Management of Home Parenteral Nutrition: Complications and Survival.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Parenteral nutrition (PN) has become an efficient, safe, and convenient treatment over years for patients suffering from intestinal failure. Home PN (HPN) enables the patients to have a high quality of life in their own environment. The therapy management however implies many restrictions and potentially severe lethal complications. Prevention and therapy of the latter are therefore of utmost importance. This study aims to assess and characterize the situation of patients with HPN focusing on prevalence of catheter-related complications and mortality. METHODS: Swiss multicentre prospective observational study collecting demographic, anthropometric, and catheter-related data by means of questionnaires every sixth month from 2017 to 2019 (24 months), focusing on survival and complications. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate association between infection and potential co-factors. RESULTS: Seventy adult patients (50% women) on HPN were included (≈5 patients/million adult inhabitants/year). The most common underlying diseases were cancer (23%), bariatric surgery (11%), and Crohn's disease (10%). The most prevalent indication was short bowel syndrome (30%). During the study period, 47% of the patients were weaned off PN; mortality rate reached 7% for a median treatment duration of 1.31 years. The rate of catheter-related infection was 0.66/1,000 catheter-days (0.28/catheter-year) while the rate of central venous thrombosis was 0.13/1,000 catheter-days (0.05/catheter-year). CONCLUSION: This prospective study gives a comprehensive overview of the adult Swiss HPN patient population. The collected data are prerequisite for evaluation, comparison, and improvement of recommendations to ensure best treatment quality and safety.

Prática deliberada em ciclos rápidos aplicada em profissionais de enfermagem na punção venosa periférica / Rapid cycle deliberate practice applied to nurse technician professionals in peripheral venipuncture

Introdução: A Prática Deliberada em Ciclos Rápidos (PDCR) é uma estratégia educacional de simulação focada em promover um treinamento que permita o domínio de uma habilidade. A estratégia aplica o feedback direcionado e a oportunidade de repetição para que o participante alcance a maestria e/ou a alta performance. Estudos evidenciam melhorias significativas de habilidades dos profissionais de saúde quando treinados com PDCR em contexto de reanimação cardiopulmonar pediátrica. A partir da conjectura de que a PDCR pode ser aplicada em profissionais de saúde para melhoria de habilidades, formulou-se a hipótese que a PDCR melhora a performance técnica dos profissionais técnicos de enfermagem na punção venosa periférica (PVP) comparada ao treinamento de habilidade, que é outra estratégia mais comumente usada para ensino e capacitação profissional. Objetivos: Avaliar a PDCR como uma estratégia educacional e seu impacto na performance técnica dos profissionais técnicos de enfermagem na PVP; comparar a performance técnica dos profissionais técnicos de enfermagem na PVP após treinamento usando PDCR versus o treinamento de habilidade. Método: Estudo unicêntrico, experimental randomizado aberto, aplicado em 60 profissionais técnicos de enfermagem, divididos em dois grupos. A performance foi avaliada antes e após o treinamento, a partir do cálculo da taxa de acerto em 21 itens observados na execução do procedimento. A estratégia de treinamento do Grupo Intervenção (GI) foi a PDCR e do Grupo Controle (GC) foi o treinamento de habilidades de PVP. Resultados: O percentual global de acertos dos itens do procedimento de punção venosa periférica avaliados para o GC aumentou de 57,8% no pré-teste para 93,5% no pós-teste e o percentual de acertos para o GI aumentou de 59,4% para 96,0%. A variação da média no pré e pós-teste foi de 35,7% para GC e de 36,6% para o GI. Comparando pareadamente às taxas de acerto pré e pós-teste de cada grupo, ambos os treinamentos tiveram um efeito significativo em aumentar as taxas de acerto dos itens do procedimento de punção venosa periférica avaliados (p-valor <0,0001 para os dois grupos). Não houve diferença significativa entre as distribuições das taxas de acerto do pós-teste dos dois grupos (p-valor = 0,225). Usando a medida do tamanho de efeito dm de Cohen, o tamanho do efeito do treinamento do GC foi 2,95 e o tamanho de efeito do treinamento do GI foi 3,59. Usando a medida do tamanho de efeito Δ de Glass, o tamanho de efeito do treinamento do GC foi 2,24 e o tamanho do efeito do GI foi 2,63. Conclusão: Do ponto de vista da performance técnica, o treinamento com PDCR, assim como o treinamento de habilidades, resultou em melhorias de desempenho no procedimento de punção venosa periférica, evidenciadas pelo aumento de acertos no pós-teste em comparação com o pré-teste. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que a PDCR pode ser aplicada como uma estratégia educacional para o treinamento da punção venosa periférica, não sendo inferior ao treinamento de habilidade. Sendo assim, pode-se interpretar que a aplicação da PDCR em contexto diferente do estudo original parece ser promissora e factível.

