Diagnostic challenges in patients with reninomas and extrarenal renin-producing tumours.

Renin-secreting tumours are rare causes of secondary hypertension and hypokalaemia. They are usually surgically curable, hence proper diagnostic work-up and tumour localisation is essential. In this paper, we present three Swedish patients recently diagnosed with renin secreting tumours, two with reninomas and one with an extrarenal renin-producing tumour, to illustrate diagnostic challenges. We also discuss the biochemical work-up, the pros and cons of different imaging techniques (computer tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-CT), as well as how renal vein sampling (RVC) may contribute to localisation of the tumour.

Foley catheter after ureteroscopy and JJ stent placement: a randomised prospective European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis-Young Academic Urologists (EULIS-YAU) endourology study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of inserting a Foley catheter after ureteroscopy (URS) and JJ stent placement on pain scores, voiding patterns, biochemical parameters and postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomised clinical trial (1:1) with adult patients following unilateral URS + JJ stent placement was planned. In Group A, no Foley catheter was placed, in Group B, a Foley catheter was placed following URS + JJ stent placement. The primary objective was to evaluate effect of placing a Foley catheter on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) score and postoperative biochemical parameters. The secondary objective was to evaluate postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were included (56/group). A ureteric access sheath was used in each patient. Patients had similar demographic and surgical parameters. The pre- and postoperative biochemical analyses including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and creatinine levels were similar between the two groups. The IPSS were similar between the two groups. All the subdomains of the USSQ were similar between two groups except Total Body Pain score, which was lower in Group B. The visual analogue scale scores were similar. Complications were all Clavien-Dindo Grade I and II, and the complication rate was 5.4% and 8.9% in Group A and B, respectively. CONCLUSION: Placing a Foley catheter following URS + JJ stent placement did not show significant effects on postoperative biochemical parameters and voiding symptoms. However, a Foley catheter lowered the Total Body Pain score on the USSQ without having significant effects on VAS scores. The practice of placing a Foley catheter following URS and JJ stent placement should be based on surgeon's preference keeping in mind the potential positive effect on pain scores.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 24 Month Patency After Endovenous Stenting of Superior Vena Cava, Subclavian, and Brachiocephalic Vein Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to appraise recent evidence assessing patency outcomes at various time points in patients with superior vena cava, subclavian, and brachiocephalic vein stenosis who had undergone stenting. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies up to December 2022. REVIEW METHODS: Measured outcomes included technical success rate, primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency at various time points. A subgroup analysis was also conducted to compare malignant and benign obstruction. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Thirty nine studies reporting outcomes in 1 539 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Primary patency up to one year after the procedure was 81.5% (95% CI 74.5 - 86.9%). Primary patency declined after one year to 63.2% (95% CI 51.9 - 73.1%) at 12 - 24 months. Primary assisted patency and secondary patency at ≥ 24 months were 72.7% (95% CI 49.1 - 88.0%) and 76.6% (95% CI 51.1 - 91.1%). In the subgroup analysis, primary patency was significantly higher in patients with a malignant stenosis compared with a benign stenosis at 1 - 3 and 12 - 24 months. No significant difference was seen for pooled secondary patency rates when comparing the malignant and benign subgroups. GRADE analysis determined the certainty of evidence for all outcomes to be very low. CONCLUSION: Stenting is an effective intervention for benign and malignant stenosis of the superior vena cava, subclavian, and brachiocephalic veins. Primary patency rates were good up to one year after the procedure, with 81.5% of stents retaining patency at 6 - 12 months. Patency rates declined after one year, to 63.2% primary and 89.3% secondary patency at 12 - 24 months, showing improved outcomes following re-intervention. High quality evidence is lacking. More research is needed to investigate patency outcomes and the need for surveillance or re-intervention programs.

