central venous catheter insertion and management practices in an Australian tertiary intensive care unit: A quality improvement project

IntroductionCentral venous catheters are often used in managing critically ill patients. Clinical practice guidelines and care bundles exist to prevent central line associated blood stream infections; however, detailed adherence to these guidelines and care bundles is unclear. AimThis study was aimed to describe clinicians’ adherence to recommended practices in central venous catheter insertion and management. MethodA cross-sectional prospective observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of an Australian tertiary hospital over a four-month period. We observed a total of 50 nurses during post insertion management, and 10 physicians during central venous catheter insertion using purposely designed observation tools. ResultsOur audit identified 90% adherence to recommended practices in central venous catheter insertion and 60% to post insertion management. However, there were areas where participants’ practices were not congruent with evidence-based recommendations, including choice of central venous catheter insertion site, type of central venous catheters, dressing choice, aseptic technique, and documentation. ConclusionOur audit showed a detailed picture of clinician’s adherence to recommended practices in central venous catheter insertion and management. A clearer understanding of the barriers and facilitators of issues identified is needed to inform the design of future interventions to reduce central line related blood stream infections in the unit.

Contribution of Coagulopathy on the Risk of Bleeding After Central Venous Catheter Placement in Critically Ill Thrombocytopenic Patients.

Single-center retrospective cohort study. Academic mixed ICU in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Consecutive severely thrombocytopenic (platelet count ≤ 50 × 109/L) patients who underwent central venous catheter placement between February 2016 and February 2020. Central venous catheter placement in patients with both severe thrombocytopenia and severe coagulopathy (international normalized ratio > 1.5 and/or activated partial thromboplastin time > 45 s) versus patients with severe thrombocytopenia and normal or mildly prolonged international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time. We included 289 central venous catheter placements in 175 patients, 112 in patients with and 172 in patients without severe coagulopathy. Median (interquartile range) platelet count was 27 (16-38) and equal for both groups. There were 44 bleeding episodes at the central venous catheter insertion site (15.5%), of which four (1.4%) were grade 2 and two (0.7%) were grade 3. There were 19 bleeding episodes (17.0%) versus 25 bleeding episodes (14.5%) in the coagulopathy and noncoagulopathy groups, of which one and five were of grade 2 or higher, respectively. After correction for confounders, coagulopathy had no effect on bleeding: odds ratio (95% CI) 0.96 (0.24-3.88). Before central venous catheter placement, 116 (40.8%) patients received platelet transfusion. Bleeding at the central venous catheter insertion site occurred in 19 of 116 patients (16.4%) and 25 of 168 patients (14.9%) who did and did not receive platelet transfusion. After correction for confounders, platelet transfusion had no effect on bleeding: odds ratio (95% CI) 0.73 (0.18-2.83). Coagulopathy was not associated with an increased bleeding risk in severely thrombocytopenic ICU patients undergoing ultrasound guided central venous catheter placement. Prophylactic platelet transfusion in patients with severe thrombocytopenia was not associated with a reduced risk of bleeding.

Risk of infectious complications in adult patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation depending on the site of central venous catheter insertion-multicenter prospective observational study, from the IDWP EBMT and Nurses Group of EBMT.

The current guidelines for prevention of infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) do not specify which central venous catheter (CVC) insertion site should be preferred in allogeneic HSCT recipients-internal jugular vein (IJV) or subclavian vein (SCV). We designed a multicenter prospective observational study comparing the risk of infectious and non-infectious complications between the two most common sites of CVC insertion (IJV and SCV) in allogeneic HSCT. There were in total 232 consecutive patients (86 IJV and 146 SCV) who underwent adult allogeneic HSCT reported from 11 centers in 8 countries. The center independent analysis of central line associated/related blood stream infections with ECDC criteria has shown statistically significant difference favoring SCV (23% IJV vs 13% SCV (OR 2.03 (1.01-4.06), p = 0.047)). The differences in CLABSI per 1000 days of CVC use favored SCV over IJV (7.93/1000 days IJV vs 2.79/1000 days SCV, p = 0.002). The frequency of all non-infectious complications was similar in both arms-13% IJV and 12% SCV (OR 1.1 (0.5-2.5), p = 0.8). This multicenter prospective study showed statistically significant lower confirmed number of CLABSI per 1000 days of CVC use without higher risk of noninfectious complications related to the subclavian insertion site in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Multidisciplinary Central-Line Bundle Audit Rounding: A Strategy to Reduce CLABSIs