Introduction: Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) is an educational simulation strategy that focuses on promoting simulation training that allows skill mastery achievement. The strategy applies directed feedback and opportunity for repetition until participants achieve mastery and/or high performance. Studies show significant improvements in the skills of healthcare professionals when trained with RCDP in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation context. Based on the conjecture that RCDP can be applied to health professionals to improve skills, authors formulated the hypothesis that RCDP improves the technical performance of nursing technicians in peripheral venipuncture (PVP) compared to skill training, another strategy commonly used for teaching and professional training. Objectives: To evaluate RCDP as an educational strategy and its influence on the technical performance of nursing technicians in PVP; to compare the technical performance of nursing technicians in PVP after training using RCDP versus skill training. Methods: Single-center, open randomized experimental study, applied to 60 professional nursing technicians divided into two groups. Performance was evaluated before and after training, based on the calculation of the correct answer rate in 21 items observed during the procedure. The training strategy of the Intervention Group (IG) was RCDP and the Control Group (CG) was the skill training of PVP. Results: The overall percentage of correct answers for the items of the peripheral venipuncture procedure evaluated for the CG increased from 57.8% in the pre-test to 93.5% in the post-test and the percentage of correct answers for the IG increased from 59.4% to 96.0%. The mean variation in the pre and post- test was 35.7% for the CG and 36.6% for the IG. Comparing the pre and post-test hit rates of each group in parallel, both training strategies had a significant effect in increasing the hit rates of peripheral venipuncture procedure items that were evaluated (p-value <0.0001 for both groups). There was no significant difference between the distributions of the post- test hit rates of the two groups (p-value = 0.225). Using Cohen's dm effect size measure, the CG training effect size was 2.95 and the IG training effect size was 3.59. Using Glass's Δ effect size measure, the GC training effect size was 2.24 and the GI effect size was 2.63. Conclusion: From the point of view of technical performance, training with RCDP, as well as skills training, resulted in performance improvements in the peripheral venipuncture procedure, evidenced by the increase of correct answers in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Thus, the study concludes that RCDP works as an educational simulation strategy for peripheral venipuncture training since it showed not to be inferior to the skill training approach. Therefore, the application of RCDP in a different context from the original study seems to be propitious and viable.

Risk Factors for Early Port Infections in Adult Oncologic Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate risk factors for chest port (port) infections within 30 days of placement (early port infections) in adult oncologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-institution, three-center retrospective study identified 1,714 patients (868 males, 846 females; median age 60.0 years old) who underwent port placement between January 2013 and August 2017. All patients received an intravenous antibiotic prior to port placement. The median absolute neutrophil count was 5,260 cells/µL, the median white blood cell (WBC) count was 7,700 cells/µL, and the median serum albumin was 4.00 g/dL at the time of port placement. Double-lumen ports were most commonly implanted (74.85%) more frequently in an outpatient setting (72.69%). Risk factors for early port infections were elucidated using univariate and multivariate proportional subdistribution hazard regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (1.2%) had early port infections; 15 patients (0.9%) had positive blood cultures. The mean time to infection was 20 days (range, 9-30 days). The port-related 30-day mortality rate was 0.2% (4 of 1,714 patients). Most bloodstream infections were attributed to Staphylococcus spp. (n = 11). In multivariate analysis, hematologic malignancy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-5.92.; P = .02), hypoalbuminemia (albumin <3.5 g/dL; HR, 3.52; 95% CI: 1.48-8.36; P = .004), leukopenia (WBC <3,500 cells/µL; HR, 3.00; 95% CI: 1.11-8.09; P = .03), and diabetes mellitus (HR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.57-8.83) remained statistically significant risk factors for early port infection. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic malignancy, hypoalbuminemia, leukopenia, and diabetes mellitus at the time of port placement were independent risk factors for early port infections.

The implication of intestinal bacterial translocation in central line associated blood stream infections in the pediatric population.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial intestinal translocation plays an important role in neonatal sepsis. We aimed to elucidate the importance of such translocation in causing central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (GIS). METHODS: Using a database of pediatric patients with CLABSI, patients were divided into those who had a GI-surgery (where intestines were opened), those who had a non-GI-surgery (NGIS; all other types of surgery) and those who had no surgery (NS). Data regarding type of organisms isolated on culture, their resistance patterns, clearance of CLABSI, type of antibiotic therapy and patient demographics were collected. RESULTS: 117 CLABSIs were identified between 2011 and 2018. 26 patients had GIS, 22 had NGIS and 69 had NS. NS patients were younger. 80% of GIS and NGIS patients had a central line at the time of surgery. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) was the most common organism isolated (32%). CoNS was more common in GIS compared to NGIS and NS (58% vs. 9% vs. 29% respectively, p=0.04). There were no differences in the time to resolution of bacteremia, mortality rates or need to remove the central line. CONCLUSIONS: This information should help inform efforts for prevention of CLABSIs in patients undergoing GI surgery with central lines present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Early mortality attributable to PICC-lines in 4 public hospitals of Marseille from 2010 to 2016 (Revised V3).

