Home Parenteral Nutrition Days Research Articles

Changes in adult home parenteral nutrition practice over 25 years

Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is the established treatment of intestinal failure. This study considers the changes in practice in a single UK centre over the past twenty-five years. Data was culled from a database used for clinical care and maintained prospectively. Two hundred and five patients were included from 1993 to 2018. Patient numbers increased from 22 during 1999-2003 to 158 during 2014-2018. The median age at discharge increased from 52 years during 1999-2003 to 59 years during 2014-2018. Thirty percent of patients discharged during 1999-2003 had Crohn's disease, reducing to 14% during 2014-2018. Fifteen percent of patients discharged during 1999-2003 had small bowel fistula or obstruction in comparison to 44% during 2014-2018. Only 18 patients were treated with palliative intent, the majority in recent years. An increasing number of patients required help with HPN care over the years. Survival in non-palliative patients was 85% at 1 year, 67% at 3 years, 53% at 5 years and 42% at 10 years. The majority of deaths were due to underlying disease and only 5 of 55 deaths were attributed to HPN alone. HPN dependence in non-palliative patients was 73% at 1 year, 59% at 3 years, 56% at 5 years and 43% at 10 years. Fifty eight patients stopped HPN after reconstructive surgery. Patients experienced 5.1 admissions/1000 HPN days (64.7 admission days/1000 HPN days). Admission rate did not change over the years though the percentage due to catheter problems fell from 52% to 40% while the percentage due to underlying disease or unrelated cause rose. The increase in numbers, age and dependency of HPN patients requires increasing resource and consideration of new models of service. Many patients with short bowel syndrome now survive to old age and the care needs of the HPN patient who has become elderly can be complex. A significant proportion of patients are being referred for HPN as a bridge to reconstructive surgery after surgical complication and this requires close involvement of gastrointestinal surgeons in HPN teams. The need for hospital admissions remains a burden for HPN patients and there is scope for changes in service provision to try to reduce hospital days.

Pediatric Home Parenteral Nutrition in France: A six years national survey

Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is the cornerstone management for children suffering from chronic intestinal failure (CIF). In France, HPN is organized from a network of 7 certified centers located in University Hospitals spread across the national territory. This study aims to review the data involving children on HPN over a 6-years period in France to outline the global and continuous improvement in care.This cross-sectional study included all children enrolled in any of the 7 French HPN certified centers from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2019. Data was recorded from annual databases provided by each center regarding: age at inclusion, indication and duration of HPN, type of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE), outcome [PN weaning off, transfer to adult center, death, intestinal transplantation (ITx)], rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRSBIs) for 1000 days of HPN, Taurolidine lock procedure (TLP) use and prevalence of cholestasis defined as conjugated bilirubin ≥20 μmol/l.The number of patients increased by 43.6% from 268 in 2014 to 385 in 2019. According to the year of follow up, the indications for HPN were short bowel syndrome (SBS) (42.3-46.6%), congenital enteropathies (CE) (18.5-22.8%), chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome (CIPOS) (13.0-16.3%), long segment Hirschsprung's disease (LSHD) (9.7-13.3%), Crohn's disease (CD) (1.6-2.6%) and other non-primary digestive diseases (NPDD) such as immune deficiency, cancer or metabolic disease (4.0-9.2%). The median age at discharge on HPN decreased from 11.7 months in 2014 to 8.3 months in 2019 (p < .001). By December 31st, 2019, 44.8% of children had left the HPN program after a median duration ranging between 39.9 and 66.4 months. Among these patients, 192 (74.2%) were weaned off PN (94.7% SBS), 41 (15.8%) were transferred to adult centers for CIPOS (42%), SBS (31%) or CE (27%), 21 died (8.1%) - mostly in relation to cancer or immune deficiency - and 5 were transplanted (1.9%): 4 underwent combined liver-intestine transplantation for LSHD (n = 2), SBS, CE and one multivisceral Tx for CIPOS. The use of a composite fish-oil based ILE increased from 67.4% in 2014 to 88.3% in 2019 (p < 0.001). CRBSIs dropped from 1.04 CRSBIs per 1000 days HPN in 2014 to 0.61 in 2019 (p < 0.001) while meantime, the percentage of children receiving TLP increased from 29.4% to 63.0% (p < 0.001). The prevalence of cholestasis (conjugated bilirubin ≥ 20 μmol/l) was low and stable between 4.1 and 5.9% of children during the study period.In France, the number of children enrolled in a HPN program continuously increased over a 6 years period. SBS is the leading cause of CIF requiring HPN. The rate of CRBSIs dropped dramatically as the use of TLP increased. Mortality rate was low and mainly in relation to the underlying disease (cancer, immune deficiency). Cholestasis and intestinal Tx remained very rare.

