Related Bloodstream Infections Research Articles

Antibiotic lock solutions as adjunct therapy for catheter-related blood stream infections in pediatric hemodialysis patients.

The predominant use of intravenous catheters as primary access type in the pediatric hemodialysis population is associated with an increased risk of catheter related blood stream infections. While strict adherence to catheter placement and long-term care guidelines have helped to decrease the incidence of these infections, blood stream infections remain an infection burden in pediatric patients with long term hemodialysis catheters. The formation of biofilms on the surfaces of these catheters has been shown to be a source of microbes causing blood stream infections. One of the strategies for preventing bacterial colonization, inhibiting microbial multiplication, and suppressing the seeding of these microbes from biofilms upon maturation, has been the use of antibiotic-based lock solutions in-between dialysis treatments. Although clinical guidelines for the use of antibiotic lock solutions are yet to be developed, available evidence suggests a beneficial role of antibiotic lock solutions in the management of catheter related blood stream infections. Additionally, a clear understanding of how biofilms are formed and their role in the pathogenesis of catheter related bloodstream infection will facilitate the development of solutions that can prevent biofilm formation and inhibit their multiplication, maturation and seeding into the bloodstream.

323 COVID 19 Pandemic Operating Room Closures Resulted in Fewer AV Accesses and More Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections

323 COVID 19 Pandemic Operating Room Closures Resulted in Fewer AV Accesses and More Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections

Fulminant ruptured septic aneurysm complicating the catheter related blood stream infection in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis: A case report.

Metastatic infections can complicate catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) in dialysis dependent patients. However, an infected/septic aneurysm involving the aorta or its branches as a direct complication of CRBSI without an underlying infective endocarditis is not reported so far in the literature. We report a 43-year female, who presented with CRBSI 2 weeks following a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion. Due to the lack of defervescence after 72 h of antibiotics given as per the culture sensitivity reports, the TDC was removed. Blood cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After a catheter free interval of 4 days, a TDC was reinserted, an antibiotic course was completed, and she was discharged in stable condition. Five days later, she presented with acute abdominal pain and fever. A tender, firm, and pulsatile mass was noted in the hypogastrium with a bruit. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta, and left common iliac artery at the site of origin. She was started on IV antibiotics and planned for an endovascular prosthesis but had a sudden collapse during her hospital stay due to a ruptured aneurysm. CRBSI due to certain pathogens such as Pseudomonas might require prolonged and dual antibiotic therapy to prevent fulminant complications.

Development and validation of artificial intelligence models to predict urinary tract infections and secondary bloodstream infections in adult patients

BackgroundTraditional culture methods are time-consuming, making it difficult to utilize the results in the early stage of urinary tract infection (UTI) management, and automated urinalyses alone show insufficient performance for diagnosing UTIs. Several models have been proposed to predict urine culture positivity based on urinalysis. However, most of them have not been externally validated or consisted solely of urinalysis data obtained using one specific commercial analyzer. MethodsA total of 259,187 patients were enrolled to develop artificial intelligence (AI) models. AI models were developed and validated for the diagnosis of UTI and urinary tract related-bloodstream infection (UT-BSI). The predictive performance of conventional urinalysis and AI algorithms were assessed by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). We also visualized feature importance rankings as Shapley additive explanation bar plots. ResultsIn the two cohorts, the positive rates of urine culture tests were 25.2% and 30.4%, and the proportions of cases classified as UT-BSI were 1.8% and 1.6%. As a result of predicting UTI from the automated urinalysis, the AUROC were 0.745 (0.743–0.746) and 0.740 (0.737–0.743), and most AI algorithms presented excellent discriminant performance (AUROC > 0.9). In the external validation dataset, the XGBoost model achieved the best values in predicting both UTI (AUROC 0.967 [0.966–0.968]) and UT-BSI (AUROC 0.955 [0.951–0.959]). A reduced model using ten parameters was also derived. ConclusionsWe found that AI models can improve the early prediction of urine culture positivity and UT-BSI by combining automated urinalysis with other clinical information. Clinical utilization of the model can reduce the risk of delayed antimicrobial therapy in patients with nonspecific symptoms of UTI and classify patients with UT-BSI who require further treatment and close monitoring.

