Incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with permanent percutaneous nephrostomy after implementation of a standardized care program.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PNT), which are used in some cancer hospitals, are associated with an increase in urinary tract infections (UTI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a standardized care program on the incidence of UTIs requiring hospitalization (UTI-RH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients with a first PNT inserted. The incidence, relative risk (RR), costs and outcomes of patients with UTI-RH were compared during the period before (P0) vs. after the intervention (P1). RESULTS: 113 PNTs were inserted during P0, and 74 at P1. During P0, 61 patients (53.9%) experienced 64 UTI-RH events in 22,557 PNT days. At P1, four patients (5.4%) had a UTI-RH in 6,548 PNT days (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.57). The RR was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.25). Monthly cost per day/bed was USD 3,823 at P0 and USD 1,076 at P1, and for antibiotics, it was USD 790 at P0 and USD 123.5 at P1. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of a standardized care program for permanent percutaneous devices, since this reduces antibiotic use, hospitalization, and the cost of care.

ANTECEDENTES: Los catéteres de nefrostomía percutánea (CNP) que se utilizan en algunos hospitales oncológicos condicionan un incremento en las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de un programa estandarizado de atención en la incidencia de ITU que requiere hospitalización (ITU-RH). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con un primer CNP. Se comparó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR), costos y evolución de los pacientes con ITU-RH durante el período previo a la intervención (P0) versus posterior a ella (P1). RESULTADOS: Se instalaron 113 CNP durante P0 y 74 durante P1. Durante P0, 61 pacientes (53.9 %) presentaron 64 episodios de ITU-RH, en 22 557 días de uso de CNP. Durante P1, cuatro pacientes (5.4%) cursaron con ITU-RH en el transcurso de 6548 días de uso del CNP (razón de tasa de incidencia de 0.21, IC 95 % = 0.05-0.57). El RR fue de 0.09 (IC 95 % = 0.03-0.25). El costo mensual por día-cama fue de 3823 USD en P0 y de 1076 USD en P1; el de los antibióticos, de 790 USD en P0 y 123.5 USD en P1. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio resalta la importancia de un programa estandarizado del cuidado de los dispositivos permanentes, el cual disminuye el uso de antibióticos, la hospitalización y el costo de la atención.

Role of Proteus mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation.

Proteus mirabilis(P. mirabilis) is a common etiological agent of urinary tract infections, particularly those associated with catheterization. P. mirabilis efficiently forms biofilms on different surfaces and shows a multicellular behavior called 'swarming', mediated by flagella. To date, the role of flagella in P. mirabilis biofilm formation has been under debate. In this study, we assessed the role of P. mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation using an isogenic allelic replacement mutant unable to express flagellin. Different approaches were used, such as the evaluation of cell surface hydrophobicity, bacterial motility and migration across catheter sections, measurements of biofilm biomass and biofilm dynamics by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in static and flow models. Our findings indicate that P. mirabilis flagella play a role in biofilm formation, although their lack does not completely avoid biofilm generation. Our data suggest that impairment of flagellar function can contribute to biofilm prevention in the context of strategies focused on particular bacterial targets.

Risk factors for healthcare-associated infections in newborns after surgery in a neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. There is little information on the risk factors associated with HAI in surgical newborns. OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors associated with healthcare-associated infections in surgical newborns. METHODS: Nested case-control study carried out during 2016-2017. Cases were newborns with healthcare-associated infections and controls were newborns without infection. Perinatal characteristics, use of antimicrobial prophylaxis, use of central venous catheter (CVC), mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, age, and weight at the time of surgery, type of surgery, surgical wound classification, duration of surgery, number of surgical procedures, postsurgical HAIs and type of infection were registered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-one cases and 142 controls were included. The most frequent HAI was bloodstream infection (36.6%); the main microorganisms isolated in blood cultures were gram-positive cocci. Independent risk factors associated with HAIs in the multivariate analysis were CVC duration > 8 days (aOR = 17.2, 95% CI = 3.8-49.1), ≥ 2 surgeries (aOR = 16.5, 95% CI 5.8 -42.1) and abdominal surgery (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2-6.6). CONCLUSION: Newborns undergoing surgery, mainly those with risk factors, require close monitoring during the postoperative period. CVC should be withdrawn as soon as possible.