INTRODUCTION: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC-line) are devices inserted through peripheral venous access. In our institution, this technology has been rapidly adopted by physicians in their routine practice. Bacteremia on catheters remains an important public health issue in France. However, the mortality attributable to bacteremia on PICC-line remains poorly evaluated in France and in the literature in general. We report in our study an exhaustive inventory of bacteremia on PICC-line and their 30 days mortality, over a 7 years period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2016, we retrospectively matched PICC-line registers of the radiology department, blood culture records of the microbiology laboratory and medical records from the Hospital Information Systems. RESULTS: The 11,334 hospital stays during which a PICC-line was inserted were included over a period of 7 years. Among them, 258 episodes of PICC-line-associated bacteremia were recorded, resulting in a prevalence of 2.27%. Hematology units: 20/324 (6.17%), oncology units: 55/1375 (4%) and hepato-gastro-enterology units: 42/1142 (3.66%) had the highest prevalence of PICC-line related bacteremia. The correlation analysis, when adjusted by exposure and year, shows that the unit profile explains 72% of the variability in the rate of bacteremia with a P = .023. Early bacteremia, occurring within 21 days of insertion, represented 75% of cases. The crude death ratio at 30 days, among patients PICC-line associated bacteremia was 57/11 334 (0.50%). The overall 30-day mortality of patients with PICC-line with and without bacteremia was 1369/11334 (12.07%). On day 30, mortality of patients with bacteremia associated PICC-line was 57/258 or 22.09% of cases, compared to a mortality rate of 1311/11076, or 11.83% in the control group (P < .05, RR 2.066 [1.54-2.75]). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a statistically significant excess mortality between patients with PICC-line associated bacteremia and PICC-line carriers without bacteremia (P < .0007, hazard ratio 1.89 [1307-2709]). CONCLUSION: Patients with PICC-line associated bacteremia have a significant excess mortality. The implementation of a PICC-line should remain the last resort after a careful assessment of the benefit/risk ratio by a senior doctor.

Outcomes after bloodstream infection in hospitalized pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) patients receiving therapy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) often require a central line and are at risk for bloodstream infections (BSI). There are limited data describing outcomes of BSI in PHO and HSCT patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter (n = 17) retrospective analysis of outcomes of patients who developed a BSI. Centers involved participated in a quality improvement collaborative referred to as the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder Network within the Children's Hospital Association. The main outcome measures were all-cause mortality at 3, 10, and 30 days after positive culture date; transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 48 hours of positive culture; and central line removal within seven days of the positive blood culture. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifty-seven BSI were included in the analysis. Three hundred fifty-four BSI (37%) were associated with at least one adverse outcome. All-cause mortality was 1% (n = 9), 3% (n = 26), and 6% (n = 57) at 3, 10, and 30 days after BSI, respectively. In the 165 BSI (17%) associated with admission to the ICU, the median ICU stay was four days (IQR 2-10). Twenty-one percent of all infections (n = 203) were associated with central line removal within seven days of positive blood culture. CONCLUSIONS: BSI in PHO and HSCT patients are associated with adverse outcomes. These data will assist in defining the impact of BSI in this population and demonstrate the need for quality improvement and research efforts to decrease them.

Risk factors and prognostic impact of left ventricular assist device-associated infections.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-associated infections may be life-threatening and impact patients' outcome. We aimed to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of LVAD-associated infections. METHODS: Patients included in the ASSIST-ICD study (19 centers) were enrolled. The main outcome was the occurrence of LVAD-associated infection (driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection) during follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 652 patients enrolled, 201 (30.1%) presented a total of 248 LVAD infections diagnosed 6.5 months after implantation, including 171 (26.2%), 51 (7.8%), and 26 (4.0%) percutaneous driveline infection, pocket infection, or pump/cannula infection, respectively. Patients with infections were aged 58.7 years, and most received HeartMate II (82.1%) or HeartWare (13.4%). Most patients (62%) had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) before LVAD, and 104 (16.0%) had ICD implantation, extraction, or replacement after the LVAD surgery. Main pathogens found among the 248 infections were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 113' 45.4%), Enterobacteriaceae (n = 61; 24.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 34; 13.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 13; 5.2%), and Candida species (n = 13; 5.2%). In multivariable analysis, HeartMate II (subhazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.36; P = .031) and ICD-related procedures post-LVAD (subhazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03-1.98; P = .031) were significantly associated with LVAD infections. Infections had no detrimental impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular assist device-associated infections affect one-third of LVAD recipients, mostly related to skin pathogens and gram-negative bacilli, with increased risk with HeartMate II as compared with HeartWare, and in patients who required ICD-related procedures post-LVAD. This is a plea to better select patients needing ICD implantation/replacement after LVAD implantation.