Our eight-year experience in home parenteral nutrition for adult patients

Background: home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a technique that allows increasing the survival of patients with intestinal failure. Aim: to study the evolution of home parenteral nutrition over the last 8 years in our center. Methods: a retrospective study of adult patients receiving HPN between 2011 and 2019. Study variables are expressed as frequency and mean ± SD (range). Parametric, non-parametric tests, and a survival analysis (p < 0.05) were applied. Results: the use of HPN showed a substantial increase (up to 154 %). A total of 76 patients received HPN, 76.32 % had an oncological pathology, and consequently the main indication was intestinal obstruction (56.58 %). Average duration was 11.12 ± 23.38 months (0.17-139.17). In all, 44.74 % experienced one or several complications, primarily catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) (27.63 %), and metabolic disorders (40.79 %), mainly of hepatic type. CRB rate was 2.25/1,000 days of HPN. The main cause of death was the underlying disease. Overall survival in case of benign conditions at 1, 3, and 5 years was 65.5 %, 53.6 %, and 40.2 %, respectively. In case of malignancy overall survival at 3 months was 55.1 %, at 6 months 28.7 %, and at 1 years 19.1 %. Conclusions: oncological disease was the primary condition that led to an indication in our center. It is the underlying pathology what determines prognosis, which must be taken into account at the time of selecting patients. The BRC rate obtained is susceptible to improvement, so it is essential that health education and a correct technique be encouraged.

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

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

A Home and Ambulatory Artificial Nutrition (NADYA) group report, Home Parenteral Nutrition in Spain, 2013.

To communicate the results of the Spanish Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE group for the year 2013. Data was recorded online by NADYA group collaborators that were responsible of the HPN follow-up from 1st January to 31st December 2013. A total of 197 patients and 202 episodes of HPN were registered from 35 hospitals that represents a rate of 4,22 patients/million habitants/year 2013. The median age was 53 years (IQR 40-64) for 189 adult patients and 7 months (IQR 6-35,5) for children. The most frequent disease in adults was neoplasm (30,7%) followed by other diseases (20,1%) and mesenteric ischemia (12,7%). Short bowel syndrome and intestinal obstruction (25,9%) were in 35.7% cases the indications for HPN. The most frequent diagnosis for children were the congenital intestinal disorders and other diagnosis, both with a (37,5%) and short bowel syndrome and intestinal obstruction were the indication for treatment, each was present in 50% of the sample. Tunneled catheters (50%) and subcutaneous reservoirs (27,7%) were frequently used. The septic complications related with catheter were commonly frequent with a rate of 0.74 infections/1000 HPN days. HPN duration presented a median of 1,69 days. A total of 86 episodes finalized during the year, death was the principal reason (45%), followed by "resumed oral via" (43,75%) while it happened inversely for children, 66,7% of them resumed oral via and 16,7% deceased. Fifteen per cent were considered for intestinal transplant, children were proportionally candidates, p-value 0.002. The number of participating centers and registered patients increased progressively respect to preceding years. Since 2003 Neoplasm is still being the principal pathological group. Death is adult's principal reason for finalizing HPN and "resuming oral via" for children. Despite that NADYA registry is consolidate as a essential source of relevant information about the advances in Home Artificial Nutrition in our country, currently is in an improvement process of the available information about patients characteristics with a special emphasis on children even though they still being a minority group.