ANTECEDENTES: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud (IAAS) son causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad. OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de IAAS en recién nacidos (RN) sometidos a cirugía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. Los casos fueron RN sometidos a cirugía, con IAAS y los controles, RN sometidos a cirugía sin IAAS. Se registraron datos perinatales, uso de profilaxis antimicrobiana, de catéter venoso central (CVC), ventilación mecánica, nutrición parenteral y sondas; edad y peso al momento de la cirugía, tipo de cirugía, clasificación de la herida quirúrgica, duración de la cirugía, número de procedimientos quirúrgicos y tipo de infección. Se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 71 casos y 142 controles. Las IAAS más frecuentes fueron las infecciones sanguíneas (36.6 %); los principales microorganismos aislados en hemocultivos fueron cocos grampositivos. Los factores de riesgo asociados a IAAS en el análisis multivariado fueron duración del CVC > 8 días (RMa = 17.2), ≥ 2 intervenciones quirúrgicas (RMa = 16.5) y cirugía abdominal (RMa = 2.6). CONCLUSIONES: Los RN sometidos a cirugía, principalmente aquellos con factores de riesgo, requieren vigilancia estrecha durante el posoperatorio. El CVC debe ser retirado tan pronto sea posible.

Prospective cohort study on the management and complications of peripheral venous catheters in patients hospitalised in Internal Medicine. / Estudio de cohortes prospectivo sobre el manejo y las complicaciones del catéter venoso periférico en pacientes ingresados en Medicina Interna.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse compliance with the recommendations on the insertion-maintenance of peripheral venous catheters (PVC) and the incidence of complications according to the healthcare department that inserted the PVCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort follow-up study of PVCs, from their insertion in the emergency or internal medicine (IM) department until their withdrawal. RESULTS: We monitored 590 PVCs, 274 from the emergency department and 316 from IM. In terms of compliance with the process indicators, there was a cannulation rate in the antecubital fossa of 3.5 and 1.6 per 100 catheters-day (P<.001) in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The sterile placement rates were 1.6 and 12.4 (P<.001), and the rate for transparent dressing was 2.1 and 11.5 (P<.001) per 100 catheters-day in the emergency and IM departments, respectively. The complications rates showed no differences between the departments. The most common complication was phlebitis (95 cases, 16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with the insertion-maintenance recommendations for PVC showed differences between the departments; however, the incidence of complications was similar.

Complications associated to percutaneous catheter in preterm and term born children / Complicaciones asociadas al catéter percutáneo en recién nacidos pretérmino y a término

Objective: Identify percutaneous catheter-related complications in preterm and term newborns. Methods: Comparative cross-section. Were included newborns whit percutaneous catheter insertion, blood culture results and distal catheter segment. Were formed two groups: Preterm and term. Results: Were analyzed the data of preterm (n = 50) and term (n = 50) newborn, the gestational age was 30 ± 3 and 40 ± 2 (p = 0.01). The frecuency in preterm and term newborn was respectively, sepsis catheter 36 and 18% (p = 0.02; OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.02-7.17), infected catheter 50 and 22% (p = 0.01; OR: 5.92; 95% CI: 1.66-23.12), colonized catheter of 24 and 14% (p = 0.01; OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.32-9.90), local infection 14 and 8% (p = 0.03; OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.45-8.29), infiltration 18 and 4% (p = 0.02; OR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.17-59), accidental removal 6 and 22% (p = 0.02; OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.05-0.87) and catheter rupture 10 and 28% (p = 0.02; OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.08-0.98). Conclusions: We found a higher association of infections and infiltrations by percutaneous catheter in preterm and term prevailed in accidental removal and catheter rupture.