Prophylactic ureteric catheterisation during complex gynaecological surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of robust evidence to recommend the use of perioperative ureteric catheterisation or stenting in complex gynaecological surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the evidence on the benefits and risks of perioperative ureteric catheterisation or stenting in complex gynaecological surgery. SEARCH STRATEGY: A literature search was performed in CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase and MEDLINE, from 1946 to January 2024, using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terminology. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Meta-analysis of the RCTs and observational studies were performed separately. Cochrane RevMan 6.5.1 was used to undertake meta-analysis. Risk ratios with 95% CIs were calculated for the outcome measures. MAIN RESULTS: Ten studies were included: three RCTs and seven observational studies, comprising 8661 patients. The three RCTs, comprising a total of 3277 patients, showed no difference in the risk of immediate complications in the form of ureteric injury between the ureteric stent and the control groups (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.49-1.65). The observational studies included 5384 patients. Four studies that explored the ureteric injury as an outcome did not show any difference between the two groups (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.27-2.16). One case-control study with 862 participants found that the rate of ureteric injury was higher in the non-stented group, although this was observed in only three patients. The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) was increased in the stent group, although not with statistical significance (RR 1.84, 95% CI 0.47-7.17). There was no significant difference in the risk of ureteric fistulae (RR 1.91, 95% CI 0.62-5.83), although the number of studies was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic ureteric catheterisation or stenting for complex gynaecological surgery is not associated with a lower risk of ureteric injury.

The safety of same-day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention in regional Australia.

BACKGROUND: Same-day discharge (SDD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has proven safe, and global adoption of this strategy has been increasing rapidly. These data are predominantly derived from high-volume, metropolitan centres with a relative paucity of data from regional and remote settings. AIMS: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a same-day, criteria-led discharge strategy following elective transradial PCI in a regional setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre cohort study. Consecutive outpatients aged ≥18 years presenting for elective transradial invasive coronary angiography between March 2019 and February 2024 were included in the analysis. We report the primary composite outcome of 30-day all-cause mortality and unplanned hospital readmission and compare proportions between those who were discharged on the day of their procedure with those admitted overnight in hospital and discharged the next day. RESULTS: A total of 555 eligible patients were identified, of which 330 (60%) were discharged on the day of their procedure. The composite primary end-point occurred in seven (2%) of the SDD patients and in six (3%) of the overnight admission patients (relative risk = 0.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.27-2.34; P = 0.68). No significant differences were seen in rates of readmission, or in other clinical outcomes assessed, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke and vascular complications or bleeding. CONCLUSION: In a regional setting, SDD following elective transradial PCI, in select patients, is a safe approach which was not associated with higher rates of unplanned readmission or adverse clinical outcomes.

Operator gender differences in major mechanical complications after central line insertions: a subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A previous study on mechanical complications after central venous catheterisation demonstrated differences in complication rates between male and female operators. The objective of this subgroup analysis was to further investigate these differences. The hypothesis was that differences in distribution of predefined variables between operator genders could be identified. METHODS: This was a subgroup analysis of a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study conducted between March 2019 and December 2020 including 8 586 patients ≥ 16 years receiving central venous catheters at four emergency care hospitals. The main outcome measure was major mechanical complications defined as major bleeding, severe cardiac arrhythmia, pneumothorax, arterial catheterisation, and persistent nerve injury. Independent t-test and χ2 test were used to investigate differences in distribution of major mechanical complications and predefined variables between male and female operators. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between operator gender and major mechanical complications. RESULTS: Female operators had a lower rate of major mechanical complications than male operators (0.4% vs 0.8%, P = .02), were less experienced (P < .001), had more patients with invasive positive pressure ventilation (P < .001), more often chose the internal jugular vein (P < .001) and more frequently used ultrasound guidance (P < .001). Male operators more often chose the subclavian vein (P < .001) and inserted more catheters with bore size ≥ 9 Fr (P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male operator gender was associated with major mechanical complication (OR 2.67 [95% CI: 1.26-5.64]) after correction for other relevant independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis was confirmed as differences in distribution of predefined variables between operator genders were found. Despite being less experienced, female operators had a lower rate of major mechanical complications. Furthermore, male operator gender was independently associated with a higher risk of major mechanical complications. Future studies are needed to further investigate differences in risk behaviour between male and female operators. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03782324. Date of registration: 20/12/2018.

