Peripheral Arterial Catheters Research Articles

Single-Plane Versus Synchronous Biplane Ultrasound Imaging During Vascular Access Procedures: Which Is Better and How Can We Improve?

Highlights Biplane ultrasound imaging reduces need for probe manipulation during procedure. Providers note clinical benefit of biplane ultrasound imaging for vascular access. Biplane disadvantages include probe size, imaging quality, size of the screen. Thorough didactic and practical education is essential for biplane success. Abstract Background: Use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access procedures is commonplace in inpatient and outpatient care settings. Standard ultrasound probes offer the operator a single-plane view, necessitating rotation of probe to attain dual complimentary views. This mechanical probe rotation increases technical difficulty of ultrasound use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of cannulation success and efficiency of a synchronous biplane ultrasound mode in ultrasound-guided arterial line placement as compared with a standard single-view ultrasound mode in the operating room setting. Methods: Patients scheduled for elective surgery in which a radial arterial catheter would be used for hemodynamic monitoring were approached for consent to this study. Patients were randomized to either undergo placement with single-plane view versus synchronous biplane view; outcomes were recorded. Providers were provided preprocedural ultrasound education as well as the option of a short hands-on experience; their level of experience was noted. Results: Placement time of a peripheral arterial catheter was longer and required more attempts to be successful using synchronous biplane imaging as compared with single-plane imaging across providers of all skill/experience levels. Subjectively, providers noted the benefit of synchronous biplane imaging in vascular access; however, disadvantages including probe size, quality of imaging, and size of the screen were noted. Discussion: Thorough education regarding the use and functionality of biplane synchronous imaging in vascular access is essential. Additional guided-practice time with experienced operators could also be helpful to overcome the challenges observed in this study.

Peripheral arterial catheters in extremely preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation—a single-center experience

The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective data analysis of established peripheral artery catheters (pAC) in extremely preterm infants. The primary outcome was the pAC life span and its correlation to gestational age, birth weight, localizations, and pAC removal. Retrospective data analysis of electronic patient records of all extremely preterm infants (born less than 28 weeks gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Graz (Austria) between January 2014 and December 2020. A total of 196 preterm infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 25.7 (24.6–26.6) weeks and a birth weight of 730 (614–898) g were included. In 155 (79%) of these preterm infants, 286 pAC and six umbilical artery catheters were inserted successfully. The first pAC was inserted 2.5 (1.4–7.4) h after birth, and the median pAC life span was 57.5 (22.–107.2) h. Gestational age, birth weight, and catheter localization did not correlate with the pAC life span. The pAC localizations were the radial artery (63%), tibial posterior artery (21%), ulnar artery (6%), dorsal artery of the foot (6%), others (1%), and not documented (3%). Adverse reactions including temporarily impaired peripheral perfusion, local inflammation, extravasation, or bleeding were reported in 13% of all pAC, but none of these resulted in long-term sequelae. A median (IQR) of 9 (5–18) arterial blood samples were drawn via pAC, resulting in a notable reduction of pain stimuli.Conclusion: The use of pAC in extremely preterm infants is feasible and safe. Neither gestational age, birth weight nor localization did affect the life span of pAC. No long-term sequelae were observed, and pain events were reduced by using pAC for blood drawing.What is Known:• Peripheral artery catheters can be used for continuous blood pressure measurement and blood draw even in extremely preterm infants.• (Severe) adverse reactions such as bleeding, necrosis, or amputation occur between 1 and 4%.• What is New:• The median peripheral arty catheter life span is 58 h and is not affected by gestational age, birth weight, nor localization.• A median of nine blood samples can be taken per each single pAC and, therefore, prevent pain events in extremely preterm infants.

Research Progress on the Risk and Prevention Measures of Peripheral Arterial Catheter Infection in ICU Patients

Peripheral arterial catheter (PAC) is an important assistant method in the treatment of critical patients. However, the related infection risk is significantly underestimated, especially the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), which also affects the prognosis of patients severely. After literature review, this paper summarized the risk of PAC related infections, PAC retention and maintenance infection prevention measures, and existing problems in PAC related infection research. The progress of intervention measures was collected such as strict adherence to aseptic principles, use of maximum aseptic barrier, selection of arterial puncture site, ultrasound assisted visual puncture, combination of patch and assistant fixation device, shortening of catheter retention period, use of chlorhexidine patch, and regular education and training, to provide scientific and actionable practical guidance for the prevention and control of PAC related infections in clinical practice.