Objetivo: Identificar las complicaciones asociadas al catéter percutáneo en recién nacidos pretérmino y a término. Método: Estudio transversal comparativo. Se incluyeron recién nacidos que tenían insertado un catéter percutáneo, con resultados de cultivo de sangre y segmento distal del catéter. Se formaron dos grupos: pretérmino y a término. Se calcularon la razón de momios (RM) y el intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 50 recién nacidos por grupo. En los pretérmino y a término se encontró un valor de la media de edad gestacional de 30 ± 3 y 40 ± 2, respectivamente (p = 0.01), y unos porcentajes de sepsis por catéter del 36 y el 18% (p = 0.02; RM: 2.56; IC 95%: 1.02-7.17), de catéter infectado del 50 y el 22% (p = 0.01; RM: 5.92; IC 95%: 1.66-23.12), de catéter colonizado del 24 y el 14% (p = 0.01; RM: 3.58; IC 95%: 1.32-9.90), de infección local del 14 y el 8% (p = 0.03; RM: 1.87; IC 95%: 1.45-8.29), de infiltración del 18 y el 4% (p = 0.02; RM: 5.27; IC 95%: 1.17-59), de retiro accidental del 6 y el 22% (p = 0.02; RM: 0.23; IC 95%: 0.05-0.87) y de rotura del catéter del 10 y el 28% (p = 0.02; RM: 0.29; IC 95%: 0.08-0.98). Conclusiones: Se encontró mayor asociación de infecciones e infiltraciones por catéter percutáneo en los pretérmino, y de retiro accidental y rotura del catéter en los nacidos a término.

[Evaluation of clinical evidence for dalbavancin]. / Evaluación de la evidencia clínica con dalbavancina.

Gram-positive infections are currently a therapeutic challenge because of the emergence of strains resistant to first-line antibiotics. Consequently, in the last few years, new antibiotics have been developed with activity against multiresistant Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and strains with intermediate sensitivity to vancomycin. Among the new antibiotics approved for the treatment of these microorganisms, dalbavancin is a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide derived from teicoplanin, but has a superior efficacy profile to the latter. Studies published to date have confirmed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of dalbavancin in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by Gram-positive microorganisms sensitive to this drug and position it as a therapeutic option in Gram-positive catheter-related sepsis. Dalbavancin has an excellent safety profile and pharmacokinetics that allow its intravenous administration in a single weekly dose, making it a therapeutic option for outpatient use. Dalbavancin could also be an attractive alternative for patients requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy, with the aim of avoiding the need for a permanent intravenous line and its associated risks, such as infection and/or septic thrombophlebitis.

Evaluation of the usefulness of a quantitative blood culture in the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection: Comparative analysis of two periods (2002 and 2012).

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of systematic quantitative blood culture (QBC) in the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) during two 1-year periods (2002 and 2012). METHODS: The study included all QBC requests sent to the microbiology laboratory for suspected CRBSI in adults (≥18 years) with any type of intravascular catheter (IVC). Based on a ratio of ≥4:1CFU/mL of the same microorganism between IVC blood culture from any lumen and peripheral blood culture, 5 diagnostic groups were defined: confirmed or probable CRBSI, primary BSI, other focus of infection, and colonization. RESULTS: In total, 4521 QBCs were evaluated; 24% positive in 2002 and 16% in 2012 (P<0.0001). There were 243 episodes of suspected CRBSI (101 in 2002 and 142 in 2012). Confirmed CRBSI episodes were higher in 2002 than 2012 (56% vs 34%) (P<0.0001), whereas colonization episodes were lower (18% vs 38%) (P=0.0006). Gram-positive cocci decrease in 2012 relative to 2002 (56% vs 79.7%) (P=0.022). Almost one-third (32%) of confirmed CRBSI would have been missed if blood from all catheter lumens had not been cultured. CONCLUSIONS: QBC is a useful method for diagnosing CRBSI. Blood samples from all catheter lumens must be cultured to avoid missing around one-third of CRBSI diagnoses.