Background: Central venous catheter (CVC) maintenance bundle elements, including labeling IV tubing and dressings, consistently changing them, intact dressings, and dry healthy insertion sites, together have been shown to reduce risks of developing central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).1,2 CLABSIs are a significant, but preventable, cause of mortality among critically ill patients.3 In the last 12 months, the 16-bed medical intensive care unit (MICU) at a large, urban, academic facility had 2,621 central-line days, presenting many opportunities for CLABSI prevention. During that time, weekly observations assessed compliance with CVC maintenance bundle elements. Interventions: Multidisciplinary rounds were conducted to monitor nursing staff adherence to CVC maintenance bundle elements. The following bundle elements observed during rounds: (1) Is central-line dressing occlusive/intact? (2) Is CVC insertion site healthy with no redness/drainage? (3) Is CVC dressing labeled with insertion date? (4) Date/time of last dressing change adheres to policy? (4) All CVC tubing is labeled with date/time? (5) All CVC tubing dates adhere to policy? (6) If stopcock is present, is cap present over unused port? “Just-in-time” staff coaching was employed when noncompliance was observed. Findings were sent to leadership for manager follow-up. Staff were informed about products available within the hospital, which can improve dressing adherence and mitigate insertion-site bleeding. Education was provided to staff defining exact requirements for CVC dressings. The acronym “IDOL” was used to help remind staff of these fundamentals: (1) Intact dressing borders are well adhered, with &lt;50% of the white border detached. (2) Drainage should be within the chlorhexidine square. (3) Occlusive means no bubbles, kinks, or wrinkles in the dressing. (4) Labeling is required and must include insertion date, date/time of change, and initials. Results: In the first 2 months of rounds, overall compliance averaged 85%. Compliance increased to an average of 91% during the subsequent 10 months. Early on, most fallouts were found with dressings not occlusive or intact and excessive drainage from insertion sites. Initially, 71% of sites were without excess drainage, and 57% of dressings were occlusive or intact. These measures increased to 83% and 89%, respectively, after the interventions. A 50% decrease in the number of CLABSIs was observed during the observation period, compared to the previous 12-month period. Conclusions: Consistent use of bundles has been shown to significantly improve patient outcomes with regard to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).3 Frequent observations, education to define staff expectations, and holding staff accountable have all helped improve compliance with maintenance bundle elements. Preventing CLABSIs is not only important for patient safety and quality of care. Regulatory and accrediting agencies are now increasing their focus on infections and are tying them to reimbursement.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Influence of the Insertion Site on Central Venous Catheter-Related Complications in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are extensively used in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In these patients CVC are placed routinely either via the internal jugular vein (IJV) or the subclavian vein (SCV). Purpose of this study was to systematically analyze complications of CVC at different insertion sites in HCT recipients. In this retrospective analysis, all consecutive patients (n=56) who received a CVC (n=101) due to allogeneic HCT at our institution between January 2011 and June 2013 were included. Three-lumen standard, nontunneled CVCs were placed via either the IJV (n=60; 59%) or the SCV (n=41; 41%). Study endpoints were time to local inflammation at the insertion site, time to fever, time to a combined endpoint of inflammation and fever, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), duration of catheterization, catheter lumen obstruction, deep-vein thrombosis, pneumothorax, and catheter-related death. The median duration of catheterization per CVC was almost identical for the IJV and SCV sites (18 days versus 17 days; P not significant). There were no differences in the frequency of CLABSI, deep-vein thrombosis, pneumothorax, and catheter lumen obstruction between IJV and SCV CVC insertion sites. None of the patients died due to a CVC-related cause. Local inflammation occurred less frequently (48% versus 71%; P = .025) and later (median time to local inflammation, 25 days versus 12 days; P = .01) in IJV CVCs versus SCV CVCs. There was a trend toward a median longer time to the occurrence of fever for IJV CVCs compared with SCV CVCs (20 days versus 13 days; P=.07). In the multivariate analysis, diagnosis of acute leukemia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.696; P = .036), SCV CVC (HR, 1.617; P =.039), and neutropenic CVC-days (HR, 2.477; P = .01) were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of local inflammation or fever. In contrast to earlier studies in patients without hematologic malignancies, these data demonstrate that CVCs placed in the SCV are not superior over IJV CVCs. Moreover, local inflammation occurred earlier and more frequently in patients with an SCV CVC.