Hepatic and splenic venous access tract closure using the VASCADE vascular closure system following percutaneous intervention in patients with CHD.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic and splenic venous access are specialised techniques used to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Bleeding events are the most commonly reported complication following hepatic or splenic venous access. The VASCADE Vascular Closure System (Cardiva Medical Inc. Santa Barbara, CA) is an approved device for closure of femoral vascular access tracts in patients ≥18 years of age. We report our experience using VASCADE to close the hepatic or splenic venous access site in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. METHODS: This is a single centre retrospective review of all patients who had percutaneous hepatic or splenic venous access obtained in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory from March 1, 2022 through October 30, 2023 and underwent tract closure with VASCADE. RESULTS: Ten patients (six male) underwent 16 procedures (median age and weight 3.5 years and 12.5 kg) with 15 hepatic and two splenic veins accessed. Successful closure of the access tracts with VASCADE was performed in all patients. There were no major adverse events related to closure of the access sites with VASCADE. CONCLUSION: VASCADE can be used following transhepatic and trans-splenic venous access in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory to safely close the access tract and potentially reduce the risk of post-procedural bleeding complications. Further evaluation in a larger cohort of patients is needed to ensure VASCADE is safe for use and provides adequate haemostasis following hepatic or splenic venous access, particularly in children.

Safety, timing, and outcomes of early post-operative cardiac catheterisation following congenital heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The safety of early post-operative cardiac catheterisation has been described following congenital heart surgery. Optimal timing of early post-operative cardiac catheterisation remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to describe the safety of early post-operative cardiac catheterisation and its impact on cardiac ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal support. METHODS: This single-centre retrospective cohort study compared clinical and outcome variables between "early" early post-operative cardiac catheterisation (less than 72 hours after surgery) and "late" early post-operative cardiac catheterisation (greater than 72 hours after surgery) groups using Chi-squared, Student's t, and log-rank test (or appropriate nonparametric test). RESULTS: In total, 132 patients were included, 22 (16.7%) "early" early post-operative cardiac catheterisation, and 110 (83.3%) "late" early post-operative cardiac catheterisation. Interventions were performed in 63 patients (51.5%), 7 (11.1%) early and 56 (88.9%) late. Complications of catheterisation occurred in seven (5.3%) patients, two early and five late. There were no major complications. Patients in the late group trended towards a longer stay in the cardiac ICU (19 days [7, 62] versus 11.5 days [7.2, 31.5], p = 0.6) and in the hospital (26 days [9.2, 68] versus 19 days [13.2, 41.8], p = 0.8) compared to the earlier group. CONCLUSION: "Early" early post-operative cardiac catheterisation was associated with an overall low rate of complications. Earlier catheterisations trended towards shorter cardiac ICU and hospital length of stays. Earlier catheterisations may lead to earlier recovery for patients not following an expected post-operative course.

Effects of Digital Picture Books on Young Children Undergoing Cardiac Catheterisation and Their Family Caregivers: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