Endocarditis: An Ever Increasing Problem in Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endocarditis remains one of the most threatening diagnoses in cardiac surgery and is still increasing. Particularly, device-related as well as prosthetic endocarditis appears to be on the rise. Early mortality and periprocedural complications are high jeopardizing the success of surgical efforts. We looked at the development of the numbers and the distribution of endocarditis in an all-comer analysis. METHODS: From 2003 to 2017, 752 patients with endocarditis were transferred to our cardiosurgical institution (mean age 65 ± 13 years; mean logistic EuroSCORE 28.01%; males 74.33%). A total of 89.49% of them were surgically treated; 30.01% redo cases thereof; and 9.17% had been operated previously for acute endocarditis. RESULTS: While the total number of cardiosurgical procedures remained relatively stable throughout the years, 20 patients were admitted in 2003 and 79 in 2017 yielding more than fourfold increase (p < 0.001). Early mortality of all patients was 25.1%. Septic emboli occurred in 23.7% and 43.8% cerebral emboli thereof. A significant increase of aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves involvement was observed (p < 0.001). An increase of device-related endocarditis was also noted (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Endocarditis remains a serious problem with high early mortality and morbidity. The vast increase of electrophysiological device implantations has resulted in an increase of tricuspid valve involvement. Liberalization of endocarditis prophylaxis, that is, more restrictive use of antibiotics in 2007 may have at least partially contributed to an increase of the individual risk to suffer from acute endocarditis. A renaissance of a stricter endocarditis-prophylaxis may thus be considered.

Epidemiology and mortality in bacterial bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with hematological malignancies, who are in the high risk group for infectious complications and bacterial bloodstream infections. The aim of the study evaluated epidemiology and mortality in bacterial bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. In addition to determine the risk factors, changes in the distribution and frequency of isolated bacterias. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study. There were investigated data from 266 patients with hematological malignancies and bacterial bloodstream infections who were hospitalized between the dates 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2017. RESULTS: There were 305 blood and catheter cultures in febrile neutropenia attacks in total. In these total attacks, primary bloodstream infections were 166 and catheter-related bloodstream infections were 139. In blood cultures; Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria were detected in 58,0% and 22,9% of the samples, respectively. 52,4% of the cultured Gram-negative bacterias were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). Carbapenemase positive culture rate was 17,2% in Gram-negative bacteria cultures. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found in 38,4% of the Gram-positive bacteria cultures. In Gram-positive bacteria; methicillin resistance were detected in 82,2% of the samples. There was a statistically significant relationship between bloodstream infection and disease status. 60 patients with primary bloodstream infections were newly diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hematological malignancies, certain factors in the bloodstream infections increase the mortality rate. With the correction of these factors, the mortality rate in these patients can be reduced. The classification of such risk factors may be an important strategy to improve clinical decision making in high-risk patients, such as patients with hematological malignancies.

Hospital-Acquired Infections in Critically Ill Patients With Cancer.

Hospital-acquired infections are a common and costly problem facing critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Critically ill patients with cancer are a particularly vulnerable subpopulation who possesses additional, nonmodifiable risk factors for developing these infections and, in many cases, are at increased risk of death as a result. This review will describe the most common nosocomial infections patients with cancer acquire while in the ICU: ventilator-associated events, central line-associated bloodstream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and Clostridium difficile infection.