Central venous catheter related bloodstream infections - evaluation of possible measures of prevention

Central venous catheter related bloodstream infections - evaluation of possible measures of prevention

Outbreak of Candida parapsilosis fungemia in an intensive care unit during a COVID surge: an epidemic within a pandemic.

We sought to investigate epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, and outcome of the C. parapsilosis blood stream infection (BSI) outbreaks observed during the first surges of COVID-19 pandemic in our population. Retrospective, monocentric observational study in the 24 bed intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care medical center in northern Italy, from 2019 to 2021 first 5months. 2030 patients were enrolled, of whom 239 were COVID-19 positive. The total incidence of Candida-BSI was 41.9 per 1000 admissions, with two outbreaks during 2020 spring and winter's COVID surges. The total numbers of C. parapsilosis BSI cases are 94, of which 21 during the first outbreak and 20 during the second. In our population, COVID-19 was strongly associated with C. parapsilosis BSI (OR 4.71, p < 0.001), as well as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR 3.44, p = 0.001), prolonged antibiotic therapy (OR 3.19, p = 0.004), and delayed infusion sets replacements (OR 2.76, p = 0.015). No statistically significant association was found between Candida-BSI episodes and mortality, when adjusted for other known outcome risk factors. COVID surges undermined the infectious control measures in our ICU, leading to two outbreak of C. parapsilosis BSI. A stricter, thorough management of intravascular devices and infusion set is crucial in prevention of catheter related BSI, and awareness must be kept high, especially in emergencies circumstances, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Catheter related blood stream infections in the time of Covid: a cause for concern

Catheter related blood stream infections in the time of Covid: a cause for concern

Comparison of Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients Treated With Trisodium Citrate as Catheter Locking Solution vs Heparin as Conventional Locking Method

Objective: To compare the frequency of temporary catheter related blood stream infections using sodium citrate as catheter locking solution with heparin as standard in hemodialysis patients. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a nephrology department's hemodialysis unit in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) between August 2022 and February 2023. Total 110 consecutive end-stage renal disease patients, aged above 18 years, undergoing hemodialysis with temporary central venous catheters, were divided into two groups. Group-I received trisodium citrate 46.7% as a lock solution, while Group-II received heparin 2000 U/ml (control). Results: The average age of patients in both groups was 51.98±13.57 years. The average duration of dialysis in both groups was 4.01±3.1 months and mean catheter time in Group-I was 13.65±8.29 days and in group-II was 13.40±8.33 days with statistically insignificant (p ? 0.05). The rate of CRBSI per 1000 catheter days was 3.12 days for group I and 5.14 days for group II (p = 0.001). The cumulative mean infection-free catheter survival in the trisodium citrate group was lower than the heparin group (log rank = 2.31, p = 0.128). Cox regression survival analysis between two groups; the difference in group I &amp; II was insignificant (HR = 1.6, CI = 0.49–1.17, p = 0.201). Conclusion: There is insignificant difference between trisodium citrate 46.7% and heparin as a catheter lock solution in the survival rate of tunneled hemodialysis catheters in end-stage renal disease.

Safety of mid-thigh exit site venous catheters in multidrug resistant colonized patients.