Dressings and securement devices to prevent complications for peripheral arterial catheters.

Dressings and securement devices to prevent complications for peripheral arterial catheters.

Peripheral arterial catheter securement and catheter survival in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Peripheral arterial catheters (PACs), and their associated complications, are common in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Accidental catheter displacement and non-functional PACs are the most common complications, and this may be related to inadequate catheter securement. There is mixed guidance on the best way to secure PACs to prevent complications. The authors hypothesized that sutures would not be associated with a decreased risk of malfunction or accidental removal. This was a single center retrospective cohort study at a quaternary-care PICU. PICU patients with a peripheral arterial catheter placed in the PICU from 7/2020 to 1/2023 were included. The primary outcome was unplanned PAC removal. A univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed, using patient weight, sedation, paralytic, and role of the proceduralist as covariates. The secondary outcome was survival probability. A log-rank test was used to compare survival curves. Of 761 PACs that met inclusion criteria in 437 unique patients, 599 were sutured (78.7%) and 162 were un-sutured (21.3%). In 257 cases (33.8%), the PAC had an unplanned removal. Among all PACs, the median duration of PAC placement was 5.3 days (IQR 2.1-10.5 days). There was an unplanned removal rate of 42.2% (68) in the un-sutured group and 31.4% (188) in the sutured group (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, sutured PACs were also associated with a lower rate of unplanned removal (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.78). Use of continuous sedation was also associated with an increased risk of unplanned removal of PACs (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10-2.16). There was a 50% survival probability at 13.3 days for un-sutured PACs and 23.7 days for sutured PACs. Suturing is associated with fewer unplanned removals and longer catheter survival, compared to un-sutured PACs in pediatric patients.

Evidence-based systematic review of removal of peripheral arterial catheter in critically ill adult patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate and summarize literature pertaining to evidence of peripheral arterial catheterization in adults, and to provide a reference for clinical practice.MethodsWe undertook a systematic review of literature on the removal of peripheral arterial manometric catheters in adult patients from various sources such as UpToDate, BMJ, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Medlive, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence-based Health Care Center Database, CINAHL, PubMed, Wanfang Data, VIP, and other databases. The retrieval time was set as from the establishment of the database till August 30, 2021. We screened the studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, evaluated their quality, and retrieved and summarized such articles.ResultsThe review included 8 articles: 1 clinical decision, 3 guidelines, 2 evidence summaries, 1 systematic review, and 1 expert consensus. In all, 17 pieces of strong evidence were collected and extracted based on the following 5 dimensions: assessment of removal timing, preparation before removal, removal procedure, compression time, and key points after removal.ConclusionsThe removal of a peripheral arterial manometry catheter requires careful consideration by medical professionals. In order to increase the removal standardization rate and decrease the incidence of clinical complications, standardized procedures and training need to be developed.

The next frontier of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance metrics: Beyond device-associated infections.

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that surveillance metrics for invasive device-associated infections (ie, central-line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonias, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections) do not capture all harms; they capture only a subset of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Although prevention of device-associated infections remains critical, we need to address the full spectrum of potential harms from device use and non-device-associated infections. These include complications associated with additional devices, such as peripheral venous and arterial catheters, non-device-associated infections such as nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, and noninfectious device complications such as trauma, thrombosis, and acute lung injury. As authors of the device-associated infection sections in the SHEA/IDSA/APIC Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals, we highlight catheter-associated urinary tract infection as an example of the strengths and limitations of the current emphasis on device-associated infection surveillance, suggest performance metrics that present a more comprehensive picture of patient harm, and provide a high-level overview of similar issues with other infection surveillance measures.