Outcome Indicators for Home Parenteral Nutrition Care: Point of View From Adult Patients With Benign Disease.

Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) deserve a high-quality and patient-centered care. Patient-centered care can be delivered only if the patient's priorities and concerns are known. Therefore, the aim is to identify the top 3 most important outcome indicators according to patients' perspectives and the differences between several centers, HPN regimen, and HPN experience. A questionnaire, based on previously developed outcome indicators, was translated into the mother tongue using forward-backward translation and distributed to adult HPN patients with benign disease in March 2013. To identify differences, a Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney test was performed with GraphPad Prism (significance level <.05) when applicable. Nine centers over 8 countries (300 patients) participated. The top 3 outcome indicators for patients were (1) incidence of catheter-related infection (CRI), (2) survival, and (3) quality of life (QoL). Between the participating centers, significant differences on rating were found for 5 outcome indicators (catheter obstruction, .015; weight, .002; energy, .010; fear, <.001; and independence, .010). The independence outcome indicator (.050) was considered less important for experienced (>2 years HPN) vs less experienced patients. For this outcome indicator, patients' view also differed significantly based on number of HPN days per week (.0103). A cohort of HPN patients identified incidence of CRI, survival, and QoL as the most important outcome indicators for their care; however, there were significant differences between the participating centers. For one outcome indicator (independence), there were significant differences based on experience and regimen.

577 A Potential Association Between Remnant Bowel Anatomy and the Incidence of Catheter-Related Blood-Stream Infections (CRBSIS) in Adult Intestinal Failure (IF) Patients Depending in Home Parenteral Nutrition(HPN)

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) depend on parenteral support through a central line for survival, but are challenged by the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Employing the Copenhagen HPN database, we investigated the association between the remaining bowel anatomy and the incidence and infectious species in CRBSIs with the aim of identifying risk factors. Methods: The CopenhagenHPNdatabase is based on a retrospective annually review of all charts from adult patients, who have received HPN from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The diagnosis of a CRBSI required clinical signs of a systemic infection and positive blood cultures, with the exclusion of other causes of infections. Results: From 1970 to 2010, 510 IF patients were discharged with HPN, in total contributing to 1745 HPN years. In 256 of the IF patients 873 CRBSI were detected: 595 mono-bacteraemia, 140 polybacteraemia, 85 fungemia and 49 combinations of bacteraemia and Candidemia. The species of bacteraemia and Candidemia were determined in 869 CRBSIs, while 4 positive cultures were recorded without species. The cohort were divided into three groups according to remain bowel anatomy (-colon, +colon and no-surgical). The overall incidence of CRBSIs in HPN were 1.37 per 1000 HPN days. In the group without colon, the incidence of CRBSIs were 1.54 per 1000 HPN days. The median remaining small intestine was 125 cm, and the median age at complication was 57.8 years. The group were subdivided dependent on the remaining small intestine ( 200cm) with minor variations in incidence (1.59, 1.69, 1.42 and 1.60 per 1000 HPN days). The CRBSI incidence in IF patients with remaining colon was 0.92 per 1000 HPN days. The median small intestine was 100 cm, and the patients had a median of 70.5% of remaining colon. The median age at complication in this group was 49.1 years. The colon-group was first split into two: less/ above 50% remaining colon with CBRSI incidences of 0.42 and 1.06 per 1000 HPN days. Staphylococcus spp were detected in 55 % of blood cultures in IF patients with colon, while only seen in 30 % in IF patients without remaining colon. In the no colon group enterobacteriaceae were more frequent (50 %) with the exception of IF patients with < 50 cm small intestine (24 %). Candidemia were detected in 14 % of the cultures from IF patients without colon, while only 6.8 % in IF patients with colon. Conclusion: The CRBSI incidence rate in IF patients without colon is almost two fold higher compared to IF patients with remaining colon. Most frequently IF patients with a colon had bacteraemia with Staphylococci, while CRBSI in patients without a colon as frequently were caused by enterobacteriaceae. Candidemia was most frequently seen in patients without colon. The role of remaining bowel on the incidence of CRBSI needs further investigation. Tabel 1: Incidence of CRBSIs in HPN years and 1000 HPN days.