Venous catheters inserted in superficial femoral vein and with mid-thigh exit site have emerged as a feasible and safe technique for central or peripheral tip's venous access, especially in agitated, delirious patients. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDR) strains is an emerging clinical problem and more and more patients are being colonized by these types of bacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in mid-thigh catheters in patients with positive rectal swabs to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the real infection risk. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data on patients with mid-tight catheters inserted from May 2021 to November 2022. All surveillance rectal swabs were recorded. In addition, to collect data on CLABSI and CRBSI, the results of all blood and catheter tip cultures performed during the hospital stay were acquired. Six hundred two patients were enrolled, 304 patients (50.5%) had a rectal swab; 128 (42.1%) swabs were positive for MDR. Nine CLABSI (only two in patients with a positive rectal swab) and three CRBSI were detected. No statistical difference in the absolute number of CLABSI and CRBSI and in the number of infections per 1000 catheter days emerged between the overall population and patients with positive rectal swabs (respectively p = 0.45 and p = 0.53). Similarly, no statistical difference in the number of CLABSI and CRBSI was found among patients with a negative swab and patients with a positive one (respectively p = 0.43 and p = 0.51). According to our data, cannulation of the superficial femoral vein represents a safe location in patients with positive rectal swabs.

A multi-national survey of experience and attitudes towards managing catheter related blood stream infections for home parenteral nutrition

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is the most common complication of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF). The aim of this study was to assess the broad range of practices of international multi-disciplinary teams involved in the care of this complication occurring in CIF patients. An online questionnaire was designed and distributed to members of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and distributed to colleagues involved in managing patients with CIF. A total of 47 responses were included from centers across 21 countries. The centers had been delivering HPN for a median 21 years (IQR 11-35) and were actively following a median 58 patients (27-120) per center for benign CIF in 80% of cases (67-95). Tunneled catheters were the most common type of central venous catheters (CVC), representing 70% (47-86) of all CVC in use. For the management of CRBSI, written procedures were provided in 87% of centers. First measures included simultaneous central and peripheral blood cultures (90%), stopping HPN infusion (74%), and administrating an antibiotic lock and systemic antibiotics (44%). Immediate removal of the CVC was more likely in case of fungal infection (78%), Staphylococcus aureus (53%), or in case of PICC catheter (52%) (all p<0.01). After the first CRBSI, 80% of centers used preventive CVC locks (taurolidine in 84% of cases, p<0.001). We observed a large heterogeneity in practices regarding preparation, duration, reaspiration, and volume of CVC locks, and monitoring of CRBSI (timing of blood cultures, radiological work-up). In this international survey of HPN expert centers, we observed a significant consensus regarding the initial management of CRBSI and the use of secondary preventive CVC locks, while areas of variation exist. Management of CRBSI may be improved with clearer recommendations based on the micro-organism and the type of CVC, including PICC lines which are increasingly used yet insufficiently studied in HPN patients.

98: The Management and Outcome of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infection with Staphylococcus aureus in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Intestinal Failure receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

98: The Management and Outcome of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infection with Staphylococcus aureus in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Intestinal Failure receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC) Related Bloodstream Infection in Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy Compared with Noncancer Patients: A Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis.

The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased in cancer patients. This study aimed to compare the incidence of PICC-related bloodstream infections (PICCR-BSIs) in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and in noncancer patients. We performed a secondary analysis from a retrospective, single-center, observational cohort. The PICCR-BSI incidence rates in cancer and noncancer patients were compared after 1:1 propensity-score matching. Then, the factors associated with PICCR-BSI were assessed in a Cox model. Among the 721 PICCs (627 patients) included in the analysis, 240 were placed in cancer patients for chemotherapy and 481 in noncancer patients. After propensity-score matching, the PICCR-BSI incidence rate was 2.6 per 1000 catheter days in cancer patients and 1.0 per 1000 catheter days in noncancer patients (p < 0.05). However, after adjusting for variables resulting in an imbalance between groups after propensity-score matching, only the number of PICC lumens was independently associated with PICCR-BSI (adjusted hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.22; p = 0.04). In conclusion, the incidence rate of PICCR-BSI is higher in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy than in noncancer patients, but our results also highlight the importance of limiting the number of PICC lumens in such patients.

#6728 ALCOHOL LOCK FOR PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST PERMCATH CRBSI: IS IT A BOON?