AIM: To assess the impact of digital picture books on preoperative anxiety, pain and sleep quality in young children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and the anxiety of their family caregivers. DESIGN: A randomised, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial. METHODS: Participants are young children aged 2-7 years with congenital heart disease scheduled for cardiac catheterisation and their family caregivers. They were enrolled at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between September 2022 and July 2023. They were randomised to either a control group receiving usual care or an intervention group receiving digital picture book sessions. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed using standardised scales, and sleep quality was measured using actigraphy. RESULTS: The study included 64 pairs of young children and family caregivers. Digital picture books significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and bandage removal pain in children and anxiety in family caregivers. However, there was no statistical difference in sleep quality between the intervention group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Digital picture books prove to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and pain in paediatric cardiac catheterisation patients and anxiety of their family caregivers. The intervention did not affect sleep quality, suggesting the need for additional strategies to address this aspect of the hospital experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of digitally illustrated books in reducing preoperative anxiety and pain in young children and anxiety in family caregivers. Digital picture books offer a creative and engaging way to help children and their families cope with the stress and anxiety associated with medical procedures. Further research in this area may lead to the development of more innovative and effective interventions for paediatric patients and their family caregivers. IMPACT: The study's impact lies in its innovative approach to addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young children and their family caregivers during the stressful experience of cardiac catheterisation. By demonstrating the efficacy of digital picture books in significantly reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, the research presents a non-pharmacological, accessible and engaging intervention that can be seamlessly integrated into existing healthcare practices. The findings have the potential to transform paediatric care by offering a safe, developmentally appropriate and cost-effective method to support the emotional well-being of children and their families, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the study's emphasis on family caregiver involvement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to care that considers the needs of both the patient and their support system. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Children and their family caregivers were invited to provide valuable input which has been critical to the development of the intervention. The participant information sheet and consent form, as well as the consent/recruitment process, were reviewed by a consumer advisor advocate from the pilot study. REPORTING METHOD: CONSORT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2200063973. Registered on 22 September 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=132833.

Impact of the mother's voice on sedation need and stress during cardiologic examination of children (SMUSS study): a prospective, interventional, randomised, controlled, monocentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac catheterisation is crucial for diagnosing and treating paediatric heart diseases, but it is poorly tolerated by small children, infants, and newborns without sedation. This study investigated whether maternal voice during sedation could lower stress and pain in children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and also assessed mothers' stress levels before and after the procedure. METHODS: This was a prospective, monocentric, randomised, controlled interventional study at the University Hospital Bonn. Children aged 4 years or younger scheduled for elective cardiac catheterisation under procedural sedation and American Society of Anaesthesiologists class between 1 and 3 were eligible. RESULTS: At the end of cardiac catheterisation, the intervention group showed a higher Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation index with an adjusted mean difference of 9.5 (± 4.2) (p = 0.026) and a lower median Children's and Infants Postoperative Pain Scale score of 2.0 (IQR: 0.0-5.0) versus 4.5 (IQR: 3.0-6.0) than the control group (p = 0.027). No difference in the children's cortisol level was found (p = 0.424). The mothers in the intervention group had a lower cortisol level than those in the control group before cardiac catheterisation (adjusted mean difference: -4.5 nmol/l (± 1.8 nmol/l), p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Listening to the maternal voice during cardiac catheterisation could lead to less postoperative pain and significantly lower stress and discomfort level in children. Less pain could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.Additionally, mothers perceived involvement as positive. A reduced stress level of mothers can positively influence children and possibly reduce pain and anxiety.

Anaesthesia management of interventional cardiac catheterisation for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis usually have to undergo treatment in the neonatal period. Compared to traditional surgical intervention, catheter-based cardiac interventions may achieve similar or superior outcomes for neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis. However, there is limited literature on anaesthesia techniques, challenges, and risks associated with cardiac catheterisation in this population. METHODS: This article retrospectively analysed the clinical data of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis neonates who were treated with interventional cardiac catheterisation in our hospital from January 2015 to October 2022. Clinical outcomes considered were haemodynamic or pulse oxygen saturation instability, vasoactive requirements, prolonged intubation (>24 h postoperatively), and cardiovascular adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients survived the intervention. Among the patients with critical pulmonary stenosis, 40 successfully received percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, while three patients received ductal stenting due to moderate right ventricular dysplasia at the same time. For patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, 17 of the 23 patients successfully underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve perforation and percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Of these, five patients underwent ductal stenting due to unstable pulmonary blood flow. Three patients only underwent ductal stenting. In addition, three patients received hybrid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There are various clinical techniques and risk challenges in the interventional cardiac catheterisation of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis. However, by mastering the physiological and pathophysiological characteristics of the disease, adequately preparing for the perioperative period, and predicting the procedure process and potential complications, anaesthesia and surgical risks can be effectively managed.

