Peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVC) are essential for the management of patients with hematologic malignancies, facilitating chemotherapy infusion, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, blood products, and blood samples collection. In this population, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) seem to be associated with lower complications, compared with conventional percutaneously inserted devices (CICC). Data on the PICC in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients (allo-HSCT) are limited. METHODS: We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 100 polyurethanes or silicone PICC, inserted into 100 adult allo-HSCT recipients, at the Hematology of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), between October 2012 and August 2017. RESULTS: The median duration of PICC placement was 117 days. Overall, 68% of patients maintained the device for the entire transplant procedure and PICC were removed after day 100 from allo-HSCT; of these, 44% did not experienced any PICC-related complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 32% of patients (2.5/1000 PICC days), associated with thrombosis in 8 cases. CRBSI were observed in 42% of patients with polyurethane and 20% with silicone PICC (p = 0.02). Catheter-related thrombosis occurred in 9% of patients, never requiring anticipated PICC removal. Mechanical complications occurred in 15% of cases (1.2/1000 PICC days). On the whole, adverse events were manageable and did not affect transplant outcome. No deaths related to PICC-complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: PICC are a safe and reliable long-term venous access in allo-HSCT recipients.

A comparison of Broviac® and peripherally inserted central catheters in children with intestinal failure.

PURPOSE: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a source of morbidity for children with intestinal failure (IF). Complications include infection, breakage, occlusion, and venous thrombosis. Broviacs® have traditionally been preferred, but peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are gaining popularity. This study compares complications between Broviacs® and PICCs in children with IF. METHODS: After IRB approval, children with IF receiving parenteral nutrition (2012-2016) were reviewed. Complications were compared between Broviacs® and PICCs using the generalized estimation equation population-averaged Poisson regression model. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: 36 children (0.1-16years) with IF were reviewed, accounting for 27,331 catheter days, 108 Broviacs® (3F-9F), and 54 PICCs (2-11F). Broviacs® had a significantly higher infection rate (4.2 vs. 2.6/1000 catheter days, p=0.011), but PICCs were more likely to break (1.56 vs. 0.26/1000 catheter days, p=0.002). When comparing same size catheters (3F), there were no significant differences in infection, breakage, or occlusion. Twelve children (33%) had central venous thrombosis, all after Broviac® placement. Three children (8%) had basilic vein thrombosis after PICC placement. CONCLUSION: Although Broviacs® and PICCs had similar complication rates, there were fewer central venous thromboses associated with PICCs. This should be considered when choosing catheters for children with IF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 11b (Prognosis Study).

Surgically assisted trans-hepatic anterior approach for central venous catheter placement: safety and efficacy.

We describe a child dependent on parenteral nutrition who developed loss of all conventional central venous catheter insertion sites coupled with very unusual collateralization due to extensive thrombosis of both the superior and inferior vena cava, including the azygos vein. We successfully achieved trans-hepatic anterior access to the infra-diaphragmatic vena cava. Since the success rate for this technique is low due to catheter dislodgement, the procedure was surgically assisted for increased safety and efficacy.

Central venous catheter database: an important issue in quality assurance.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that affect the longevity of central venous catheters. METHODS: Comprehensive clinical data recorded during insertion and removal of totally implantable devices (TID) and tunneled lines (TL) from October 1988 to January 2009 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify clinical factors that predict catheter longevity. RESULTS: Information was available for 1167 central venous catheter insertions in 858 patients, 648 TID and 509 TL. Univariate analysis detected longer device longevity in the following: TID longer than TL (P < .0001), catheter tip in the superior vena cava (SVC)/right atrial junction (P < .0001), and right side greater than left (P = .002). Shorter device longevity was observed in lines used for total parenteral nutrition (P < .0001) and young age (P < .0001). Multivariate model detected the following: hazard of removal for TID is 0.304 that of TL (P < .0001) and SVC is 0.525 that of other locations (P = .0005). Hazard decreases by 5.4% for every 1-year increase in patient age (P < .0004). CONCLUSION: Multiple confounding factors were encountered. However, the single most important factor in catheter longevity that is influenced by the surgeon is tip location in the SVC/right atrial junction.

The azygos system as a rare alternative for chronic indwelling catheters placement.

Chronic indwelling catheters are plagued with a high rate of complications, including infection, central venous occlusion, or thrombosis. When direct access to the superior or inferior vena cava is not possible, venography may identify alternatives that might be viable with current endovascular techniques. This case report describes the successful placement of a tunneled catheter for total parenteral nutrition in the azygos arch through a small collateral vein from the left jugular vein in a patient with no other alternatives because of superior vena cava occlusion and inferior vena cava thrombophlebitis.

A guide to enteral access procedures and enteral nutrition.