Blood culture differential time to positivity enables safe catheter retention in suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness and safety of the differential-time-to-positivity (DTP) method for managing the suspicion of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) in comparison with a standard method that includes catheter removal in critically ill patients. METHODS-DESIGN: A prospective randomized study was carried out. SETTING: A 16-bed clinical-surgical ICU (July 2007-February 2009). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups at the time CR-BSI was suspected. In the standard group, a standard strategy requiring catheter withdrawal was used to confirm or rule out CR-BSI. In the DTP group, DTP without catheter withdrawal was used to confirm or rule out CR-BSI. MEASUREMENTS: clinical and microbiological data, CR-BSI rates, unnecessary catheter removals, and complications due to new puncture or to delays in catheter removal. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were analyzed in each group. In the standard group, 6 of 37 suspected episodes of CR-BSI were confirmed and 5 colonizations were diagnosed. In the DTP group, 5 of 26 suspected episodes of CR-BSI were confirmed and four colonizations were diagnosed. In the standard group, all catheters (58/58, 100%) were removed at the time CR-BSA was suspected, whereas in the DTP group, only 13 catheters (13/41, 32%) were removed at diagnosis, and 10 due to persistent septic signs (10/41, 24%). In cases of confirmed CR-BSI, there were no differences between the two groups in the evolution of inflammatory parameters during the 48hours following the suspicion of CR-BSI. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with suspected CR-BSI, the DTP method makes it possible to keep the central venous catheter in place safely.

[Successful endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm secondary to infection of the umbilical artery catheter in preterm infants]. / Tratamiento endovascular exitoso de aneurisma de aorta torácica secundario a infección de catéter de arteria umbilical en un recién nacido pretérmino.

UNLABELLED: Aortic aneurysms (AA) in the paediatric population are uncommon. The use of umbilical catheters in neonates has been associated with infections and, on some occasions, the formation of aortic aneurysms. The surgical repair of these aneurysms is one type of treatment; however, percutaneous intervention with stents could provide an alternative treatment route, with fewer complications. The aim of this report is to present the therapeutic scope of a hybrid procedure, in which the combined surgical and percutaneous technique offers a less invasive alternative to open surgery for the repair of aortic aneurysms or their main branches. CLINICAL CASE: The case concerns a pre-term newborn of 30 weeks weighing 1,335 g. An umbilical catheter was introduced, which was withdrawn at 14 days due to an infection. It developed as Staphylococcus aureus with sepsis. The echocardiogram and Angio-CT confirmed AA, which were managed using a hybrid procedure of surgery and the endovascular implantation of 2 coated stents (Atrium V12 XR Medical Corp, Hudson, NH). The post-procedure clinical follow-ups, including abdominal echo-tomography, confirmed the success of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedure in premature newborns may be considered when deciding treatment of this disease, and could avoid the risks associated with open surgery. However, follow-up and monitoring is required while the patient grows up, due to the possibility that the implanted stents require re-dilating. The outcomes of neonatal endovascular procedures in the future are unknown.

[Venous catheter-related infections]. / Infecciones relacionadas con el uso de los catéteres vasculares.

Venous catheter-related infections are a problem of particular importance, due to their frequency, morbidity and mortality, and because they are potentially preventable clinical processes. At present, the majority of hospitalized patients and a considerable number of outpatients are carriers of these devices. There has been a remarkable growth of knowledge of the epidemiology of these infections, the most appropriate methodology for diagnosis, the therapeutic and, in particular, the preventive strategies. Multimodal strategies, including educational programs directed at staff and a bundle of simple measures for implementation, applied to high-risk patients have demonstrated great effectiveness for their prevention. In this review the epidemiology, the diagnosis, and the therapeutic and preventive aspects of these infections are updated.

Can MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry be used with intravascular catheters?

INTRODUCTION: The use of the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry has shown to be effective and fast in some clinical specimens for the identification of colonizing microorganisms. The objective of the study was to analyze the validity values for the prediction of colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI) of the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry performed at all intravascular catheters that arrived in the microbiology laboratory. METHODS: Catheter tips (after performing the roll-plate technique) were tested by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry during a period of 3-months. The gold standard for colonization and C-RBSI were, respectively: the presence of ≥15cfu/plate in the catheter tip culture; and the isolation of the same microorganism(s) in blood cultures as well as in the colonized catheter (during the 7days before or after catheter withdrawal). RESULTS: A total of 182 intravascular catheters were collected. The overall colonization rate detected by roll-plate technique and MAL-TOF mass spectrometry was 31.9% and 32.4%, respectively. Overall, there were 33 (18.1%) episodes of C-RBSI. The validity values of the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the identification of colonization and C-RBSI were, respectively: sensitivity (69.0%/66.7%), specificity (84.7%/75.2%), positive predictive value (65.6%/36.1%), and negative predictive value (86.8%/92.6%). Conclusion MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry could be an alternative diagnostic tool for ruling out C-RBSI. However, despite it showing to be faster than conventional culture, future studies are required in order to improve the pre-analytical process.