Maintenance antisepsis in reducing the rate of late-onset central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection: A comparison of 0.05% and 1% chlorhexidine

BackgroundBundled measures have been recommended to reduce the risk of central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infection. However, the importance of each procedure involved in CVC insertion/management for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) has not been thoroughly assessed. We aimed to analyze the effectiveness of maintenance antisepsis at the CVC insertion site in reducing the CRBSI risk through comparing the use of 0.05% chlorhexidine to 1% chlorhexidine. Patients and methodsIn the South Miyagi Medical Center, Japan, 372 patients with a CVC who had undergone antisepsis maintenance using 0.05% chlorhexidine swabs 12 months prior to implementing 1% chlorhexidine swabs, and 344 patients at 12 months post-implementation of 1% chlorhexidine swabs, were followed prospectively for the development of CRBSI and signs of infection, and their data compared. ResultsPost-implementation of the 1% chlorhexidine swabs, the CRBSI rate decreased from 3.64/1000 catheter-days to 1.77/1000 catheter-days. The risk of CRBSI decreased to 0.465 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.216–1.001). Furthermore, the risk of CRBSI ≥20 days after CVC insertion decreased to 0.200 (95% CI: 0.049–0.867); however, we found no difference between 0.05% and 1% chlorhexidine use within 19 days of CVC insertion. The increased number of patients with insertion site tenderness after implementing 1% chlorhexidine indicated a possible adverse effect of chlorhexidine. ConclusionMaintenance antisepsis with 1% chlorhexidine decreased the risk of developing CRBSI ≥20 days after CVC insertion, indicating the effectiveness of antisepsis with 1% chlorhexidine. Our data highlight the importance of maintenance antisepsis in reducing the rate of late-phase CRBSI.

TRAINING OF CHILDREN'S AND ADOLESCENTS' FAMILY MEMBERS IN HOME PARENTERAL NUTRITION CARE.

ABSTRACTObjective: To report the experience of the training in home parenteral nutrition (PN) directed to family members of children and adolescents participating in a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program of a tertiary public hospital.Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with family caregivers of patients from the Intestinal Rehabilitation Program of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, from July/2014 to January/2017. Inclusion criteria: family members of children aged 30 days to 17 years and estimated PN use ≥8 weeks; and family members motivated to care for the child. The training covered: hand washing and disinfection; infusion pump handling; and central venous catheter (CVC) and PN care. Outcomes assessed: catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate, accidental CVC exit, end of PN infusion with more than 60minutes of delay or advance compared to the time predicted, mechanical obstruction, bleeding in the CVC insertion site, and death.Results: Twenty-seven family members of 17 children were trained. Their median age was 28 (18-60) years, and 63% were mothers. The mean CRBSI rate was 1.7/1,000 days of CVC use, and 29.4% of patients had at least one episode of accidental CVC exit. There were no complications related to PN infusion, bleeding, or death.Conclusions: The training of family caregivers allowed the safe implementation of home PN, with the active participation of families, making the procedure feasible in the public health system in Brazil.