The advent of total parenteral nutrition in the late 1960s meant that no situation remained in which a patient could not be fed. Unfortunately, total parenteral nutrition was complicated by serious infective and metabolic side effects that undermined the beneficial effects of nutrient repletion. Consequently, creative ways of restoring upper gut function were designed, based on semielemental diets and novel feeding tube systems. The employment of specific protocols and acceptance of increased gastric residual volumes has allowed most patients in intensive care to be fed safely and early by nasogastric tube. However, nasogastric feeding is unsuitable for patients with severely compromised gastric emptying owing to partial obstruction or ileus. Such patients require postpyloric tube placement with simultaneous gastric decompression via double-lumen nasogastric decompression and jejunal feeding tubes. These tubes can be placed endoscopically 40-60 cm past the ligament of Treitz to enable feeding without pancreatic stimulation. In patients whose disorders last more than 4 weeks, tubes should be repositioned percutaneously, by endoscopic, open or laparoscopic surgery. Together, the advances in enteral access have improved patients' outcomes and led to a 70-90% reduction in the demand for total parenteral nutrition.

Delayed vascular injury and severe respiratory distress as a rare complication of a central venous catheter and total parenteral nutrition.

Complications related to central venous catheters (CVCs) in the postoperative period can be fatal. We recently had a case of bilateral pleural effusion and respiratory distress caused by delayed vascular injury. A 79-y-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital because of advanced gastric carcinoma. A multiple-lumen CVC was placed through the left subclavian vein 1 d before surgery for postoperative nutritional management. The patient suddenly complained of dyspnea, and the chest X-ray film revealed right massive pleural effusion. Although the patient's symptoms soon disappeared after the thoracentesis, she again developed severe respiratory distress, and an endotracheal intubation was performed and her respiration was managed by mechanical ventilation. Computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed a displacement of the tip of the CVC out of the wall of the superior vena cava, mediastinitis, and leakage of intravenous fluid, which may have been caused by delayed vascular injury due to the CVC. The CVC was removed immediately after the diagnosis of delayed vascular injury at 10 d after surgery. The patient soon recovered with conservative treatment and was discharged from the hospital 43 d after surgery. This case highlights an extremely rare presenting complication of CVC placement and total parenteral nutrition.

Endoscopic feeding tube placement in patients with cancer: a prospective clinical audit of 2055 procedures in 1866 patients.

BACKGROUND: Feeding tube placement in patients with aero-digestive cancer is challenging because of the distortion and/or obstruction of the upper digestive passage. As a result, many patients may receive intravenous fluids and parenteral nutrition instead of enteral feeds. AIM: To audit all the endoscopic feeding tube placements in large sample of patients to determine difficulties, success, reasons for failures and procedure-related complications. METHODS: Audit of all consecutive feeding tube placements from January 1996 to December 2003 was conducted. Tubes were placed depending on the site of cancer and anticipated duration of feeding: naso-gastric tubes, naso-enteral tubes and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Nutrition support team evaluated these patients. Technical modifications, difficulties, success and complications encountered during the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: Two thousand and fifty-five attempts were made for feeding tube placements (naso-gastric tube - 1637, naso-enteral tube - 177 and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy - 241) in 1866 patients. Technical success was achieved in 1969 (96%, 95% CI: 95-97%). Immediate complications occurred in 62 (3%, 95% CI: 2-4%), seven needed hospitalization and one patient died of tumour perforation caused by naso-gastric tube placement. The technical success and complications rates of the procedures performed by fellows in training were comparable to those performed by attending consultants. CONCLUSIONS: Enteral feeding tubes can be placed in almost all patients with cancer using endoscopic techniques. Adequate training of the endoscopy fellows and sufficient care by nutrition support team help achieve high success with few complications.

Catéteres venosos centrales en nutrición parenteral total (NPT) - Rol de la enfermera especializada / Central Venous Catheters in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) - Role of the Specialized Nurse

En el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, en la Unidad de Soporte Nutricional Artificial (USNA), son dos las formas más utilizadas para la colocación de catéteres venosos centrales: los cirujanos especialistas, aplicando la técnica de Seldinger, colocan los catéteres venosos centrales tunelizados CVCT, de un sólo lumen, y los catéteres centrales de inserción periférica PICC, de un sólo lumen también. El abordaje de las venas basílica o cefálica derecha o izquierda de los miembros superiores se hace mediante la técnica percutánea; estos catéteres son colocados por la enfermera de la Unidad de Soporte Nutricional. El cuidado que brinda la enfermera especializada se basa en cuidados protocolizados, establecidos por la evidencia de una baja tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres centrales utilizados exclusivamente en la administración de nutrición parenteral total.