Abstract Background and Aims Introduction: Catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is a dreaded complication in patients with tunneled dialysis catheter and often results in catheter loss. Antibiotic lock, a preventive strategy, is not followed for fear of emergence of resistant strains. We have reported usefulness of 70% alcohol lock in cases of established CRBSI. The present study was aimed to find usefulness of alcohol lock for CRBSI prophylaxis. Method This is a single centre observational pilot study. Dialysis patients with Permcath as vascular access were randomised into two groups. Both groups were similar in age, sex and comorbidities. Both groups received routine heparin lock after each dialysis session. Group A in addition also received 70% alcohol lock, once a fortnight. Patients with minimum follow up of 60 days were included in the study. Diagnosis of CRBSI was made by IDSA criteria. Results Forty five patients with permcath were divided in Group A (29 patients) and Group B (16 patients). In Group A, 21 and in Group B, 12 patients completed the study. In Group A, during a mean follow up of 2988 catheter days, 5 patients (23%,1/600 days) developed CRBSI (2 pseudomonas, two staphylococcus aureus and 1 Klebsiella) and in group B, 4 patients (33%) with mean follow up of 1611 catheter days (1 in 403 catheter days) developed CRBSI (p = 0.69) (2 klebsiella, two staphylococcus). There was no case of catheter leak, crack or block in either group. Results showed a trend towards better outcome in alcohol lock group though because of small number, statistical significance couldn't be reached. Conclusion This pilot study found usefulness of alcohol lock in preventing CRBSI. Alcohol lock is cheap and there was no apparent catheter damage with alcohol over 6 months period. A larger study can confirm our findings.

#5134 THE REDS/MEWS SCALE USED FOR ASSESSMENT OF ESKD PATIENTS DIALYSED WITH CENTRAL CATHETER MAY REDUCE A NUMBER OF INFECTIVE ACCESS-RELATED COMPLICATIONS

Abstract Background and Aims Central tunnelled catheter (CVC)-related infections are a leading cause of catheter lost and being the source of significant morbidity and mortality of end stage kidneys disease (ESKD) patients. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the own REDS/MEWS scale for combined assessment of ESKD patients dialysed with the CTC on the frequency of infective complication. Method A group of 52 ESKD patients dialysed through a CTC were evaluated, pre dialysis on every session, using the REDS/MEWS scale for 24 months years and results as well as follow up of participants were compared with a two years period of time before the tool was introduced. Results Two-years cumulative incidence of CTC exit site infection (ESI) has dropped significantly (log-rank p &amp;lt; 0.001) from 0.87 episode per 1000 catheter days (52.3%, CI95 [34.2%; 67.3%]) in time before REDS/MEWS was used to 0.28 episode per 1000 catheter days (19.3%, CI95 [7.3%; 30.1%]) in REDS/MEWS time. There were also significantly less episodes of ESI complicated with catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) requiring CTC removal (0.8 episode per 1000 catheter days; 20.6%, CI95 [8.4%; 33.2%] vs. 0.4 episode per 1000 catheter days; 5.4%, CI95 [1.1; 8.7%]; log-rank p = 0.05, in pre – REDS and REDS time respectively). There was no serious complications as infective endocarditis, vertebral discs abscess among patients due to early detection and treatment of possible CTC related infection. Conclusion The REDS/MEWS scale appears to be a simple, cost-effective tool reducing frequency of the CTC related infective complication and the type of vascular access loss.