Central venous catheter related sepsis in children on parenteral nutrition: A 21-year single-center experience

The aim was to assess the rate of central venous catheter (CVC) related sepsis in patients on parenteral nutrition (PN) at our hospital center during a period of 21 years. Data on all children hospitalized at our tertiary hospital center during the 1989-2010 period, who received PN for more than 4 weeks (n = 62) were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age at the time of introducing PN was 2.9 years (range 6 days-17.4 years), male/female ratio 26/36. Out of these 62 patients, nine (14.5%) patients continued home PN (HPN) after discharge from the hospital. Altogether 86 CVCs were used (mean 1.39 per patient) and total CVC time was 21,459 days, which makes 243.9 days per CVC. During the study period, there were 36 CVC related sepsis episodes (1.7/1000 days of PN). Total number of septic episodes was significantly lower in HPN compared to hospital PN (0.94/1000 vs. 2.75/1000 days of PN; P < 0.001). Septic episodes led to removal of 11 (12.8%) catheters. Two patients died due to CVC related septic shock (0.93 deaths/10,000 days of PN), one in HPN patient (0.79 per 10,000 days of HPN). The rate of CVC related sepsis in our PN cohort was exceptionally low in both hospital and home setting.

Ten‐year experience of home parenteral nutrition in a single centre

Recent data are scarce on the provision of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in children from the UK but would help to commission intestinal failure services. Our aim was to describe 10 years of HPN experience in our centre, which serves a population of 650,000 children. Outcome and complication data were collected retrospectively from hospital records of children receiving HPN from April 2001. Data from other centres were used to compare complications and outcomes in the provision of HPN. Nineteen children (12 females) received 10,213 days (28 years) of HPN. In this group, incidence of blood culture positive sepsis was four episodes/1000 days PN. Two children had early intestinal failure-associated liver disease. Of the 19, seven still receive HPN at our centre, six survived PN, three were transferred to other services while still on HPN and three died. Outcome and complication data for HPN from a single UK regional paediatric centre are similar to larger centres. These data provide recent evidence of the disease burden of HPN, which are important for the commissioning of intestinal failure services.

Nutrición parenteral domiciliaria en niños en un hospital terciario entre los años 1993 y 2009

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) has a key role in the management of permanent or transient intestinal failure in the pediatric patient. Although its use is not without complications. We review our experience since the beginning of the program in 1993. Patients and methods: Longitudinal and retrospective study of the clinical records from 25 infants and children (11 boys, 14 girls) who received HPN in this period. If a patient received HPN in periods separated more than 3 months we consider a different episode. In this way, 32 episodes were described. Quantitative data are presented as mean or median and qualitative as frequency. Complications are presented as complication rate per 1,000 days of HPN. Results: 16 patients started HPN younger than 1 year. Total length of HPN was 9,986 days, median 174 days (range 7 to 2,444 days). Main indication was short bowel syndrome (n = 6); motility disorders (n = 6); chronic diarrhea (n = 5), malnutrition (n = 3) and other causes (n = 5). 47 catheters were used; mean length 212.5 days, median 120 days (range: 7 to 930). Most of central venous catheters were tunnelled catheters (n = 42); subcutaneous ports (n=3) and in two cases periferically inserted central catheters (PICCS). Complication rate per 1,000 days of HPN was: 3.4 for catheter-related infections, 0.1 for obstruction; 0.9 for leakage, and 0.1 for accidental removal. Most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus coagulase negative (47%), Gram negative bacteria (21%), Staphylococcus aureus (15%), fungi (9%) and others in 9%. Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease was present in 4 patients. 21 patients were weaned off HPN, 3 patients deceased because of underlying disease, 2 patients underwent intestinal transplantation, while 5 patients continue in the program. Conclusions: Every year two new patients enter in the program. 65% of patients were weaned off HPN. Infectious complications were the most frequent (rate 3.4 infections per 1,000 days of HPN). Mean length of HPN was 174 days, and 120 days for catheters.