Closing the gap between acceptable and ideal in catheterisation for paediatric and congenital heart disease-A global view.

In recent issues of the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions, Holzer and colleagues presented an Expert Consensus Document titled: "PICS / AEPC / APPCS / CSANZ / SCAI / SOLACI: Expert consensus statement on cardiac catheterization for pediatric patients and adults with congenital heart disease." This Expert Consensus Document is a massively important contribution to the community of paediatric and congenital cardiac care. This document was developed as an Expert Consensus Document by the Pediatric and Congenital Interventional Cardiovascular Society, the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology, the Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society, the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the Latin American Society of Interventional Cardiology, as well as the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.As perfectly stated in the Preamble of this Expert Consensus Document, "This expert consensus document is intended to inform practitioners, payors, hospital administrators and other parties as to the opinion of the aforementioned societies about best practices for cardiac catheterisation and transcatheter management of paediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease, with added accommodations for resource-limited environments." And, the fact that the authorship of this Expert Consensus Document includes global representation is notable, commendable, and important.This Expert Consensus Document has the potential to fill an important gap for this patient population. National guideline documents for specific aspects of interventions in patients with paediatric heart disease, including training guidelines, do exist. However, this current Expert Consensus Document authored by Holzer and colleagues provides truly globally applicable standards on cardiac catheterisation for both paediatric patients and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD).Our current Editorial provides different regional perspectives from senior physicians dedicated to paediatric and congenital cardiac care who are practicing in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, and North America. Establishing worldwide standards for cardiac catheterisation laboratories for children and adults with CHD is a significant stride towards improving the quality and consistency of care. These standards should not only reflect the current state of medical knowledge but should also be adaptable to future advancements, ultimately fostering better outcomes and enhancing the lives of individuals affected by CHD worldwide.Ensuring that these standards are accessible and adaptable across different healthcare settings globally is a critical step. Given the variability in resources and infrastructure globally, the need exists for flexibility and tailoring to implement recommendations.The potential impact of the Expert Consensus Document and its recommendations is likely significant, but heterogeneity of healthcare systems will pose continuing challenges on healthcare professionals. Indeed, this heterogeneity of healthcare systems will challenge healthcare professionals to finally close the gap between acceptable and ideal in the catheterisation of patients with paediatric and/or congenital heart disease.

Goldfish or aquatic turtle? Impact of two animal assisted interventions on children's pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheterization: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of goldfish and aquatic turtle nursing interventions on children's pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheter insertion. DESIGN AND METHODS: The randomized controlled trial included 98 children (control group = 32, goldfish group = 33, aquatic turtle group = 33) aged 5-6 years, attending outpatient clinic for blood sampling and catheterisation procedures. Pain was measured using the Wong Baker Facial Pain Scale, anxiety was measured using the Child Anxiety Scale-State, and child fear was measured using the Child Fear Scale, before, during, and after catheterization. RESULTS: When analyzing the pain, anxiety, and fear findings, no statistical difference was found between the scores of the mother, child, and researcher before the procedure. During the catheterization procedure, the pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the children in the fish and turtle groups increased statistically less than those in the control group. When analyzing the post-procedure findings, the pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the control group were similar to those before the procedure. In the fish and turtle groups, anxiety and fear scores were statistically the lowest (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that animal-assisted practices reduce anxiety and fear during and after the catheterization procedures while diverting attention from pain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Goldfish or aquatic turtle intervention improve children's attitudes toward pain, anxiety, and fear during IV catheter insertion. Pediatric nurses could consider incorporating, such as the animal assisted intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.

A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Patient Perspectives and Outcome Measures From Not Fasting Before Cardiac Catheterisation.