#3349 METICULOUS CATHETER CARE CAN REDUCE CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS SIGNIFICANTLY IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS – A 5-YEAR SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims The use of central venous catheters as hemodialysis (HD) vascular access is a leading contributor to a high rate of bloodstream infection. Our dialysis unit in China has followed the China National Infection Control Policy for HD unit as well as developed its own specific dialysis catheter care protocol using the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as a template. By doing so, our HD unit has achieved a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC)- related bloodstream infection rate of 0.0229 per 1000 catheter days in the past 5 years. This report, aims to share our experience with the other units. Method We have undertaken a retrospective analysis to determine our catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate. The local Ethics and Research Committee has approved the conduct of the retrospective study. In this study, the definition of a CRBSI is taken from Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Vascular Access-2019 update as 1) clinical manifestations (fever &amp;gt; 37.5°C or rigors or presence of clinical signs of infection); 2) confirmation of bacteremia (blood cultures growing the same organism from the dialysis catheter and a peripheral vein), with either positive semiquantitative (&amp;gt;15CFU/catheter segment), or quantitative (&amp;gt;102 CFU/catheter segment), differential period of catheter culture versus peripheral blood culture (BC) positivity of 2 hours; 3) exclusion of another source of infection. Information including patient demographics, causes of kidney failure, and duration of TDC was obtained. Results The Covidien Palindrome chronic catheters have been used in the majority of our patients during the study period. All tunneled dialysis catheters were placed by the nephrologists under radiological guidance in the Hospital's sterile Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Suite. In the study period (2017-2021), an average of 235 prevalent patients were receiving dialysis in the HD unit. A total of 212 tunneled dialysis catheters have been inserted and managed according to our local dialysis access pathway and catheter care protocol. The TDC days have been calculated by adding all the catheter days until the catheters have been removed or the patients have been transferred out of our HD unit. There was a total of 43,585 catheter days. The average waiting time for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery was two weeks. The mean duration of TDC use was 107.8±14.8 days, range 1-1827 days. The incidence of confirmed tunneled CRBSI was 0.0229/ 1000 catheter days. Conclusion Our local catheter care protocol is similar to the CDC's “scrub-the-hub” protocol. 2% chlorhexidine with 70% alcohol has been used for the scrubbing and disinfection but we have a few additional steps. In our practice, great attention is given to the cleansing of the clamps. 1) Prior to removal of the caps, the clamps are opened and the surroundings are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. 2) Two nurses are assigned to connect the bloodlines to the hubs, hence the risk of hub contamination is reduced. 3) The point of connection between the hubs and the bloodlines is protected with a gauze dressing in 3 layers during the entire duration of the dialysis. We believe our success with a very low rate of CRBSI has been the result of strict adherence to 1) good and general hygiene, 2) a well-designed dialysis catheter care protocol, 3) good use of a vascular access nurse, 4) short-duration of TDC days, and 5) short waiting time for AVF. Limitations: We may have underestimated the true rate of CRBSI because of the inherent nature of the diagnostic criteria as mentioned above. Although it is unlikely that a blood culture would have been missed before intravenous antibiotics under our hospital's stringent antibiotics stewardship and continuous audit, it is still possible in theory. Finally, a small number of patients has been transferred out to other HD units due to their change of residence, hence the follow up data might be incomplete. However, such patients are very few in number and the long follow up of this study strengthens our findings and conclusion.

#6898 CATHETER RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION IN NON-TUNNELED HEMODIALYSIS CATHETERS IN A RESOURCE-LIMITED HOSPITAL IN MERIDA, YUCATAN, MEXICO