PREVENÇÃO E CONTROLE DE INFECÇÃO RELACIONADA AO MANEJO DE CATETER ARTERIAL PERIFÉRICO

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe scientific evidence on good practices for peripheral arterial catheter management. Method: this is an integrative review, carried out through a search in the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Virtual Health Nursing Library, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing &amp; Allied Health, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus TopCited and Web of Science databases in March 2021. Articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish, without time limits in the search, were included. Results: forty-nine articles were found. At insertion, measures involved hand hygiene, skin preparation, no-touch technique, aseptic technique and protective barrier, sterile components and transducers, peripheral arterial catheter insertion, insertion attempts, ultrasound and comfort measure use. During maintenance, issues regarding insertion site, invasive blood pressure circuit, connectors, dressing and stabilization were identified, and, during removal, aspects such as local and systemic complications after peripheral arterial catheter removal. Conclusion: the study provides crucial information for the effective management of peripheral arterial catheters, contributing to the reduction of complications and improvement of clinical results. By updating their practices, healthcare professionals can ensure greater safety and well-being for patients, always seeking to provide excellent care.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for neonatal hepatic failure

We report a case of therapeutic plasma exchange in a neonate with fulminant liver failure. A six-day old, 2800-gram baby was referred to our medical center for evaluation and treatment of fulminant hepatic failure. The working diagnosis at admission was gestational alloimmune liver disease, and therapeutic plasma exchange was proposed. A double volume plasma exchange was successfully performed, using the Spectra Optia apheresis system, primed with packed red blood cells. Access was obtained via a radial artery catheter and a peripheral intravenous line. On hospital D-14 a diagnosis of E3 deficiency was confirmed, and disease-specific therapy was started. Automated TPE using peripheral arterial and venous catheters may be safely performed in neonates, and should be considered in the treatment of a variety of disorders including neonatal fulminant hepatic failure.

Care Bundles and Peripheral Arterial Catheters: A Scoping Review

Highlights What we know about the topic: Recommendations for the use of vascular access care bundles to reduce infection are followed for different devices. The risk of arterial catheter-related infection is comparable with short-term, non-cuffed central venous catheters. There are practice concerns for clinicians inserting and caring for peripheral arterial catheters. What this paper adds: The selected studies had a theme of decreased infection after using bundled strategies for all devices. Few studies addressed use of bundles for care of peripheral arterial catheters. High quality research should be performed about using care bundles for insertion and care of arterial catheters. Abstract Introduction: A scoping review of the literature was performed. Aims/Objectives: To find information on the use of care bundles for care of arterial, central, and peripherally inserted venous catheters. Methods: Data was extracted by 2 independent researchers using standardized methodology Results: Results of 84 studies included 2 (2.4%) randomized controlled trials, 38 (45.2%) observational studies, 29 (34.5%) quality projects, and 15 (17.9%) reviews. Populations had more adults than pediatric patients. All studies had the most prominent theme of decreased infection in all devices after using bundle strategies. Discussion and Conclusions: The mapping of available evidence strongly supports the use of care bundles to reduce infection in the care of all intravascular devices. However, deficiencies regarding practice concerns about insertion and care of arterial catheters highlight areas for future research with the aim to eliminate the gap in the evidence of studies of care bundles for peripheral arterial catheters.

#4742 SURVIVAL AND PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Mortality in hemodialysis patients significantly exceeds the one observed in general population. Identifying and early management of risk factors is essential for improving survival of these patients. Aim of the study is to assess survival and evaluate factors related to mortality in hemodialysis population. Method We retrospectively studied 237 patients [99 ♀, median age 76 (69-84) years] undergoing hemodialysis in a single Dialysis Center for a 10-years period of time (from 1/2/2010 to 31/1/2021). Demographics, comorbidities and laboratory parameters were recorded and analyzed. Median survival, mortality rate and factors that may affect them were evaluated. Results The mortality rate was 9.28% in the first year and 36.29% in five years after starting dialysis, respectively (Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the study population). Elderly patients (&amp;gt;65 years) had a lower median survival compared to younger ones (63 versus 103 months, p = 0.031). Survival of diabetics undergoing on-line hemodiafiltration was twice versus those undergoing hemodialysis (87 versus 42 months, p&amp;lt;0.001). Most common causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (32.38%), infections (20.95%) and cancer (18.1%) (p&amp;lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis identified as important predictors of mortality, the existence of: diabetes mellitus [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.278-4.46, p = 0.006], peripheral arterial disease (HR = 1.875, 95% CI 1.12-3.139, p = 0.017) and central venous catheter (HR = 2.421, 95% CI 1.297-4.518, p = 0.005). In contrast, absence of vascular access thrombotic episode (HR = 0.289, 95% CI 0.158-0.527, p&amp;lt;0.001) and body mass index &amp;gt;20 kg/m2 (HR = 0.517, 95% CI 0.294-0.909, p = 0.022) had a favorable effect on survival. Conclusion Mortality rate in our cohort was measured 9.28% in first year and 36.29% in five years after starting hemodialysis. Survival was lower at elderly and diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. Our study identified some mortality factors potentially modifiable, such as body weight, type of vascular access and method of dialysis treatment.