There are two methods most often used for the placement of central venous catheters in the Artificial Nutritional Support Unit of the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins. Specialized surgeons, who apply the Seldinger technique, place the single lumen tunneled central venous catheters TCVC, and the single lumen peripherally inserted central catheters PICC. The approach to the cephalic and basilic veins of the upper limbs is done with the use of percutaneous technique; these catheters are placed by nurses that work at the Nutritional Support Unit. The care provided by the specialized nurse is based on protocolized cares, established by the evidence of low infections rate related to central catheters used exclusively in total parenteral nutrition.

[Ultrasound guided implantation of chest port systems via the lateral subclavian vein]. / Die sonographisch gezielte Implantation von Portkathetersystemen über die laterale Vena subclavia.

PURPOSE: Retrospective analysis of the success and complication rates of chest port implantation via the lateral subclavian vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and June 2004, the lateral subclavian vein in 271 patients (186 women, 85 men, mean age 53.2 years) was punctured guided by ultrasound. This access was used to insert a port system, and the catheter tip was placed at the cavoatrial junction. The port reservoir was implanted in a subcutaneous infraclavicular pocket and fixed to the fascia of the pectoralis muscle. Indications for port implantation were chemotherapy (n = 239), total parenteral nutrition (n = 2) and intravenous medication (n = 30). The patient follow-up was mainly performed either by the oncology division of the department of gynecology or by the department of internal medicine. RESULTS: A chest port catheter system was successfully implanted in all patients. The catheter remained in place for a mean duration of 269.4 days (SD 192.3 days). No complications occurred during implantation. In the post-interventional period, 6 catheter dysfunctions were found (thrombotic 0.09 per 1000 catheter days; mechanic 0.05 per 1000 catheter days). While one local infection occurred in the early post-interventional period, 3 local and 15 systemic infections were independent of the port catheter placement (0.39 per 1000 catheter days). The rate of port catheter ex-plantation due to dysfunction or infection was 0.07 per 1000 catheter days. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided puncture of the lateral subclavian vein is a safe procedure for the insertion of central venous port catheter systems and had a very low complication rate in our study. For further evaluation of our port placement technique, prospective studies compared to placement through the internal jugular vein are necessary.

Prospective nonrandomized trial of silver impregnated cuff central lines.

Central venous lines were used to administer total parenteral nutrition at our institution. In an attempt to reduce line sepsis, silver impregnated cuff central lines (Hohn catheter) were adopted as standard of practice. Using a comprehensive morbidity and mortality database, 134 patients with Hohn catheters were compared to 252 patients who had polypropylene central line. The incidence of central line sepsis was increased with Hohn catheters to 23 of 134 (17.2%). This compared to 8 of 252 (3.2%) patients with polypropylene catheters (P < 0.0001). Also, an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism of 15 of 134 (11.2%) in patients with Hohn catheters was observed as compared to 2 of 252 (0.8%) with a polypropylene catheter (P < 0.0001). Insertion of Hohn catheters through the intrajugular vein was judged to be more difficult than polypropylene catheters. This may cause increased trauma to the vein resulting in a higher incidence of line infection and pulmonary embolism.

[Late mediastinitis with bilateral hydrothorax after vessel perforation by a central venous catheter]. / Mediastinitis tardía con hidrotórax bilateral tras perforación vascular por catéter venoso central.

A central venous catheter was inserted into the right internal jugular vein of a 67-year-old woman to provide parenteral nutrition on the 7th day after surgery. Five days later, mediastinitis with bilateral hydrothorax had developed and was causing respiratory failure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome secondary to documented vascular perforation by the catheter. Four factors have been associated with increased risk of perforation: catheter rigidity and diameter, the angle between the tip of the catheter and the vessel wall, and insertion from the left. Three catheter positions have been described as safe when radiologically confirmed: the superior vena cava, the point where the superior vena cava meets the atrium, and the midpoint of the innominate vein. However, it should not be forgotten that a radiograph is 2-dimensional and a single image of a catheter tip can correspond to a variety of locations (superior vena cava, vena innominata, extravascular location, and more). Even when there is clinical and radiologic evidence of catheter positioning, vascular perforation should be suspected in patients with a central venous catheter and bilateral pleural effusion who present respiratory insufficiency and hemodynamic instability.

[Simultaneous haemocultures and diagnosis of catheter-related sepsis]. / Hemocultivos simultáneos y diagnóstico de sepsis relacionada a catéter.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnosis value of simultaneous blood cultures. BACKGROUND: The clinical criteria is not enough to establish catheter-related sepsis diagnosis and remotion or replacement of catheter are not necessary. SUBJECTS: We evaluated 164 catheters used for total parenteral nutrition placement in 127 patients with cancer. Simultaneous blood samples--central and peripheral venous--were taken after seven at ten days of permanency or infection suspicion and compared with tip culture result. INTERVENTIONS: Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. The tip culture was the gold standard. RESULTS: A positive central venous blood culture with negative peripheral blood culture result was sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 97.9%, an inverse result show a sensitivity of 62.5%. When both blood cultures were positive are correctly identified 83.3% of cases with a sensitivity of 93.9% and diagnostic correlation of 0.87. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous blood cultures are high diagnostic value.