Abstract Background and Aims There is scarcity in epidemiological data regarding chronic kidney (CKD) disease in low- and medium-income countries, and information about vascular access infectious complications is limited. In Mexico, access to renal replacement therapy (RRT) is burdensome for the uninsured patients. The General Hospital Agustin O'Horán, is a secondary care level unit in Yucatan, which receives uninsured patients from southeast Mexico. In our hospital, patients who are not candidates for peritoneal dialysis start hemodialysis with non-tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheters (NTHC), mainly due to the late nephrology referral and the shortage of vascular access specialists in our unit which prevents for the timely creation of an arteriovenous fistula or the placement of a tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC). Permanence of NTHC is the main risk factor for catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBI) and according to the literature, Gram positive microorganisms are the most common isolated microbes. The aim of our study was to describe the incidence and risk factors for CRBSI in our hospital, from January to December 2022. Method We conducted a prospective and observational study in patients older than 18 years with CKD who were candidates to start hemodialysis and who had a NTHC inserted in our hospital from January to December 2022. We evaluated the incidence, organisms and risk factors related to CRBSI. Results During the study period, 94 NTHC were placed, 63.8% of them were inserted in women. Median age of the population was 49.4 years, and the most frequent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (63.8%), hypertension (86.2%) and renal lithiasis (27.7%). 73.4% of the NTHC were Mahurkar® catheters and most of the insertions (73.4%) were not ultrasound guided. The right jugular vein was the most common insertion site (72.3%), followed by the left jugular vein. Mean catheter use duration was 71 ± 66 days. 27 patients had evidence of CRBI, the incidence rate was 0.78 per 1000 catheters-day. CRBI was more frequent in patients with prolonged catheter use (more than 30 days) (p&amp;lt;0.001) (Table 1). In respect to blood cultures reports, 51.83% were Gram positive organisms and 48.12% were Gram negative (Table 2). Conclusion Vascular access survival without infectious complications is of paramount importance in hemodialysis patients. The prolonged used of NTHC with the associated risk for developing CRBI negatively impacts the health outcomes in our population. In accordance to previously published literature, the main isolated microbes in our hospital comprise Gram positive bacteria. One of the biggest challenges in our country is to provide our CKD population with better vascular access options like THC or arteriovenous fistula to improve the outcomes and reduce infectious complications.

P90: Silverlon: A Weapon Against Driveline Infections in LVAD Patients

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the western world. Approximately five million people in the United States have congestive heart failure (CHF), with two hundred fifty thousand of those people in the most advanced stages of CHF. Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are currently the state-of-the-art treatment for patients with end stage cardiac failure who are not a candidate for heart transplant. LVADs are powered by external power sources that connect to the pump via a percutaneous lead (driveline). The driveline exits the body, typically from the right quadrant, creating a chronic wound that renders that site prone to infection. Infectious complications are a leading cause of mortality in the LVAD patient population. The driveline site is often the entry point of infection which can lead to blood stream and pump pocket infections. LVAD driveline infection rates, on average, are around 13%. At Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH), our infection rate from 2013-2020 was 19%. In November 2020, the LVAD program here at LVH placed Silverlon patches in all dressing kits for all newly implanted LVAD patients. The addition of Silverlon was the only intervention done to the driveline dressing kits. From November 2020 to September 2022, the driveline infection rate went from 19% to 0%. This innovative plan of care has allowed our team to implement a simple, cost-effective method to decrease infectious complications and improve patient outcomes. A secondary finding was a decrease in the readmission rates. In 2021, 30% of all readmissions were directly related to driveline site infections. So far in 2022, we have had “0” readmissions related to driveline site infections. This is a 100% reduction in readmissions related to driveline site infections. This decreased our total readmissions by 34%. Based on the results of our “best practice” change, a treatment regime involving the use of Silverlon on drivelines has demonstrated significant reduction of driveline related bloodstream and pocket infections, as well as decreased readmissions.Figure 1. Data graphs depicting the decrease in driveline site infections and readmission rates

Incidence Rate, Pathogens and Economic Burden of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection: A Single-Center, Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) can cause catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). CRBSI occurring in intensive care unit (ICU) patients may lead to the worse outcomes and extra medical costs. The present study aimed to assess the incidence and incidence density, pathogens and economic burden of CRBSI in ICU patients. A case-control study was retrospectively carried out in six ICUs of one hospital between July 2013 and June 2018. The Department of Infection Control performed routinely surveillance for CRBSI on these different ICUs. Data of the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with CRBSI, the incidence and incidence density of CRBSI in ICUs, the attributable length of stay (LOS), and the costs among patients with CRBSI in ICU were collected and assessed. A total of 82 ICU patients with CRBSI were included into the study. The CRBSI incidence density was 1.27 per 1000 CVC-days in all ICUs, in which the highest was 3.52 per 1000 CVC-days in hematology ICU and the lowest was 0.14 per 1000 CVC-days in SpecialProcurement ICU. The most common pathogen causing CRBSI was Klebsiella pneumoniae (15/82, 16.67%), in which 12 (80%) were carbapenem resistant. Fifty-one patients were successfully matched with control patients. The average costs in the CRBSI group were $ 67,923, which were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the average costs in the control group. The total average costs attributable to CRBSI were $33, 696. The medical costs of ICU patients were closely related to the incidence of CRBSI. Imperative measures are needed to reduce CRBSI in ICU patients.