Survey for Insertion and Management of Peripheral Arterial Catheter in the Acute Care Unit

Background: Arterial catheters are commonly used in acute care units for hemodynamic monitoring in conjunction with blood pressure and blood gas analysis. Complications arising from the use of arterial catheters have been reported; however, few studies have focused on standard practice of arterial catheters. Aim: To clarify the management, particularly the insertion frequency and timing, of peripheral radial arterial catheters in acute care units in Japan. Methods: We developed 34 questions through an interactive process based on guidelines and clinical experience to create a digital survey. This survey was conducted over a month. Participants were nurses working in acute care units in Japan who received electronically distributed surveys through nursing-specific mailing lists and social network services. Results: A total of 451 responses were collected; 224 were used for analysis. Respondents reported 35% implemented routine insertion of arterial catheters for all newly admitted patients, while 58% would insert the arterial catheter within 24 hours of admission. Only 7% of respondents did not add heparin to the pressurized bag. Of the respondents, 51% had a rule to change the pressurized bag of fluids every 3 days. Splinting of the wrist was a routine procedure for 41% of respondents. Conclusions: Arterial catheters were commonly used in all acute care units. Based on the results of the survey, we recommend the use of heparin as a flush fluid should be reconsidered. The high rate of unnecessary arterial catheter insertions and the routine use of splinting need to be reassessed.

Comparison of Hemodynamic Effects of Dobutamine and Ephedrine Infusions in Isoflurane-Anesthetized Horses.

The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of dobutamine and ephedrine during the management of anesthesia-related hypotension in healthy horses. Thirteen horses underwent general anesthesia with isoflurane and were randomly divided into two different groups, one of which received a dobutamine constant rate infusion (CRI) (1 µg/kg bwt/min) and the other received an ephedrine CRI (20 µg/kg bwt/min) when hypotension (<60 mmHg) was identified, following up to 15 min after the blood pressure reached 70 mmHg. All horses were equipped with a pulmonary artery catheter and a peripheral artery catheter, and multiparameter monitoring commenced as soon as they were under mechanical ventilation. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded, while tissue perfusion markers (peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen partial pressure, arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, arterial pH, arterial plasma bicarbonate concentration, arterial oxygen saturation, mixed venous oxygen saturation, mixed venous oxygen content, arterial oxygen content, arteriovenous oxygen difference, oxygen delivery index, oxygen consumption index, and oxygen extraction ratio), serum lactate concentration, and troponin I concentrations were analyzed before the start of infusions (T0), when the blood pressure reached 70 mmHg (T1), and 15 min after T1 (T2). The time to restore the arterial pressure was similar in both groups (p > 0.05); however, the heart rate was higher in the ephedrine group (p = 0.0098), and sinus bradyarrhythmia occurred in the dobutamine group. Furthermore, both experimental protocols increased cardiac output (p = 0.0012), cardiac index (p = 0.0013), systemic vascular resistance (p = 0.008), systemic vascular resistance index (p < 0.001), and ameliorated perfusion markers. In the dobutamine group, the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (p < 0.001) and systolic index (p = 0.003) were elevated, while the arteriovenous oxygen difference was reduced in the ephedrine group (p = 0.02). Troponin I was used as a myocardial injury indicator, and did not differ between moments or between groups (p > 0.05). We concluded that both drugs were effective and safe to treat anesthetic hypotension under the conditions of this study.