[New devices of fecal diversion and collection: adverse effects described in the literature]. / Nuevos dispositivos de derivación y colección fecal: efectos adversos descritos en la bibliografía.

UNLABELLED: Among products for the management and control of faeces in patients with fecal incontinence, there are new devices that allow the diversion and collection of fecal matter. This study has aimed to know the complications related to these new devices described in the literature. METHOD: A search was made in the main bibliographic databases, obtaining publications on the new devices. The relevant documents were selected, these being those that described complications. After these were described. RESULTS: A total of 13 relevant documents were recovered. There were 45 adverse events 36 patients. Those having the greatest incidence were rectal bleeding (10 patients) and abdominal distension (6 patients). CONCLUSION: In order to provide the best patient care, it is essential to know the possible complications in order to be able to prevent them. The cares given these patients need to be reevaluated.

Single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of Canoxidin® for prevention of catheter encrustation in patients with indwelling catheters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Long-term use of an indwelling catheter is associated with complications such as catheter encrustation and infection. Canoxidin® is a novel oral treatment that can potentially prevent catheter encrustation, as it contains a urine acidifier and a combination of two crystallization inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Canoxidin® on catheter encrustation in patients with indwelling Foley catheters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Neuro-urology patients aged ≥18 years with an indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic) were randomized to treatment consisting of either Canoxidin® or placebo for one month. Foley catheters (two per patient, one before treatment and one after treatment) were removed for analysis of the presence and degree of encrustation. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomized, 28 of whom had analyzable catheters (13 assigned to Canoxidin® and 15 assigned to placebo). The patients had a mean age of 51.8 years, and eight (28.6%) were female. Two patients (13.3%) in the placebo group and eight patients (61.5%) in the Canoxidin® group experienced an improvement (less encrustation). There was a significant association between Canoxidin® and improvement (odds ratio: 10.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 66.9, P = 0.016). No adverse effects attributable to the treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of catheter encrustation was high among those with indwelling Foley catheters. One-month treatment with Canoxidin® reduced the formation of these encrustations, with an excellent short-term safety profile.

Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP) and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Intensive Care (SECIP) for the diagnosis and treatment of central venous catheter-related infections in paediatric care.

Intravascular devices are essential for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to multiple diseases in paediatrics, and central venous catheters (CVCs) are especially important. One of the most frequent complications is the infection of these devices, which is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. These infections are highly complex, requiring the use of substantial resources, both for their diagnosis and treatment, and affect vulnerable paediatric patients admitted to high-complexity units more frequently. There is less evidence on their management in paediatric patients compared to adults, and no consensus documents on the subject have been published in Spain. The objective of this document, developed jointly by the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP) and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Intensive Care (SECIP), is to provide consensus recommendations based on the greatest degree of evidence available to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). This document focuses on non-neonatal paediatric patients with CRBSIs and does not address the prevention of these infections.

Comparison of early and late removal of the urinary catheter after rectal cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aiming to compare the results of early and late removal of urinary catheters after rectal cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who undergone rectal cancer surgery in a single center were included in this prospective randomized study. The timing of the urinary catheter removal was randomized by a computer-assisted program and divided into 2 groups, which are early (first 48 h) and late (after 48 h). The primary outcome of this study was to compare the urinary retention and re-catheterization rates between patients with early and those with late catheter removal. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in this study. The median age was 60 (31-88 years), and the patient group was predominantly male (n: 40, 60.9%). Urinary retention after catheter removal developed in 8 (12%) of 66 patients. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the need for re-catheterization (14% vs. 10%, p: 0.63). All the patients who required re-catheterization (n: 8) and were discharged with a urinary catheter (n: 4) were male. When the male and female patients were evaluated separately, there was no difference in urinary retention in the early or late groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early or late removal of the catheter does not play a role in the development of urinary retention in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de la retirada precoz y tardía de la sonda urinaria tras la cirugía de cáncer rectal. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado que incluyó pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer rectal en un único centro. El momento de la retirada de la sonda urinaria se aleatorizó y se dividió en dos grupos: primeras 48 horas y después de 48 horas. Se compararon las tasas de retención urinaria y de nueva cateterización entre los pacientes con retirada precoz y tardía de la sonda. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 60 años (31-88 años) y predominio del sexo masculino (n = 40, 60.9%). Se produjo retención urinaria tras la retirada de la sonda en 8 (12%). No hubo diferencias entre los dos grupos en cuanto a necesidad de nueva cateterización (14% frente a 10%, p = 0.63). Todos los pacientes que precisaron un nuevo cateterismo (n = 8) y fueron dados de alta con una sonda urinaria (n = 4) eran varones. CONCLUSIONES: La retirada precoz o tardía de la sonda no influye en la aparición de retención urinaria en pacientes intervenidos de cáncer de recto.