Parenteral nutrition solution retrieved by lumbar puncture following left saphenous vein catheterization.

Two extremely preterm infants had silastic lines inserted via the left great saphenous vein for intravenous feeding. Clinical deterioration approximately 10 days later led to lumbar puncture as part of a sepsis screen. Parenteral nutrition solution was recovered in the cerebrospinal fluid and heralded potentially life-threatening catheter malposition. The cases illustrate another percutaneous central line-associated morbidity, which is avoidable by careful verification of line position. All previously reported cases of this unusual complication are reviewed and we describe its likely mechanism. We postulate that the phenomenon is a complication peculiar to percutaneous catheterization of the left lower limb.

Early postoperative enteral nutrition improves gut oxygenation and reduces costs compared with total parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential clinical, metabolic, and economic advantages of enteral nutrition over total parenteral nutrition. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Department of surgery in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred and fifty-seven patients with cancer of the stomach (n = 121), pancreas (n = 110), or esophagus (n = 26) were randomized to receive postoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN group, n = 131) or early enteral nutrition (EEN group, n = 126). The nutritional goal was 25 kcal/kg/day. The two nutritional formulas were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, and they were continued until oral intake was at least 800 kcal/day. MEASUREMENTS: Morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and treatment costs were evaluated in all patients. In 40 consecutive patients, selected nutritional, immunologic and inflammatory variables were studied. Moreover, intestinal oxygen tension was evaluated by micropolarographic implantable probes. MAIN RESULTS: The nutritional goal was reached in 100/126 (79.3%) patients in the EEN group and in 128/131 (97.7%) patients in the TPN group (p <.001). In the EEN group, hyperglycemia (serum glucose, >200 mg/dL) was observed in 4.7% of the patients vs. 9.1% in the TPN group (p = NS). Alteration of serum electrolyte levels was 3.9% in the EEN group vs. 13.7% in the TPN group (p <.01). No significant difference was found in nutritional, immunologic, and inflammatory variables between the two groups. The overall complication rate was similar (40.4% for TPN vs. 35.7%, for EEN; p =.52). No difference was detected for either infectious or noninfectious complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality. From postoperative day 5, intestinal oxygen tension recovered faster in the EEN group than in the TPN group (43 +/- 5 mm Hg vs. 31 +/- 4 mm Hg at day 7; p <.001). EEN was four-fold less expensive than TPN ($25 vs. $90.60/day, respectively). CONCLUSION: EEN represents a rational alternative to TPN in patients who undergo upper gastrointestinal tract surgery for cancer and who clinically require postoperative artificial nutrition.

[A case of intra-right atrial thrombus adhering to an intravenous hyperalimentation catheter].

We reported a clinical case of intra-right atrial giant thrombus adhering to an intravenous hyperalimentation(IVH) catheter. The patient was a 63 years-aged male, and was indwelled the IVH catheter for one month from right subclavian vein to right atrium to improve a malnutrition due to his advanced gastric cancer. Intra-cardiac mass was found in the right atrium by routine transthoracic echocardiography for the preoperative inspection; the giant mass(22 x 20 mm) had a low-echo density with a portion of high-echo density. In transesophageal echocardiography, the portion of high-echo density was found to be an IVH catheter and intra-right atrial mass was pierced by that catheter; however, it was difficult to determine whether the mass was either a vegetation or thrombus. The mass was removed by operation, and was diagnosed as a giant thrombus by histopathological examination. Thrombus should be taken into account as a possible cause of intra-right atrial mass when an IVH catheter was indwelled in the right atrium.

The effectiveness of an educational intervention in changing nursing practice and preventing catheter-related infection for patients receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Catheter-related infections are one of the most serious complications of TPN therapy. Nurses have important responsibilities in the care of patients who are receiving TPN. This quasi-experimental study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the effectiveness of an educational intervention on changing nursing practice and preventing catheter-related infections in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. The nurses' practice and the colonisation rate of control and comparative group patients in the surgical clinics of Hacettepe University Hospital (Turkey), and related variables were examined before and after an educational intervention. The findings of the study indicate that the intervention was successful in improving appropriate nursing practice, mean scores of nurses' practices were 45.7 before and 66.5 after the intervention (p<0.05). The rate of microorganism colonisation was also decreased but statistical analysis demonstrated no association between nursing practices and microorganism colonisation of catheter cultures.

Catheter fracture and cardiac migration: a rare complication of totally implantable venous devices.

Totally implantable venous device (TIVD) are widely used for the treatment of patients requiring long-term chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and fluid replacement. Until today, many kinds of complications have been reported in the literature. We report an unusual case of catheter fracture as a consequence of pinchoff syndrome, and discuss the potential methods to avoid this complication and its evolution.