Home parenteral nutrition in infants and children in a tertiary level hospital between 1993 and 2009

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) has a key role in the management of permanent or transient intestinal failure in the pediatric patient. Although its use is not without complications. We review our experience since the beginning of the program in 1993. Longitudinal and retrospective study of the clinical records from 25 infants and children (11 boys, 14 girls) who received HPN in this period. If a patient received HPN in periods separated more than 3 months we consider a different episode. In this way, 32 episodes were described. Quantitative data are presented as mean or median and qualitative as frequency. Complications are presented as complication rate per 1,000 days of HPN. 16 patients started HPN younger than 1 year. Total length of HPN was 9,986 days, median 174 days (range 7 to 2,444 days). Main indication was short bowel syndrome (n = 6); motility disorders (n = 6); chronic diarrhea (n = 5), malnutrition (n = 3) and other causes (n = 5). 47 catheters were used; mean length 212.5 days, median 120 days (range: 7 to 930). Most of central venous catheters were tunnelled catheters (n = 42); subcutaneous ports (n=3) and in two cases periferically inserted central catheters (PICCS). Complication rate per 1,000 days of HPN was: 3.4 for catheter-related infections, 0.1 for obstruction; 0.9 for leakage, and 0.1 for accidental removal. Most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus coagulase negative (47%), Gram negative bacteria (21%), Staphylococcus aureus (15%), fungi (9%) and others in 9%. Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease was present in 4 patients. 21 patients were weaned off HPN, 3 patients deceased because of underlying disease, 2 patients underwent intestinal transplantation, while 5 patients continue in the program. Every year two new patients enter in the program. 65% of patients were weaned off HPN. Infectious complications were the most frequent (rate 3.4 infections per 1,000 days of HPN). Mean length of HPN was 174 days, and 120 days for catheters.

Catheter occlusion and venous thrombosis prevention and incidence in adult home parenteral nutrition (HPN) programme patients

In adult home parenteral nutrition (HPN) programme patients up to now no evidence-based recommendations exist on the central venous catheter maintenance nor venous thrombosis prevention. The use of heparin flushes could be linked with long term complications, besides, anticoagulants use is controversial. To be aware of the usual maintenance practice for HPN central venous catheters, catheter occlusion and related venous thrombosis incidence in our country. Retrospective study of active HPN patients older than 18 years registered by the NADYA- SENPE working group until November 2008. 49 patients were registered (16 males and 33 females), with an average age of 52.1 ± 13.9 years, belonging to 6 hospitals. HPN length was 57.4 ± 73.3 months with 5.8 ± 1.8 PN days a week. The most frequent pathologies were actinic enteritis, intestinal motility disorders and mesenteric ischemia (20.4% each), and neoplasm (16.3%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (49.0%), and intestinal obstruction (28.6%). Neoplasm (16.3%), thrombotic diathesis, thromboembolic syndrome and bed rest (6.1% each) were the main venous thrombosis adjuvant factors. Tunnelled catheters were used in 77.6% of patients, with implanted port-catheters in the remainder. Maintenance of the line was done with saline solution flushes (28.6%) and different concentrations of heparin solutions (69.4%). When heparin was used, it was removed before PN infusion in 63.3% of patients. Catheter occlusion and venous thrombotic events rates were 0.061/10³ and 0.115/10³ HPN days respectively. Eleven patients (22.4%) were treated with anticoagulant drugs due to previous episodes of venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. [corrected] The incidence of catheter related thrombotic complications incidence is low in this group of patients on HPN. There is a great variety of practices focused on the prevention of both: line occlusion and catheter related venous thrombosis. In conclusion, it would be necessary to standardize practice.

Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry in Spain for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (NADYA-SENPE Group)

To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st 2007 to December 31st 2009. Included fields were: age, sex, diagnosis and reason for HPN, access path, complications, beginning and end dates, complementary oral or enteral nutrition, activity level, autonomy degree, product and fungible material supply, withdrawal reason and intestinal transplant indication. 2007: 133 patients with HPN were registered (61 males and 72 females), belonging to 21 hospitals. Average age for the 119 patients older than 13 years old was 53.7 ± 14.9 years, and 3.6 ± 3.6 y. for the 14 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (24%), followed by intestinal motility disorders and actinic enteritis (14% both). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (43%), malabsorption (27%), and intestinal obstruction (23%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (69%), followed by implanted port-catheters (27%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.92 episodes/103 HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2007, 71.4% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (57.5%). 26% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2008: 143 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 81 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 133 patients older than 13 years old was 54.7 ± 13.9 years, and 3.7 ± 0.6 y. for the 10 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (20%), followed by actinic enteritis (14%) and intestinal motility disorders (13% ). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (44%), malabsorption (28%), and intestinal obstruction (20%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (29%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.50 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 67% of the cases. By the end of 2008, 71.6% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (52.4%). 29% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2009: 158 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 96 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 149 patients older than 13 years old was 55.2 ± 13.0 years. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (25%), followed by actinic enteritis (12%) and intestinal motility disorders (11%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (42%), malabsorption, and intestinal obstruction (23% both). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (36%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.67 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 58% of the cases. By the end of 2009, 79.2% of the patients remained active; full oral nutrition was the most frequent reason to end HPN (48%). 23% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections in the last two years, being the 2008 rate the smallest since the register's beginning.

Central Venous Catheter Infections and Antibiotic Therapy During Long‐Term Home Parenteral Nutrition

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are a serious and common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Prevalence of infections, type of agents, and effectiveness of antibiotic therapy were evaluated in 296 patients (133 males, 163 females; mean age 58.2 +/- 13.5 years) receiving HPN for at least 3 months, from January 1995 to December 2006. Patients underwent 99,969 (331 +/- 552; minimum 91, maximum 4353) days of catheterization, corresponding to 93,236 (311 +/- 489; minimum 52, maximum 4353) days of HPN. Fifty-two patients (24 males and 28 females; 35 oncological and 17 nononcological) were diagnosed with 169 infections. The overall corresponding infection rate was 2.0 per 1000 days of catheterization, with a progressive, regular decrease with time. In 30 cases, immediate central venous catheter removal was necessary. Infections were eradicated in 103 of 139 (74%) cases. As to the most common causative agent, 86 (51%) infections were due to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Of these, 64 were treated from 1995 to 2004, 57 of them (89%) successfully; 22 were treated from 2005 onward, only 7 of them (32%) successfully. Although the global infection rate has progressively decreased over the years, S epidermidis has shown an alarming increase in resistance to antibiotic treatment in the last 2 years, suggesting the need for strategies to prevent central venous catheter infection.

Epidemiology of Blood Stream Infections in a Hospital-Based, Home Parenteral Nutrition Program

Purpose: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-saving intervention for an increasing number of patients with intestinal failure but home PN (HPN) is also associated with complications, one of the most serious being blood stream infections (BSI). Data on PN-related BSI relate predominantly to short-term, in-hospital occurrences and there is a paucity of data specifically addressing the spectrum of BSI in HPN programs. This study's aim is to quantify the infectious complications, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the HPN population in our program. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients enrolled in the Hamilton Health Sciences HPN program. Patients receiving HPN between 11 March 2001 and 5 December 2008 were included if they had documented date(s) for line insertions(s), and documented length of course of HPN. Patient charts were reviewed to extract data on indication for HPN, underlying disease(s), patient age, duration of PN therapy, type and date of insertion of central venous access device. Data on BSI were collected from the patients' charts by review of the microbiology records within the designated inclusion period. Results: 155 patients (164 courses of HPN) were included for a total of 43887 days of HPN. The mean age of the patients was 49 years old and 105 (64%) of patients were female. A total of 112 organisms were cultured, and 90 distinct episodes of blood stream infections were identified. Gram positive organisms accounted for 64% of isolates, gram negative and fungal organisms for 27% and 9%, respectively (Table 1). The rate of BSI was 2.1 per 1000 catheter days. In order to account for possible skin flora contaminants, one of two positive culture results for coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) and Diphtheroid bacilli were excluded and yielded an alternative BSI rate of 1.3 per 1000 catheter days.Table: Table. Characteristics of 112 pathogens isolated in 90 blood stream infections in HPN patientsConclusion: In our large heterogeneous group of HPN patients, BSI rates ranged between 1.3 and 2.1 infections per 1000 catheter days. The type of organism cultured were found to be mostly gram positive organisms and as such more similar to those seen in the inpatient population. The rates of infections were not lower than those seen from other centers and indicates that BSIs remain frequent occurrences with the potential for significant morbidity, mortality and cost.