Spanish catheter ablation registry. 23rd official report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2023).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We report the results of the 2023 Spanish catheter ablation registry. METHODS: Procedural data were collected and incorporated into the REDCap platform by all participating centers through a specific form. RESULTS: There were 104 participating centers in 2023 compared with 103 in 2022. In 2023, the total number of ablation procedures was 26 207, indicating a stabilization of the increase observed in 2022 following the pandemic. The increase was mainly due to procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF), with a total of 9942 ablations, representing 38% of all substrates. Notably, pulse-field ablation represented 10.3% of all AF ablation procedures, leading single-shot ablation strategies to outnumber point-by-point AF ablation for the first time in the history of the registry. Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation remained the second most targeted substrate (19% of all substrates, n = 5067). The overall acute success rate remained high (97%), with a downward trend in the complication rate (1.6% vs 1.8% in 2022) and mortality rate (0.03%; n = 7). Compared with 2022, there was a significant increase in procedures performed using electro-anatomical mapping and zero-fluoroscopy techniques for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (52% vs 26%), AV node re-entrant tachycardia (48% vs 34%), and accessory pathways (62% vs 22%). We registered 466 ablations in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate a stabilization in the post-pandemic increase in ablation procedures, with an absolute and relative increase in AF as the predominant substrate. Success rates remained stable with a modest reduction in complication and mortality rates. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en.

[Taurolidine lock in pediatric patients with intestinal failure. A practical guideline from the Spanish Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SEGHNP)]. / Sellado con taurolidina en el fracaso intestinal pediátrico. Guía práctica de la Sociedad Española de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SEGHNP).

Introduction: Objectives: the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections is a critical aspect of care for patients with intestinal failure who are treated with parenteral nutrition. The use of taurolidine in this context is becoming increasingly popular, however there is a lack of standardization in its pediatric application. The objective of this work is to develop a guide to support its prescription. Methodology: the guide is based on a review of the literature and expert opinions from the Intestinal Failure Group of the SEGHNP. It was developed through a survey distributed to all its members, addressing aspects of usual practice with this lock solution. Results: this manuscript presents general recommendations concerning taurolidine indications, commercial presentations, appropriate forms of administration, use in special situations, adverse reactions, and contraindications in the pediatric population Conclusions: taurolidine is emerging as the primary lock solution used to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, proving to be safe and effective. This guide aims to optimize and standardize its use in pediatrics.

Introducción: Objetivo: la prevención de las infecciones asociadas a catéter ocupa un papel fundamental en los cuidados del paciente en situación de fracaso intestinal en tratamiento con nutrición parenteral. El empleo del sellado del catéter con taurolidina con ese fin se ha generalizado sin que exista una estandarización sobre su uso en población pediátrica. El objetivo de este trabajo es elaborar una guía clínica que sirva de apoyo en su utilización. Métodos: la guía se basa en una revisión de la literatura y en la opinión de expertos del Grupo de Trabajo de Fracaso Intestinal de la SEGHNP recogida a través de una encuesta realizada a todos sus integrantes sobre aspectos de la práctica habitual con este sellado. Resultados: este manuscrito expone unas recomendaciones en cuanto a las indicaciones, presentaciones comerciales disponibles, forma adecuada de administración, uso en situaciones especiales, reacciones adversas y contraindicaciones de la taurolidina en población pediátrica. Conclusiones: el sellado con taurolidina para la prevención de la infección asociada a catéter venoso central se ha mostrado como un tratamiento eficaz y seguro. La presente guía pretender optimizar y homogeneizar su uso en pediatría.