Incorporating Evidence-Based Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access (USGVA) Standards Into the Nurse Anesthetist Armamentarium: A Quality Improvement Project

PurposeThis quality improvement (QI) project developed and implemented a hybrid training program, that included online modules and hands-on training for experienced certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to increase confidence, knowledge, and competency with ultrasound-guided vascular access (USGVA). DesignThis QI project used a pre-post design. Seventeen volunteer CRNAs participated in USGVA training and education, and a 90-day follow-up assessment was performed. MethodsThe Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines were used as a framework to assess confidence, knowledge, and hands-on competency of 17 CRNAs who regularly place vascular access devices using USGVA in patients with difficult vascular access at a single facility. These assessments were measured at: (1) baseline, (2) immediately after attending a hybrid training educational program, and (3) 90 days after implementation into clinical practice. Additionally, the number of vascular access attempts required for successful placement of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters, arterial catheters, and central venous catheters (CVC) with ultrasound assistance over a 90-day period was reviewed. FindingsCertified registered nurse anesthetists’ median confidence score increased significantly from pre- to posteducation (P = .009). The confidence reported from post- to 90 days posteducation improved, however it did not reach statistical significance (P = .812). The knowledge scores from pre- to posteducation indicated significant improvement (P <. 001), as well as from pre- to 90 days posteducation (P = .03). However, knowledge scores from post- to 90 days posteducation revealed a statistically significant decline (P = .004). The overall median score for hands-on USGVA competency declined from post- to 90 days posteducation (P = .109). The number of successful USGVA placements increased from 50% to 80% within a 90-day period. ConclusionsThe implementation of a USGVA hybrid training and education program improved overall provider confidence, knowledge, and competency. While confidence remained high in the 90-day follow-up, knowledge retention declined. Despite a decline in knowledge retention over time, results showed a significant improvement when compared to baseline scores. Although a decline in hands-on USGVA competency was seen at 90 days posteducation, it was not statistically significant. The percentage of overall successful USGVA placements in clinical practice increased following implementation.

Intraarterial papaverine for relief of catheter-induced peripheral arterial vasospasm during pediatric cardiac surgery: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Maintaining the patency of peripheral arterial lines in pediatric patients during surgery can be challenging due to multiple factors, and catheter-related arterial vasospasm is a potentially modifiable cause. Papaverine, a potent vasodilator, improves arterial line patency when used as a continuous infusion in the pediatric intensive care setting, but this method is not convenient during surgery. Extrapolating from the benefit seen in the intensive care unit, the authors hypothesize that a small-volume intraarterial bolus of papaverine immediately after arterial line placement will reduce vasospasm-related arterial line malfunction. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Patients less than 17years of age undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomized into the heparin or papaverine groups. Immediately after arterial line insertion, an intraarterial bolus of heparin (2units/ml, 1ml) or papaverine (0.12mg/ml, 1ml) was administered (T1, Figure 1). An optimal waveform was defined as the ease of aspirating a standardized blood sample within 30s, absence of cavitation when sampling, absence of color change at the catheter site during injection, and presence of a dicrotic notch. The primary outcome evaluated was the presence of an optimal arterial waveform at 5min after the first randomized dose (T1+5min). The secondary outcomes were the presence of optimal arterial waveform an hour after the first dose and the ability of papaverine to rescue suboptimal waveforms. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients were excluded from the analysis. Complete datasets after randomization were available in 88 patients (heparin group, n=46; papaverine group, n=42). At baseline, groups were similar for age, weight, arterial vessel size, and arterial line patency. At T1+5min, an improvement in the waveform characteristics was observed in the papaverine group (heparin,39% [8/46] vs. papaverine, 64% [27/42]; p=.02; odds ratio, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 6.6, Figure 3, Table 2). At the end of 1h, both groups showed continued improvement in arterial line patency. After the second dose, a higher number of patients in the heparin group had suboptimal waveforms and were treated with papaverine (heparin,37% [17/46] vs. papaverine,17% [7/42], p=.05). Patients in the heparin group treated with papaverine showed significant improvement in patency (13/17 vs. 3/7, p=.01). No serious adverse events were reported. In pediatric patients, papaverine injection immediately after peripheral arterial catheter placement was associated with relief of vasospasm and improved initial arterial line patency. Further, papaverine can be used as a rescue to improve and maintain arterial line patency.