Clinical outcome of long-term home parenteral nutrition in non-oncological patients: a report from two specialised centres

Forty-one (20 m, 21 f) non-oncological home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients (52.0+/-16.6 years, BMI 20.2+/-4.0 kg/m(2)), enrolled from 1995 to 2005, underwent a clinical and biochemical follow-up at 3 months, 1 and 3 years. At admittance the Karnofsky Index ranged between 40 and 50 in 13 (31.7%) and 60 and 80 in 28 (68.3%) patients; the most frequent underlying disease was mesenteric infarction (11 patients, 27%). All had a central venous access. Mean catheterization days were 864+/-992, while mean HPN days were 630+/-668. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients were on HPN, at 1 year 24 (58.5%) and at 3 years 11 (27%). At 3 months, 1 and 3 years there was a significant increase in BMI (p=0.001), body weight (p=0.001) and Karnofsky Index (p=0.001), as well as an improvement of several biochemical parameters. Survival rate of HPN patients was 90.2% at 1 year, 87.8% at 3 years and 82.9% at 5 years. As to HPN-related complications, there was a central venous catheter (CVC) obstruction in 8 patients (19.5%) and 47 CVC infections in 24 (58.5%) patients. The infection rate was 1.32/(00) days of catheterization (1.8/(00) from 1995 to 1998 and 1.0/(00) from 1999 to 2005). Hospitalisation was necessary in over 50% of patients, and death occurred in 8, always as a consequence of the primary disease. The experience of the nutritional team and careful patient and caregiver training reduce CVC infection rate and the overall risk of complications possibly due to HPN.

Clinical Improvement Following Home Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Intestinal Failure

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is being increasingly used to treat children with intestinal failure. This study evaluated the long-term growth, outcome and complications in Taiwanese pediatric patients with intestinal failure who were treated with HPN. This retrospective study included 27 consecutive pediatric patients with intestinal failure who received long-term HPN between 1987 and 2002. These patients were categorized into two groups according to whether they had short bowel syndrome or a bowel motility disorder. Growth, prognosis and complications, including cholestasis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and infections were compared between the two groups. The median age of starting HPN was significantly younger in patients with short bowel syndrome (5 months) than in patients with motility disorders (1.9 years). The median duration of HPN treatment in the overall group was 13.5 months (range, 2.1-113.1 months); weight and height increased 1.7 +/- 2.3 and 1.0 +/- 1.6 in z score, respectively. The most common complications were cholestatic liver disease (52%), hypoglycemia (15%) and hyperglycemia (33%). All patients maintained stable serum glucose levels at follow-up. Cholestatic liver disease developed after 2.3 +/- 2.0 months of total HPN in 13 patients, which subsided after 9.7 +/- 6.9 months in 11 patients, while two patients died. The mean incidence of central venous infection was 3.0 +/- 3.3 per 1000 HPN days. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus spp. (50%) and Candida spp. (30.6%). HPN treatment can successfully provide a bridge to enteral nutrition in pediatric patients with intestinal failure. The metabolic disturbances and cholestasis are usually transient, but infection control is important throughout the period of HPN treatment.