Usefulness of thoracic ultrasound in the assessment of removal of indwelling pleural catheter in patients with malignant pleural effusion.

INTRODUCTION: There are no defined criteria for deciding to remove a non-functioning indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) when lung re-expansion on chest X-ray is incomplete. Chest computed tomography (chest CT) is usually used. The objective of this work is to validate the usefulness of chest ultrasound performed by a pulmonologist and by a radiologist compared to chest CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, descriptive, multidisciplinary and multicenter study including patients with malignant pleural effusion and non-functioning IPC without lung reexpansion. Decisions made on the basis of chest ultrasound performed by a pulmonologist, and performed by a radiologist, were compared with chest CT as the gold standard. RESULTS: 18 patients were analyzed, all of them underwent ultrasound by a pulmonologist and chest CT and in 11 of them also ultrasound by a radiologist. The ultrasound performed by the pulmonologist presents a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 66% in the decision of the correct removal of the IPC. The concordance of both ultrasounds (pulmonologist and radiologist) was 100%, with a kappa index of 1. The 4 discordant cases were those in which the IPC was not located on the ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic ultrasound performed by an expert pulmonologist is a valid and simple tool to determine spontaneous pleurodesis and remove a non-functioning IPC, which would make it possible to avoid chest CT in those cases in which lung reexpansion is observed with ultrasonography.

Subjective identification and ablation of drivers improves rhythm control in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The CHAOS-AF study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal approach for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remains unknown. In patients with persistent AF, we compared an ablation strategy based on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus ablation of drivers (PVI+D), with a conventional PVI-only approach performed in a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort. METHODS: Drivers were subjectively identified using conventional high-density mapping catheters (IntellaMap ORION, PentaRay NAV or Advisor HD Grid), without dedicated software, as fractionated continuous or quasicontinuous electrograms on 1 to 2 adjacent bipoles, which were ablated first; and as sites with spatiotemporal dispersion (the entire cycle length comprised within the mapping catheter) plus noncontinuous fractionation, which were only targeted in patients without fractionated continuous electrograms, or without AF conversion after ablation of fractionated continuous electrograms. Ablation included PVI plus focal or linear ablation targeting drivers. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included in each group (61±10 years, 25% women). Fractionated continuous electrograms were found and ablated in 21 patients from the PVI+D group (42%), leading to AF conversion in 7 patients. In the remaining 43 patients, 143 sites with spatiotemporal dispersion plus noncontinuous fractionation were targeted. Globally, AF conversion was achieved in 21 patients (42%). The PVI+D group showed lower atrial arrhythmia recurrences at 1 year of follow-up (30.6% vs 48%; P=.048) and at the last follow-up (46% vs 72%; P=.013), and less progression to permanent AF (10% vs 40%; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective identification and ablation of drivers, added to PVI, increased 1-year freedom from atrial arrhythmia and decreased long-term recurrences and progression to permanent AF.

Evaluation of vascular accesses in the neonatal intensive care unit. Is the midline catheter a useful long-term alternative?

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the usefulness of the midline catheter in terms of efficacy and safety for treatments lasting more than 3 days in the neonatal population requiring admission to the NICU. DESIGN: Analytical and observational of a prospective cohort (December 2021-November 2023) compared to a historical cohort (January 2020-November 2021). SETTING: 9-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU, level III hospital. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 288, 66 midline group and 222 control group. INCLUSION CRITERIA: newborns from 24 to 42 weeks of gestation who required short peripheral or midline cannulation and treatment longer than 3 days. INTERVENTIONS: Follow-up during NICU stay and comparison with retrospective data from a historical cohort. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Sociodemographics, success rate (permanence of the same vascular catheter without complications until finish the prescribed treatment), number of catheters, cannulation rate per patient, indwell time, complications. RESULTS: The midline group showed a higher success rate (54.2% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001), a lower number of canalizations per patient (p < 0.001), a longer indwell time (p < 0.001) and a lower number of extravasations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The midline catheter has advantages over short peripheral catheters, being a useful alternative in terms of efficacy and safety for treatments lasting more than 3 days in the neonatal population that requires admission to the NICU.