On-demand use of peripheral arterial catheters outside the Intensive Care Unit: Development and retrospective evaluation of an internal protocol for insertion and management.

COVID-19 patients require frequent arterial blood gas analysis for the assessment of oxygenation status. The main objective of this research is to describe a dedicated protocol developed to standardize the insertion and management of peripheral Arterial Catheters (AC) for on-demand use, in the Emergency Department of "Maggiore" Hospital (Lodi, Italy).This strategy represents a valid alternative to repeated arterial punctures outside the intensive care unit. The crucial points of the protocol were defined: vessel selection criteria, device used, technique of insertion, choice of securement and dressing device, and procedures had been created for correct management. During April and December 2020, 50 AC were inserted, two dislocations and one malfunction were observed. No major complications (Catheter Related Bloodstream Infection, thrombosis, bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, hematoma, artery occlusion - even temporary - and skin irritation) were observed. To the authors knowledge, this is the first article describing the insertion and management of ACs for on-demand utilization outside the intensive care unit. The safe and effective use of this technique could be clinically relevant in patients requiring multiple ABG without need of invasive monitoring; it also allows the reduction of both artery sticks and workload of health care providers. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm the validity of the proposed treatment, especially the use of the most appropriate securement system and the most effective solution for locking catheters.

Neonatal Vascular Access Practice and Complications: An Observational Study of 1,375 Catheter Days.

Vascular access devices play vital roles within neonatal care. We aimed to identify neonatal vascular access device insertion and management practices, and describe the incidence and risk factors for complication development. This is a prospective cohort study of neonates requiring vascular access devices over 3 months in an Australian quaternary-referral neonatal intensive care unit. In addition to describing current practices, primary outcomes were device failure, complications, and skin complications. Results are reported using descriptive statistics and with risk factors calculated via Cox proportional hazards regression. A total of 104 neonates required 302 vascular access devices, over 1375 catheter days. Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) were most used (n = 186; 62%), followed by umbilical venous catheters (n = 52; 17%). Insertion attempts were often undocumented; but for those recorded, 5% of devices (n = 15) required 4 attempts or more. Device failure occurred in 28% (n = 82), at an incidence rate of 62.5 per 1000 catheter days (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.7-75.9). Failure was most frequent in PIVCs (37%; n = 68), peripheral arterial catheters (33%; n = 2), and peripherally inserted central catheters (20%; n = 6). Infiltration and extravasation were the most frequent cause of PIVC failure (12%; n = 35). A birth weight less than 1500 g was associated with a significant decrease in PIVC failure (hazard ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.34-0.99).

74 Central venous line-related thrombosis in neonates: A population-based study

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background The incidence of central venous line (CVL)-related thromboembolism (TE) in neonates is rising dramatically. The mainstay of treatment in neonatal thrombosis is anticoagulant therapy. However, management of neonatal CVL-related TE is particularly complex, as the higher risk of systemic and intracranial bleeding, especially in premature babies, must be balanced with the thrombotic risks, including death, or morbidity such as organ dysfunction, post-thrombotic syndrome, and neurodevelopmental sequelae. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the epidemiology of neonatal CVL-related thrombosis, to help clinicians identify neonates at high-risk of CVL-related thrombosis, as well as to tailor treatment based on the risks and benefits of anticoagulants in neonates. Objectives The objectives of this retrospective cohort study are: 1) to determine the main risk factors of CVL-related TE in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and 2) to compare the effectiveness and safety between different antithrombotic treatment modalities for neonatal CVL-related TE using the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) database and electronic medical chart review. Design/Methods Neonates ≤ 28 days of life admitted to the NICU for ≥ 24 hours requiring a CVL with TE confirmed by imaging were included in the study. The main effectiveness outcome is the resolution of TE, whereas the main safety outcome is the apparition of a major bleeding. In this study (n=39), we compared the effectiveness and safety outcomes according to antithrombotic treatment modalities (conservative vs. anticoagulation). Results The median gestational age is 35[26-38] weeks, and the mean birth weight is 2096±1110 g. CVL responsible for TE was umbilical venous catheter (28%), umbilical arterial catheter (46%), peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) (8%), and peripheral arterial catheter (18%). The anticoagulation therapy is more effective to achieve a partial and complete resolution of TE than the conservative treatment after a mean follow-up of 7 weeks (p=0.02). However, there were no differences according to antithrombotic treatment group regarding safety outcome assessed by major bleedings (p=0.2). Conclusion Our results tend to suggest that anticoagulation therapy is more effective to achieve resolution of CVLs-related TE than conservative treatment without compromising the safety of neonates. However, a large multicentric study is required to evaluate the risks and benefits of anticoagulants in neonates.