BACKGROUND & AIM: This study aimed to describe the patient experience and incidence of adverse events in unfasted patients undergoing coronary angiography and angioplasty. In addition, to identify any association between duration of fasting and adverse events. Historically, patients were fasted before elective cardiac catheterisation. Routine fasting was not evidence-based, and many centres, including our unit, have discontinued the practice. METHODS: Patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation at a large urban teaching hospital were invited to participate in a prospective observational cohort study documenting the duration of fasting and incidence of adverse events (n=508). Of these participants, 257 also completed a survey that captured perspectives and opinions regarding not fasting. RESULTS: The mean time since last fluid was 1.9±2.2 hours and for food was 3.9±3.7 hours. The most common adverse event was hypotension (10.0%). Rates of nausea (3.9%) and vomiting (0.6%) were low, and there were no episodes of aspiration. No associations were identified between the time since the last food or fluid and any adverse events. Thematic analysis of survey data yielded three themes: (1) in most, not fasting is preferable to fasting; (2) being able to eat and drink before the procedure positively affected well-being, and (3) one-fifth of the cohort expressed no preference between fasting and non-fasting. CONCLUSIONS: Not fasting before cardiac catheterisation is viewed favourably by patients. While this study provides additional evidence that not fasting is safe, event rates are low, and larger multicentre studies are needed for confirmation.

Pain management associated with arteriovenous fistula cannulation among children undergoing haemodialysis: Systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate studies related to pain management associated with arteriovenous fistula cannulation among children. METHODS: The systematic review comprised literature search on Embase, ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus, SpringerLink and Wiley Online databases for studies published in English between 1998 and 2021. The search used key words, including pain management OR analgesia AND child OR paediatric AND haemodialysis OR dialysis AND arteriovenous fistula OR arteriovenous fistula cannulation OR fistula needle OR arteriovenous fistula insertion OR needle insertion. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joana Briggs Institute checklist. General characteristics of the and pain outcomes were noted. RESULTS: Of the 2,877 studies initially identified, 8(0.27%) were analysed; 7(87.5%) quasi-experimental and 1(12.5%) randomised controlled trial. Overall, there were 283 participants aged 6-18 years. The strategies used for reducing arteriovenous fistula puncture-related pain among children undergoing haemodialysis included cryotherapy, lidocaine agents, virtual reality (VR), guided visualisation, balloon inflation, aromatherapy, and other programmed distractions. The strategies had a positive effect on reducing arteriovenous fistula cannulation-related pain among children. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological pain management is an easier, simpler, inexpensive and more effective method of atraumatic care among children undergoing haemodialysis.

Adverse events associated with umbilical vascular catheters in the neonatal intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical catheters are commonly inserted in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) yet are associated with serious adverse events (AEs) such as malposition, migration, infection, thrombosis, hepatic complications, cardiac effusion, and cardiac tamponade. There is a need to determine the incidence and risk factors for AEs to inform safe practice. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for AEs (all-cause and individual types) associated with umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) and umbilical arterial catheters (UACs) in the NICU. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in an Australian level-VI NICU over a 3-year period. Any newborn who had both a UVC and UAC insertion attempt was included. RESULTS: There were 236 neonates who had 494 catheters (245 UVCs and 249 UACs). Of these, 71% of UVCs (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.6-76.9%; incidence rate: 181.1-237.3 per 1000 catheter days) and 43.8% of UACs (95% CI: 38-50.5%; incidence rate: 102.0-146.3 per 1000 catheter days) were associated with an AE. The most common AE was malposition on first X-ray for UVCs (60.1%, 95% CI: 55.1-67.3) and UACs (32.6%, 95% CI: 26.8-39.6). A dwell time of ≥7 days was a significant predictor of UAC failure (incidence risk ratio: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1, p = 0.006) and migration of the UVC (incidence risk ratio: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.0-11.5, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Adverse events related to insertion occurred in a relatively high percentage of umbilical catheters placed. Increased dwell time remains a significant risk factor for catheter migration and overall failure. Practice change and consideration of risk factors for both individual and overall AE risk are necessary to reduce complications.