The Influence of Nursing Technique Applied at the Central Venous Catheter Insertion Site Upon the Incidence of Infection

The Influence of Nursing Technique Applied at the Central Venous Catheter Insertion Site Upon the Incidence of Infection

High rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation in a Brazilian Intensive Care Unit

ObjectiveTo evaluate the colonisation rate of Staphylococcus aureus in the oropharynx and the insertion site of central venous catheters in intensive care unit patients. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingBrazilian intensive care unit. MeasurementsSamples were collected from October to December 2015 from the oropharyngeal cavity and central venous catheter insertion site of 110 patients. Samples that presented growth of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated and their sensitivity profiles were tested for several antimicrobials. FindingsThe study participants (110) were mostly females older than 60 years (53.6%). The mean length of hospitalisation was 15.5 days (±31.3). A total of 188 biological samples were collected: 110 collected from the oropharynx and 78 from the central venous catheter insertion site. A 35% (n = 38/110) S. aureus colonisation rate of the patients was observed in at least one collection site. In the oropharynx alone, a 31% rate (n = 34/110) was found, and a 12.8% rate (n = 10/78) at central venous catheter insertion sites only. MRSA colonisation in the oropharynx or at the central venous catheter occurred in 29 (26.4%) patients and vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was present in 24 (22.4%) of the patients studied. Patients hospitalised for seven days or more were 4.8 times more likely to be colonised compared to patients hospitalised less than seven days (95% CI = 1.2–28.5). ConclusionThe oropharynx and the central venous catheter are important reservoirs of this bacterium that in critical conditions may become pathogenic. The data showed a high degree of resistance of the bacterial populations isolated to different drugs, which may hinder the control of these organisms.

Frequency of change of chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressings for central venous catheters in critically ill patients

Abstract Objectives: To identify the frequency of change of chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressings applied in central venous catheter insertion sites, describe reasons for dressing changes, and identify the amount of dressings used per adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: Descriptive study consisting of daily record of occurrence evaluation, reason for dressing change and quantity used per patient, between April and December 2014. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results: A total of 159 dressings were applied at the insertion site of 64 central venous catheters whose mean frequency of dressing changes was 3.04 days. The mean number of dressing per patient was 3.1, but 83 unscheduled changes occurred before 7 days of stay, due to detachment, wetness, soiling, and loss of dressing. Conclusion: The frequency of dressing changes was less than seven days, resulting in greater quantities of dressings per patient. Detachment was the most common reason for unscheduled dressing changes.

Culture-independent detection of chlorhexidine resistance genes qacA/B and smr in bacterial DNA recovered from body sites treated with chlorhexidine-containing dressings.

Dressings containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) are increasingly used in clinical environments for prevention of infection at central venous catheter insertion sites. Increased tolerance to this biocide in staphylococci is primarily associated with the presence of qacA/B and smr genes. We used a culture-independent method to assess the prevalence of these genes in 78 DNA specimens recovered from the skin of 43 patients at catheter insertion sites in the arm that were covered with CHG dressings. Of the 78 DNA specimens analysed, 52 (67 %) possessed qacA/B and 14 (18 %) possessed smr; all samples positive for smr were also positive for qacA/B. These prevalence rates were not statistically greater than those observed in a subsample of specimens taken from non-CHG treated contralateral arms and non-CHG-dressing exposed arms. A statistically greater proportion of specimens with greater than 72 h exposure to CHG dressings were qac-positive (P=0.04), suggesting that the patients were contaminated with bacteria or DNA containing qacA/B during their hospital stay. The presence of qac genes was not positively associated with the presence of DNA specific for Staphylococcusepidermidis and Staphylococcusaureus in these specimens. Our results show that CHG genes are highly prevalent on hospital patients' skin, even in the absence of viable bacteria.

Chlorhexidine-impregnated transparent dressings decrease catheter-related infections in hemodialysis patients: a quality improvement project.