Fatores de risco para infecções da corrente sanguínea relacionadas a cateter em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica / Risk factors for vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric intensive care units

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar os fatores de risco para contrair infecções da corrente sanguínea associadas a cateter de acesso central em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica, e investigar a incidência e a etiologia dessas infecções nas unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica com diferentes perfis. Métodos: Este foi um estudo prospectivo de coorte, conduzido em três hospitais. Um deles é um grande hospital público metropolitano, com duas unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica que contabilizam 19 leitos; o segundo é um hospital regional com oito leitos em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica; e o terceiro é um hospital privado com 15 leitos de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Incluíram-se pacientes com idades entre 1 mês e 18 anos, que utilizaram cateter de acesso venoso central por pelo menos 24 horas. Registramos a evolução diária dos pacientes. Colheram-se dados gerais sobre o paciente e sobre o cateter, utilizados como variáveis. Todos os dados foram analisados com utilização do pacote estatístico Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), versão 13.0, para comparação de pacientes com infecção da corrente sanguínea associada a cateter com ou sem fatores de risco. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo admitiram-se às unidades de terapia intensiva 728 pacientes; deles, 170 tiveram cateter de acesso venoso central instalado por, no mínimo, 24 horas. A mediana de idade foi de 32 meses, e 97 (57%) dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A taxa de incidência de infecções da corrente sanguínea relacionadas a cateter foi de 3,9/1.000 cateteres venosos centrais-dias. A incidência variou entre os hospitais, sendo de 1,6 a 6,6. A taxa geral de mortalidade foi de 11,1%, e as taxas de mortalidade com e sem infecções da corrente sanguínea relacionadas a cateter foram, respectivamente, de 12,9% e 10,7%. Na análise multivariada, os fatores de risco para ocorrência de infecções da corrente sanguínea relacionadas a cateter foram maior tempo de uso do cateter venoso central (OR: 1,07; IC95% 1,00 - 1,14; p = 0,019) e o uso de mais de um cateter venoso central de uma vez (OR: 2,59; IC95% 1,17 - 5,73; p = 0,048). Conclusão: Maior duração do uso de cateter venoso central e mais de um cateter venoso central de uma vez foram os principais fatores de risco para infecções da corrente sanguínea associadas a cateter em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the risk factors for acquiring central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) in pediatric intensive care units and to investigate the incidence and etiology of CLABSI in pediatric intensive care units with different profiles. Methods: The study was a prospective cohort study in three hospitals. One of the hospitals is a large metropolitan public hospital with two pediatric intensive care units and a total of nineteen pediatric intensive care unit beds, another is a regional hospital with eight pediatric intensive care unit beds, and the third is a private hospital with fifteen beds. Patients between the ages of 1 month old and 18 years old who used a central venous catheter for over 24 hours were included. We recorded patients' daily progress. General patient and catheter-related data were collected and used as variables. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 13.0, to compare patients with CLABSI with or without risk factors. Results: A total of 728 patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care units, and 170 had a central line in place for at least 24 hours. The median age was 32 months, and 97 (57%) of the patients were males. The CLABSI incidence rate was 3.9/1000 central venous catheter-days. The incidence among hospitals varied from 1.6 to 6.6. The overall mortality rate was 11.1%, and the CLABSI and non-CLABSI mortality rates were 12.9% and 10.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for CLABSI were a longer duration of central venous catheter use (OR: 1.07; 95%CI 1.00 - 1.14; p = 0.019) and the use of more than one central venous catheter at once (OR: 2.59; 95%CI 1.17 - 5.73; p = 0.048). Conclusion: A longer duration of central venous catheter use and the use of more than one central venous catheter at once were the main risk factors for CLABSI in pediatric intensive care units.

Intravenous to oral switch therapy in cancer patients with catheter-related bloodstream infection due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus: A single-center retrospective observational study.

The most common complication in cancer patients is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), of which Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen. Although S. aureus CRBSI patients are recommended for prolonged intravenous therapy, this is often not feasible. We assessed the effectiveness of switching from intravenous to oral antimicrobial therapy in cancer patients with CRBSI due to methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). We conducted a retrospective observational study of 60 patients at one tertiary-care cancer center between April 2005 and March 2016. Patients who received effective intravenous (IV) antibiotics for at least 10 days (IV group) were compared to the IV group of patients who had switched to effective oral (PO) antibiotics after IV treatment for at least 10 days (IV + PO group). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within 90 days. Univariate and propensity score-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses using variables likely to influence the outcomes were performed. Of the 60 patients, 32 (53.3%) and 28 (46.7%) were in the IV and IV + PO groups, respectively. The median antibiotic treatment durations in the IV and IV + PO groups were 17 (13-31) and 33 (26-52) days, respectively (p<0.001). The 90-day mortality in the IV and IV + PO groups were 53.1% (17/32) and 10.7% (3/28), respectively (p = 0.001). Univariate logistic regression model showed that the odds ratios of oral switch therapy for 90-day mortality was 0.106 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.027-0.423; p = 0.001). The propensity score-adjusted multivariate logistic regression model estimated the odds ratios of oral switched therapy for 90-day mortality as 0.377 (95% CI: 0.037-3.884; p = 0.413). Our results suggest that oral switch therapy was not associated with mortality in cancer patients with CRBSI due to MSSA compared with no oral switch therapy. Oral switch therapy may be a reasonable option for patients with CRBSI due to MSSA.