Multifaceted Quality Improvement Interventions to Prevent Hemodialysis Catheter–Related Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used for hemodialysis but are prone to burdensome and costly bloodstream infections. We determined whether multifaceted quality improvement interventions in hemodialysis units can prevent hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections (HDCRBSI). Systematic review. PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to April 23, 2022, to identify randomized trials, time-series analyses, and before-after studies that examined the effect of multifaceted quality improvement interventions on the incidence of HDCRBSI or access-related bloodstream infections (ARBSI) among people receiving hemodialysis outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). Two people independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias and quality of evidence using validated tools. Intervention effects, validity, and characteristics of studies with the same design were compared. Differences between study designs were described. We included 21 studies from 8,824 identified by our search. Among 15 studies that measured HDCRBSI, 2 methodologically heterogenous cluster randomized trials reported discordant intervention effects, 2 interrupted time-series analyses reported favorable interventions with discordant patterns of effect, and 11 before-after studies reported favorable interventions with a very high risk of bias. Among 6 studies that only measured ARBSI, 1 time-series analysis and 1 before-after study did not find a favorable intervention effect, and 4 before-after studies reported a favorable effect with a very high risk of bias. The overall quality of evidence was low for HDCRBSI and very low for ARBSI. Nine definitions of HDCRBSI were used. Ten studies included hospital-based and satellite facilities but did not report separate intervention effects for each type of facility. Multifaceted quality improvement interventions may prevent HDCRBSI outside the ICU. However, evidence supporting them is of low quality, and further carefully conducted studies are warranted. Registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42021252290. People with kidney failure rely on central venous catheters to facilitate life-sustaining hemodialysis treatments. Unfortunately, hemodialysis catheters are a common source of problematic bloodstream infections. Quality improvement programs have effectively prevented catheter-related infections in intensive care units, but it is unclear whether they can be adapted to patients using hemodialysis catheters in the community. In a systematic review that included 21 studies, we found that most quality improvement programs were reported to be successful. However, the findings were mixed among higher-quality studies, and overall the quality of evidence was low. Ongoing quality improvement programs should be complemented by more high-quality research.

Clinical Evidence for the Use of Octenidine Dihydrochloride to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections and Decrease Staphylococcus aureus Carriage or Transmission-A Review.

The antiseptic agent octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) is used for skin preparation, for Staphylococcus aureus decolonization, and within bundles for the prevention of catheter-related or surgical site infections (SSIs). Here, we review the evidence for the effects of OCT from clinical studies. Review of studies published in the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases until August 2022, performed in clinical settings and reporting on effects of OCT on S. aureus carriage/transmission, SSI prevention, and prevention of intensive care unit (ICU)-related or catheter-related bloodstream and insertion site infections. We included 31 articles. The success of S. aureus decolonization with OCT-containing therapies ranged between 6 and 87%. Single studies demonstrated that OCT application led to a reduction in S. aureus infections, acquisition, and carriage. No study compared OCT for skin preparation before surgical interventions to other antiseptics. Weak evidence for the use of OCT for pre-operative washing was found in orthopedic and cardiac surgery, if combined with other topical measures. Mostly, studies did not demonstrate that daily OCT bathing reduced ICU-/catheter-related bloodstream infections with one exception. There is a need to perform studies assessing the clinical use of OCT compared with other antiseptics with respect to its effectiveness to prevent nosocomial infections.