Central venous catheters (CVC) are associated with increased infection rates, morbidity and mortality compared to other hemodialysis vascular access. Chlorhexidine-impregnated transparent (CHG-transparent) dressings allow for continuous antimicrobial exposure and easy visibility of the CVC insertion site. We conducted a quality improvement project to compare catheter-related infection (CRI) rates in two dressing regimens - CHG-transparent dressings and adhesive dry gauze dressing in hemodialysis patients with tunneled CVCs. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, CHG-transparent dressing was introduced to EDC hemodialysis unit, while EDG and EDN hemodialysis units, served as the control sites and maintained adhesive dry gauze dressing. Phase 2 of the study involved replacing the adhesive dry gauze dressing with CHG-transparent dressing at EDG and EDN and maintaining CHG-transparent dressing at EDC. CRI rates at each hemodialysis unit during the 12-month intervention were compared to CRI rates for the 12-month pre-intervention period for each study phase. CRI rates were also compared between all three hemodialysis units. In phase 1, CRI rates (per 1000 days) in EDC (intervention site) decreased by 52% (1.69 vs. 0.82, p<0.05) and increased by 12% (1.80 vs. 2.02, p = 0.75) at EDG, and 35% (0.91 vs. 1.23, p = 0.40) at EDN. In phase 2, CRI rates at EDG and EDN (intervention sites) decreased by 86% (1.86 vs. 0.26 p<0.05), and 53% (1.89 vs. 0.88, p<0.05), respectively, and decreased by 20% at EDC (0.73 vs. 0.58, p = 0.65). Replacing adhesive dry gauze dressing with CHG-transparent dressing for hemodialysis patients with tunneled CVC was associated with decreased CRI rates.

Chlorhexidine 2% and choice of transparent dressing increase skin reactions at central venous catheter insertion sites.

Infection at central venous catheter (CVC) sites remains a common problem, particularly with long-term use. This report discusses the influence of choice of transparent dressing type and chlorhexidine concentration on skin reactions at CVC insertion sites. A concentration of 2% chlorhexidine is associated with a higher rate of skin reactions than either 0.5% or 1% chlorhexidine. Higher chlorhexidine concentrations may not decrease the number of central line-associated bloodstream infections.

Skin antisepsis for reducing central venous catheter-related infections.

The central venous catheter (CVC) is a device used for many functions, including monitoring haemodynamic indicators and administering intravenous medications, fluids, blood products and parenteral nutrition. However, as a foreign object, it is susceptible to colonisation by micro-organisms, which may lead to catheter-related blood stream infection (BSI) and in turn, increased mortality, morbidities and health care costs. To assess the effects of skin antisepsis as part of CVC care for reducing catheter-related BSIs, catheter colonisation, and patient mortality and morbidities. In May 2016 we searched: The Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Epub Ahead of Print); Ovid EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trial registries for ongoing and unpublished studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed any type of skin antiseptic agent used either alone or in combination, compared with one or more other skin antiseptic agent(s), placebo or no skin antisepsis in patients with a CVC in place. Two authors independently assessed the studies for their eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We expressed our results in terms of risk ratio (RR), absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number need to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) for dichotomous data, and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Thirteen studies were eligible for inclusion, but only 12 studies contributed data, with a total of 3446 CVCs assessed. The total number of participants enrolled was unclear as some studies did not provide such information. The participants were mainly adults admitted to intensive care units, haematology oncology units or general wards. Most studies assessed skin antisepsis prior to insertion and regularly thereafter during the in-dwelling period of the CVC, ranging from every 24 h to every 72 h. The methodological quality of the included studies was mixed due to wide variation in their risk of bias. Most trials did not adequately blind the participants or personnel, and four of the 12 studies had a high risk of bias for incomplete outcome data.Three studies compared different antisepsis regimens with no antisepsis. There was no clear evidence of a difference in all outcomes examined, including catheter-related BSI, septicaemia, catheter colonisation and number of patients who required systemic antibiotics for any of the three comparisons involving three different antisepsis regimens (aqueous povidone-iodine, aqueous chlorhexidine and alcohol compared with no skin antisepsis). However, there were great uncertainties in all estimates due to underpowered analyses and the overall very low quality of evidence presented.There were multiple head-to-head comparisons between different skin antiseptic agents, with different combinations of active substance and base solutions. The most frequent comparison was chlorhexidine solution versus povidone-iodine solution (any base). There was very low quality evidence (downgraded for risk of bias and imprecision) that chlorhexidine may reduce catheter-related BSI compared with povidone-iodine (RR of 0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99; ARR 2.30%, 95% CI 0.06 to 3.70%). This evidence came from four studies involving 1436 catheters. None of the individual subgroup comparisons of aqueous chlorhexidine versus aqueous povidone-iodine, alcoholic chlorhexidine versus aqueous povidone-iodine and alcoholic chlorhexidine versus alcoholic povidone-iodine showed clear differences for catheter-related BSI or mortality (and were generally underpowered). Mortality was only reported in a single study.There was very low quality evidence that skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine may also reduce catheter colonisation relative to povidone-iodine (RR of 0.68, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.84; ARR 8%, 95% CI 3% to 12%; ; five studies, 1533 catheters, downgraded for risk of bias, indirectness and inconsistency).Evaluations of other skin antiseptic agents were generally in single, small studies, many of which did not report the primary outcome of catheter-related BSI. Trials also poorly reported other outcomes, such as skin infections and adverse events. It is not clear whether cleaning the skin around CVC insertion sites with antiseptic reduces catheter related blood stream infection compared with no skin cleansing. Skin cleansing with chlorhexidine solution may reduce rates of CRBSI and catheter colonisation compared with cleaning with povidone iodine. These results are based on very low quality evidence, which means the true effects may be very different. Moreover these results may be influenced by the nature of the antiseptic solution (i.e. aqueous or alcohol-based). Further RCTs are needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of different skin antisepsis regimens in CVC care; these should measure and report critical clinical outcomes such as sepsis, catheter-related BSI and mortality.