Home parenteral support in patients with incurable cancer. Patient characteristics of importance for catheter related complications and overall survival.

PURPOSE: It is uncertain if home parenteral support (HPS) is of advantage in patients with incurable cancer and intestinal failure, functional obstruction or severe malabsorption. From a single centre cohort we present characteristics of patients with incurable cancer treated with HPS. METHODS: Over a ten year period (2005-2015) data were retrospectively collected on patients with incurable cancer discharged on HPS from a Danish tertiary referral centre. Data on socio-demographics, catheters and parenteral nutrition, catheter related complications, re-admissions and mortality were analysed. The inflammation based score; modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) was investigated as a prognostic score by Cox proportional hazard regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, diagnosis, and pathophysiological conditions. RESULTS: Eighty patients with incurable cancer, aged 25.1-83.6 (median 63.8) were identified. Patients with gynaecologic cancer accounted for 25% of the cohort, thus women predominated. Short bowel syndrome was more prevalent in the patients with gynaecologic or lower gastrointestinal cancer compared to the upper gastrointestinal cancer. Catheter related complications occurred in a minority of patients (31%); most frequent was catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). CRBSI rate was overall 0.97 pr 1000 catheter days, depending on diagnosis. Eleven percent had several infections, and 75% did not have any. Patients self-administering the catheter were younger, less frail and had fewer CRBSI events. Re-admissions were prevalent, and only one fifth of the patients had no re-admissions after initiation of HPS. Patients with mGPS 0 or 1 survived significantly longer, median 372 (CI 39-2006) days versus patients scoring 2 in mGPS, median 43 (CI 6-578) (p < 0.01). In patients with mGPS 0 or 1 survival at six months was 75% and in patients with mGPS 2, 20%. In multivariate cox regression analyses mGPS 2 was a significant predictor of mortality (HR 4.66, 95% CI 2.65-8.20, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to offer HPS to patients with incurable cancer. Frequency of catheter related infections is acceptable but most patients will be re-readmitted after initiation of HPS. Predictors of survival in patients with incurable cancer on HPS may include mGPS. However, our study does not give a clear answer; when to prescribe HPS and who might possible benefit from the treatment in patients with incurable cancer.

Administration of taurolidine-citrate lock solution for prevention of central venous catheter infection in adult neutropenic haematological patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (TAURCAT).

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the most frequent complications in patients with cancer who have central venous catheters (CVCs) implanted and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Taurolidine is a non-antibiotic agent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which has been used as a lock solution to prevent CRBSI in some settings. However, little is known about its usefulness in high-risk adult neutropenic patients with cancer. This prospective randomised clinical trial aims to test the hypothesis that taurolidine-citrate lock solution is more effective than placebo for preventing catheter infection in neutropenic haematological patients. METHODS: This study is a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, parallel, superiority, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with haematological cancer who are expected to develop prolonged neutropenia (> 7 days) and who have a non-tunnelled CVC implanted will be randomised to receive prophylactic taurolidine-citrate-heparin solution using a lock technique (study group) or heparin alone (placebo group). The primary endpoint will be bacterial colonisation of the CVC hubs. The secondary endpoints will be the incidence of CRBSI, CVC removal, adverse events, and 30-day case-fatality rate. DISCUSSION: The lock technique is a preventive strategy that inhibits bacterial colonisation in the catheter hubs, which is the initial step of endoluminal catheter colonisation and the development of infection. Taurolidine is a nontoxic agent that does not develop antibiotic resistance because it acts as an antiseptic rather than an antibiotic. Taurolidine has shown controversial results in the few trials conducted in cancer patients. These studies have important limitations due to the lack of data on adult and/or high-risk neutropenic patients, the type of catheters studied (tunnelled or ports), and the lack of information regarding the intervention (e.g. dwelling of the solution, time, and periodicity of the lock technique). If our hypothesis is proven, the study could provide important solid evidence on the potential usefulness of this preventive procedure in a population at high risk of CRBSI, in whom this complication may significantly impair patient outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN47102251 . Registered on 9 September 2015.

Endogenous hepcidin and its agonist mediate resistance to selected infections by clearing non-transferrin-bound iron.