Practices and intravascular catheter infection during on- and off-hours in critically ill patients

BackgroundThe potential relationship between intravascular catheter infections with their insertion during weekend or night-time (i.e., off-hours or not regular business hours) remains an open issue. Our primary aim was to describe differences between patients and catheters inserted during on- versus off-hours. Our secondary aim was to investigate whether insertions during off-hours influenced the intravascular catheter infectious risks.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis using the databases from four large randomized-controlled trials. Adult patients were recruited in French ICUs as soon as they required central venous catheters or peripheral arterial (AC) catheter insertion. Off-hours started at 6 P.M. until 8:30 A.M. during the week; at weekend, we defined off-hours from 1 P.M. on Saturday to 8.30 A.M. on Monday. We performed multivariable marginal Cox models to estimate the effect of off-hours (versus on-hours) on major catheter-related infections (MCRI) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).ResultsWe included 7241 patients in 25 different ICUs, and 15,208 catheters, including 7226 and 7982 catheters inserted during off- and on-hours, respectively. Catheters inserted during off-hours were removed after 4 days (IQR 2, 9) in median, whereas catheters inserted during on-hours remained in place for 6 days (IQR 3,10; p < 0.01) in median. Femoral insertion was more frequent during off-hours. Among central venous catheters and after adjusting for well-known risk factors for intravascular catheter infection, we found a similar risk between off- and on-hours for MCRI (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.61–1.37, p = 0.65) and CRBSI (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.65–1.68, p = 0.85). Among central venous catheters with a dwell-time > 4 or > 6 days, we found a similar risk for MCRI and CRBSI between off- and on-hours. Similar results were observed for ACs.ConclusionsOff-hours did not increase the risk of intravascular catheter infections compared to on-hours. Off-hours insertion is not a sufficient reason for early catheter removal, even if femoral route has been selected.

Unnecessary removal of vascular access devices due to suspected infection in Australian intensive care units

BackgroundVascular access devices suspected of infection are often removed unnecessarily and frequently require replacement. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and economic impact of premature, unnecessary device removal due to suspected infection in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit. MethodsSecondary data analysis of a prospectively collected data set detailing central venous catheters and peripheral arterial catheters in 1458 adult patients was conducted in nine Australian intensive care units. Data extracted from the parent database included patient demographics, device, and infection-specific data including the reason for device removal. Cost estimates were based on a recently published review of device utilisation and associated costs in Queensland public hospitals. ResultsA total of 6144 central venous catheter days and 4696 arterial catheter days were studied. Median device dwell time was 7.2 (interquartile range: 5.6–9.0) days for central venous catheters and 6.5 (interquartile range: 4.8–8.5) days for arterial catheters. Device removal due to suspected infection occurred at a rate of 25.7 and 15.3 episodes/1000 catheter days in central venous and arterial catheters, respectively. Central venous and arterial catheter–related bloodstream infections occurred at a rate of 1.8 and 0.2 episodes/1000 catheter days, respectively. Central line–associated bloodstream infection occurred at a rate of 3.3 episodes/1000 catheter days. Local central venous and arterial catheter infection occurred at 0.16 and 0.02 episodes/1000 catheter days, respectively. The difference in incidence between devices suspected of infection and those responsible for infection resulted in AUD$67,087 unnecessarily spent on device replacement. ConclusionsUnnecessary device removal due to suspected infection presents a substantial clinical problem which is costly for the healthcare organisation and time-consuming for clinicians and places the patient at an increased risk of iatrogenic complications. There is a need for robust evidence and clinical practice guidelines to inform clinical decision-making to reduce unnecessary device removal.