Comparison of alcoholic chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine cutaneous antiseptics for the prevention of central venous catheter-related infection: a cohort and quasi-experimental multicenter study.

Compare the effectiveness of different cutaneous antiseptics in reducing risk of catheter-related infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We compared the risk of central venous catheter-related infection according to four-step (scrub, rinse, dry, and disinfect) alcoholic 5% povidone-iodine (PVI-a, n=1521), one-step (disinfect) alcoholic 2% chlorhexidine (2% CHX-a, n=1116), four-step alcoholic <1% chlorhexidine (<1% CHX-a, n=357), and four-step aqueous 10% povidone-iodine (PVI, n=368) antiseptics used for cutaneous disinfection and catheter care during the 3SITES multicenter randomized controlled trial. Within this cohort, we performed a quasi-experimental study (i.e., before-after) involving the four ICUs which switched from PVI-a to 2%CHX-a. We used propensity score matching (PSM, n=776) and inverse probability weighting treatment (IPWT, n=1592). The end point was the incidence of catheter-related infection (CRI) defined as catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) or a positive catheter tip culture plus clinical sepsis on catheter removal. In the cohort analysis and compared with PVI-a, the incidence of CRI was lower with 2%CHX-a [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.28-0.96), p=0.037] and similar with <1%CHX-a [aHR, 0.73; (0.36-1.48), p=0.37] and PVI [aHR, 1.50; 95% CI (0.85-2.64), p=0.16] after controlling for potential confounders. In the quasi-experimental study and compared with PVI-a, the incidence of catheter-related infection was again lower with 2%CHX-a after PSM [HR, 0.35; 95% CI (0.15, 0.84), p=0.02] and in the IPWT analysis [HR, 0.31; 95% CI (0.14, 0.70), p=0.005]. The incidence of CRBSI or adverse event was not significantly different between antiseptics in all analyses. In comparison with PVI-a, the use of 2%CHX-a for cutaneous disinfection of the central venous catheter insertion site and maintenance catheter care was associated with a reduced risk of catheter infection, while the benefit of <1%CHX-a was uncertain. NCT01479153.