Intermittent catheterisation.

When an individual has voiding difficulties, the person may require a urinary catheter. Enabling the person to choose an appropriate method of catheterisation and supporting them can have an enormous impact on the individual's health and wellbeing. Indwelling urethral catheters are suitable for some people but for others they can affect a person's lifestyle and lead to depression. Intermittent catheterisation can work well for some people. Intermittent self-catheterisation has been used to manage urinary retention for over 3500 years. It remains the 'gold standard' in terms of bladder drainage, but it is under-used and indwelling catheters remain more common. This article examines the history of intermittent catheterisation, indications for self-catheterisation and how to support people to use self-catheterisation.

Product evaluation of the Luja Micro-hole Zone Technology in clean intermittent self-catheterisation.

Clean intermittent self-catheterisation is a common procedure undertaken by people with bladder dysfunction. However, it is not without its complications, the main one being urinary tract infection. The most common causes of urinary tract infections are poor hygiene, technique and adherence, excessive post-void residual urine and bladder trauma. A catheter with new Micro-hole Zone Technology has been developed, which can potentially improve bladder emptying and minimise these complications. A case study is used to illustrate its effects in practice.

Understanding the challenges faced by men learning to live with clean intermittent self-catheterisation.

Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) is considered the preferred option to an indwelling catheter for emptying the bladder in people with a range of voiding dysfunctions. CISC has a lower risk of complications and urinary tract infections. This narrative review of previous qualitative research explores the quality-of-life impacts and highlights the challenges that men face. It will provide nurses who teach CISC with some useful insights into the male experience and the issues of concordance and adherence. This will help to better inform and guide clinical practice in this specialist area of nursing practice.

Impact of smoking in patients with suspected coronary artery disease in the randomised DISCHARGE trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if the effect of cardiac computed tomography (CT) vs. invasive coronary angiography (ICA) on cardiovascular events differs based on smoking status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pre-specified subgroup analysis of the pragmatic, prospective, multicentre, randomised DISCHARGE trial (NCT02400229) involved 3561 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke). Secondary endpoints included an expanded MACE composite (MACE, transient ischaemic attack, or major procedure-related complications). RESULTS: Of 3445 randomised patients with smoking data (mean age 59.1 years + / - 9.7, 1151 men), at 3.5-year follow-up, the effect of CT vs. ICA on MACE was consistent across smoking groups (p for interaction = 0.98). The percutaneous coronary intervention rate was significantly lower with a CT-first strategy in smokers and former smokers (p = 0.01 for both). A CT-first strategy reduced the hazard of major procedure-related complications (HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.81; p = 0.045) across smoking groups. In current smokers, the expanded MACE composite was lower in the CT- compared to the ICA-first strategy (2.3% (8) vs 6.0% (18), HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.88). The rate of non-obstructive CAD was significantly higher in all three smoking groups in the CT-first strategy. CONCLUSION: For patients with stable chest pain referred for ICA, the clinical outcomes of CT were consistent across smoking status. The CT-first approach led to a higher detection rate of non-obstructive CAD and fewer major procedure-related complications in smokers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This pre-specified sub-analysis of the DISCHARGE trial confirms that a CT-first strategy in patients with stable chest pain referred for invasive coronary angiography with an intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease is as effective as and safer than invasive coronary angiography, irrespective of smoking status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02400229. KEY POINTS: • No randomised studies have assessed smoking status on CT effectiveness in symptomatic patients referred for invasive coronary angiography. • A CT-first strategy results in comparable adverse events, fewer complications, and increased coronary artery disease detection, irrespective of smoking status. • A CT-first strategy is safe and effective for stable chest pain patients with intermediate pre-test probability for CAD, including never smokers.