The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin is induced early in infection, causing iron sequestration in macrophages and decreased plasma iron; this is proposed to limit the replication of extracellular microbes, but could also promote infection with macrophage-tropic pathogens. The mechanisms by which hepcidin and hypoferremia modulate host defense, and the spectrum of microbes affected, are poorly understood. Using mouse models, we show that hepcidin was selectively protective against siderophilic extracellular pathogens (Yersinia enterocolitica O9) by controlling non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) rather than iron-transferrin concentration. NTBI promoted the rapid growth of siderophilic but not nonsiderophilic bacteria in mice with either genetic or iatrogenic iron overload and in human plasma. Hepcidin or iron loading did not affect other key components of innate immunity, did not indiscriminately promote intracellular infections (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and had no effect on extracellular nonsiderophilic Y enterocolitica O8 or Staphylococcus aureus Hepcidin analogs may be useful for treatment of siderophilic infections.

Clinical presentation of candidaemia in elderly patients: experience in a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical presentation of candidaemia in elderly patients. METHODS: A comparison of clinical presentation of candidaemia cases was carried out in a Spanish tertiary hospital between January 2010 and September 2015. RESULTS: Forty-five cases (32%) corresponded to elderly patients (≥ 75 years) and 95 cases (68%) to non-elderly patients (16-74 years). A higher proportion of elderly patients presented solid tumour (51% versus 32%, p=0.026) and a lower proportion had undergone solid or hematopoietic transplantation (0% versus 28%, p<0.001). Fewer elderly patients (16 patients, 36%) had a central venous line inserted than non-elderly patients (81 patients, 85%, p<0.001). Isolation of Candida parapsilosis was significantly lower among elderly (13.3%) than among non-elderly patients (32%, p=0.015). Fundoscopy was carried out in 20 elderly (44%) and in 64 younger patients (67%, p=0.009). The proportion of patients who underwent echocardiography was similar in both groups (56% vs 66%, respectively; p=0.218). Adequate antifungal treatment within the first 48 hours was administered in16 elderly patients (36%) and 58 younger patients (61%, p=0.005). Catheter removal was carried out in 9 elderly patients (68.1%) and in 40 non-elderly patients (49%, p=0.544). Mortality was higher among elderly patients (55.6%) than non-elderly patients (36.8%; p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients account for a substantial proportion of patients suffering from candidaemia in recent years. The clinical management of these patients was less appropriate than in younger patients with respect to fundus examination and the prescription of appropriate antifungal treatment. Mortality in elderly patients was higher than in younger patients.

Healthcare-Associated Infections in Cardiac Surgery Patients With Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are responsible for many deaths of hospitalized patients each year. Patients with prolonged hospitalization are at high risk for HAIs. Increased efforts have been made to decrease these infections, but a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control suggests that some HAIs may be increasing. We hypothesized that HAIs would remain frequent among cardiac surgery patients with prolonged intensive care unit stay and would be associated with increased mortality. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult cardiac surgery patients with prolonged intensive care unit stay (more than 7 days) over a 3-year period. Mortality differences were calculated based on whether particular HAIs occurred. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine risk factors associated with the development of HAI. The relationship between HAI and mortality was estimated using propensity score adjusted logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 2,595 patients, 388 (15.0%) had a prolonged intensive care unit stay. Of these patients, 48.5% had at least one HAI. Unadjusted inhospital mortality for patients with HAI was 28.7%, versus 13.0% for patients without. Red blood cell transfusion was associated with increased HAI risk. After propensity score adjustment, surgical site infection and central line associated blood stream infection were associated with increased mortality. The HAIs caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus sp, methicillin-resistant Stapholococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant organisms appeared to be associated with disproportionally high mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare-associated infections remain frequent among cardiac surgery patients with prolonged intensive care unit stay and are associated with increased mortality. Evidence-based strategies are needed to reduce these infections.

Analysis of "never events" following adult cardiac surgical procedures in the United States.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors, nature, and outcomes of "never events" following open adult cardiac surgical procedures. Understanding of these events can reduce their occurrence, and thereby improve patient care, quality metrics, and cost reduction. METHODS: "Never events" for patients included in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample who underwent coronary artery bypass graft, heart valve repair/replacement, or thoracic aneurysm repair between 2003-2011 were documented. These events included air embolism, catheter-based urinary tract infection (UTI), pressure ulcer, falls/trauma, blood incompatibility, vascular catheter infection, poor glucose control, foreign object retention, wrong site surgery and mediastinitis. Analysis included characterization of preoperative demographics, comorbidities and outcomes for patients sustaining never events, and multivariate analysis of predictive risk factors and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 588,417 patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Of these, never events occurred in 4377 cases. The majority of events were in-hospital falls, vascular catheter infections, and complications of poor glucose control. Rates of falls, catheter based UTIs, and glucose control complications increased between 2009-2011 as compared to 2003-2008. Analysis revealed increased hospital length of stay, hospital charges, and mortality in patients who suffered a never event as compared to those that did not. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a baseline never event rate after cardiac surgery. Adverse patient outcomes and increased resource utilization resulting from never events emphasizes the need for quality improvement surrounding them. A better understanding of individual patient characteristics for those at risk can help in developing protocols to decrease occurrence rates.