Prevention and treatment of implanted central venous catheter (CVC) - related sepsis: A report after six years of home parenteral nutrition (HPN)

Catheter-related sepsis is a serious and common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Prevention measures, prevalence of infections, types of agents and implanted central venous catheters (CVC), effectiveness of antibiotic therapy have been evaluated in 221 patients consecutively followed in our unit from January 1995 to December 2000. The clinical diagnosis of catheter-related infection was made using well-defined criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: A and B, receiving instructions with different modalities: standard (A) and detailed (B), respectively. Sixty CVC-related sepsis occurred in 32 (14%) patients. A multivariate analysis showed that the duration of HPN (P<0.001; OR=0.9), type of catheter (P=0.009; OR=0.12) and type of disease (P=0.033; OR=4.92) significantly influence catheter infection. The type of implanted CVC (159 port-a-cath in 153 patients and 71 tunnelled in 68) seems to affect the infection rate, this being lower in tunnelled (P=0.03). Infection rate was lower in B vs A group (P<0.001) with all types of catheters, suggesting the preventive role of very careful training. In particular, the incidence of CVC-related sepsis was 6/1000 days of HPN (i.e. 6/1000 days of catheterization) in Group A and 3/1000 in Group B. Systemic and antibiotic lock therapy was performed with an 83% successful rate. Gram-positive bacteria were the most frequent CVC infection agents, which are usually eradicated by antibiotic therapy lasting 7 days.

Catheter-related infection in patients on home parenteral nutrition: results of a prospective survey

Background & Aims: Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is the most frequent complication during home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We prospectively assessed incidence and catheter-related sepsis (CRS)-associated factors in the 42 adult patients enrolled in our HPN centre since its opening. Methods: Age, frequency of infusions, CVC type, autonomy or nurse/family aid, underlying disease, involved infectious organism(s), hospital stay, efficacy of antibiotic-lock and other infectious complications, were studied. Results: CRS occurred 39 times (3/1000 days of HPN). In 37/39 cases, it was proven by both peripheral and central blood cultures. In 56% of patients, clinical signs were discrete, delaying diagnosis. Individual factors like learning potency, underlying disease (especially chronic intestinal obstruction with bacterial overgrowth), and length of remaining colon and small intestine, were slightly associated with higher CRS incidence. Usually, one organism (S. epidermidis; 51%) was detected. A total of 14 CVC were immediately removed. In the others, antibiotic-lock was more effective in patients having tunnelled catheters (TC, 50%) than implanted devices (25%; P<0.05). Mean hospital stay was 22±15 days, which was influenced by 3 patients presenting associated osteomyelitis. Conclusions: CRS incidence was 3/1000 days of HPN. Clinical symptoms were often discrete, suggesting importance of rigorous survey. Individual apprenticeship and risk for higher bacterial translocation seem associated to higher CRS incidence. CVC sterilization was more frequent in patients with TC.

Central venous catheter-related infections in children on long-term home parenteral nutrition: incidence and risk factors

Background and aims: This study aimed to assess the incidence and etiology of central venous catheter (CVC) infections in children on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Methods: 207 CVC-years were studied retrospectively in 47 children on HPN, aged 8.1±5.0 years. Results: 125 CVC were used (means: 2.6 CVC/patient and 21 months utilization/CVC). Half of the hospitalizations (162) were due to proven CVC-related infections. The mean infection incidence was 2.1/1000 HPN days. The total population divided in two groups below and above this value: group one including 24 children, incidence ≤ 2.1 per 1000 days (mean: 0.83) and group two including 23 children, incidence >2.1 per 1000 days (mean: 4.3). No differences were found between the two groups in terms of underlying disease, presence of ostomies, age at the time of HPN onset, or micro-organisms responsible. The only differences (p<0.05) were the mean duration of HPN (longer in group one) and the delay between HPN onset and the first infection (longer in group one). Conclusions: This study does not highlight any risk factors for CVC infection. However, early CVC infections after HPN onset appear to predict a bad prognosis.