A global consensus on the classification, diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a consensus on the classification, diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease (pCD), based on best available evidence. METHODS: Based on a systematic literature review, statements were formed, discussed and approved in multiple rounds by the 20 working group participants. Consensus was defined as at least 80% agreement among voters. Evidence was assessed using the modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria. RESULTS: Highest diagnostic accuracy can only be established if a combination of modalities is used. Drainage of sepsis is always first line therapy before initiating immunosuppressive treatment. Mucosal healing is the goal in the presence of proctitis. Whereas antibiotics and thiopurines have a role as adjunctive treatments in pCD, anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) is the current gold standard. The efficacy of infliximab is best documented although adalimumab and certolizumab pegol are moderately effective. Oral tacrolimus could be used in patients failing anti-TNF therapy. Definite surgical repair is only of consideration in the absence of luminal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a multidisciplinary approach, items relevant for fistula management were identified and algorithms on diagnosis and treatment of pCD were developed.

Effectiveness of silver-impregnated central venous catheters for preventing catheter-related blood stream infections: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of silver-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) in preventing catheter bacterial colonization and catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs). METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched up to April 30, 2014. Studies in which other antiseptic reagents were used (e.g., chlorhexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, urokinase rinses, benzalkonium chloride, rifampin-minocycline) were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Tests of heterogeneity and publication bias were performed. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled a total of 2854 patients; 1440 received a standard CVC and 1414 received a silver-impregnated CVC. No significant difference in catheter bacterial colonization rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (OR 0.907, 95% CI 0.758-1.087, p=0.290). No significant difference in CRBSI rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (pooled OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.476-1.094, p=0.124). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Silver-impregnated CVCs are not associated with reduced rates of bacterial colonization or CRBSI.