Risk factors and characteristics of blood stream infections in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with multiple myeloma are generally immune-compromised either due to pronounced depression in primary antibody responses or because of anti-myeloma therapy. Infection is a major risk factor for early deaths among these patients. The impact of blood stream infections (BSI) on newly diagnosed myeloma patients has been less studied. We aimed to study the incidence and risk factors of BSI within 3 months after diagnosis of multiple myeloma in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Between November 2002 and December 2008, consecutive patients with multiple myeloma in Taipei Veterans General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Characteristics of patients with or without BSI were collected. Possible factors associated with development of BSI were analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS: There were a total of 222 patients. The incidence of BSI within 3 months after diagnosis is 11.7%. The patients with BSI had poorer survival outcomes than those without (mortality rate: 50% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.001). Moreover, advanced International Staging System stage (stage III vs. I/II: odds ratio [OR] 2.69, p = 0.049) and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (ECOG > 2 vs. ≤ 2: OR 3.58, p = 0.005) were the independent risk factors of BSI, whereas immunoglobulin deficiency and low absolute lymphocyte count were not associated with risk of BSI development. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the characteristic of myeloma patients with BSI and the importance of disease and host factors on risk of BSI. Myeloma patients with risks of BSI should be properly managed to reduce early mortality.

Frequency of dressing changes for central venous access devices on catheter-related infections.

BACKGROUND: People admitted to intensive care units and those with chronic health care problems often require long-term vascular access. Central venous access devices (CVADs) are used for administering intravenous medications and blood sampling. CVADs are covered with a dressing and secured with an adhesive or adhesive tape to protect them from infection and reduce movement. Dressings are changed when they become soiled with blood or start to come away from the skin. Repeated removal and application of dressings can cause damage to the skin. The skin is an important barrier that protects the body against infection. Less frequent dressing changes may reduce skin damage, but it is unclear whether this practice affects the frequency of catheter-related infections. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of the frequency of CVAD dressing changes on the incidence of catheter-related infections and other outcomes including pain and skin damage. SEARCH METHODS: In June 2015 we searched: The Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL. We also searched clinical trials registries for registered trials. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of the frequency of CVAD dressing changes on the incidence of catheter-related infections on all patients in any healthcare setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane review methodology. Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, performed risk of bias assessment and data extraction. We undertook meta-analysis where appropriate or otherwise synthesised data descriptively when heterogeneous. MAIN RESULTS: We included five RCTs (2277 participants) that compared different frequencies of CVAD dressing changes. The studies were all conducted in Europe and published between 1995 and 2009. Participants were recruited from the intensive care and cancer care departments of one children's and four adult hospitals. The studies used a variety of transparent dressings and compared a longer interval between dressing changes (5 to15 days; intervention) with a shorter interval between changes (2 to 5 days; control). In each study participants were followed up until the CVAD was removed or until discharge from ICU or hospital. Confirmed catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)One trial randomised 995 people receiving central venous catheters to a longer or shorter interval between dressing changes and measured CRBSI. It is unclear whether there is a difference in the risk of CRBSI between people having long or short intervals between dressing changes (RR 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 4.98) (low quality evidence). Suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection Two trials randomised a total of 151 participants to longer or shorter dressing intervals and measured suspected CRBSI. It is unclear whether there is a difference in the risk of suspected CRBSI between people having long or short intervals between dressing changes (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.10) (low quality evidence). All cause mortalityThree trials randomised a total of 896 participants to longer or shorter dressing intervals and measured all cause mortality. It is unclear whether there is a difference in the risk of death from any cause between people having long or short intervals between dressing changes (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.25) (low quality evidence). Catheter-site infectionTwo trials randomised a total of 371 participants to longer or shorter dressing intervals and measured catheter-site infection. It is unclear whether there is a difference in risk of catheter-site infection between people having long or short intervals between dressing changes (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.63) (low quality evidence). Skin damage One small trial (112 children) and three trials (1475 adults) measured skin damage. There was very low quality evidence for the effect of long intervals between dressing changes on skin damage compared with short intervals (children: RR of scoring ≥ 2 on the skin damage scale 0.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.68; data for adults not pooled). PainTwo studies involving 193 participants measured pain. It is unclear if there is a difference between long and short interval dressing changes on pain during dressing removal (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.38) (low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The best available evidence is currently inconclusive regarding whether longer intervals between CVAD dressing changes are associated with more or less catheter-related infection, mortality or pain than shorter intervals.