Central Venous Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections Caused by Enterobacterales in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Catheter Salvage or Removal.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine whether salvage treatment with systemic antibiotics is a safe and effective strategy for Enterobacterales bloodstream infections (BSI) in pediatric oncology patients with a central venous catheter (CVC). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on oncology and stem cell recipient patients with a CVC and blood culture with Enterobacterales , at the Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Analyses were performed for all BSI and for episodes meeting central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) criteria. The cumulative incidence of an event (ie, removal, intensive care admission or death) was estimated after blood culture collection for episodes primarily treated with antibiotics. The effect of prognostic factors on the hazard of the event of interest was assessed by estimating a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: In total, 95 CVC-related Enterobacterales BSIs in 82 patients were included; 12 (13%) BSIs required immediate CVC removal and for 83 (87%) BSIs CVC salvage was attempted. The cumulative incidence of events at 60 days was 53.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41.7-63.1] for BSIs (n = 83), and 64.4% (95% CI: 48.3-76.7) for CLABSIs (n = 45). The events occurred after a median of 6 (Q1-Q3: 2-15) and 6 (Q1-Q3: 2-20) days for BSIs and CLABSIs, respectively. Intensive care admission after salvage treatment was required in 16% of the BSIs and CLABSIs, resulting in death in 5% and 2% of cases, respectively. No significant association between risk factors and events was found. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence of an event at 60 days after salvage treatment for Enterobacterales CLABSIs and BSIs in pediatric oncology patients is high. Immediate CVC removal appears recommendable for this patient group.

Invasive Malassezia Infections.

The Malassezia species are dimorphic fungi that require lipids such as olive oil for their growth. They are constituents of the normal human skin microbiota and can affix to the host or other surfaces through the establishment of biofilms. Malassezia species are accountable for superficial mycoses like folliculitis. Additionally, they are capable of causing invasive infections, such as of the bloodstream, in neonates and immunocompromised patients, albeit infrequently. Catheter-associated bloodstream infections in neonates are the most commonly reported invasive cases. Remarkably, unlike other invasive fungal infections, neutropenia and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics do not seem to contribute to the risk of invasive Malassezia infections. Nosocomial outbreaks of Malassezia infections have been reported. While most cases of invasive Malassezia infection are fungemia, they seldom give rise to disseminated lesions in various organs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by the visualization of characteristic yeasts through histologic or cytologic examination of a biopsy or needle aspiration specimen, or via positive culture results from sterile sites. The prognosis for invasive Malassezia infection is generally favorable, with few reports of treatment failure. Nevertheless, due to the limited number of cases, evidence-based treatment recommendations are wanting. Management of invasive Malassezia infections linked to central venous catheters includes removal of the catheter, cessation of intravenous lipid emulsion, and intravenous administration of appropriate antifungal agents.

Percutaneous nephrostomy catheter-related infections in patients with gynaecological cancers: a multidisciplinary algorithmic approach.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrostomy catheters (PCNs) are commonly utilized in patients with gynaecological cancers due to intrinsic or extrinsic urinary obstruction. Unfortunately, these foreign medical devices may be associated with several infectious complications, including: pyelonephritis, renal abscess, and bacteraemia, which may lead to further delay of life-saving cancer therapy. AIM: To evaluate the performance of our multidisciplinary algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of PCN-related infections (PCNIs) and identify risk factors for recurrent urinary device-related infections. METHODS: Patients with gynaecological cancers having PCNIs were prospectively evaluated at our institution from July 2019 to September 2021. All patients were managed by our standardized algorithm and followed-up until reinfection or routine PCN exchange. FINDINGS: Of 100 consecutive patients with PCNIs, 74 had adequate follow-up, and were analysed in three groups according to clinical outcome: reinfection with the same organism (26%), reinfection with a different organism (23%), and no reinfection (51%). Their median age was 54 years, and the most common cancers were cervical (65%), and ovarian (19%) with 53% being metastatic. The most frequently recovered micro-organisms were Pseudomonas (32%), Enterococcus (27%), and Escherichia (24%) species. The main risk factors for recurrent PCNI with the same organism were pelvic radiation therapy (P=0.032), pelvic fistulas (P=0.014), and a PCNI with the same pathogen within the previous year (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our algorithm has allowed for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment of and identification of several key risk factors for recurrent PCNIs. These results may lead to further preventive measures for these infections.

Evaluation of risk factors, causative pathogens, and treatment in recurrent percutaneous nephrostomy catheter-related urinary tract infections in cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: In cancer patients, percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) catheters can be used to relieve obstruction from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, thereby improving kidney function and preventing further kidney damage. One of the complications of PN catheters is infections. Recurrent infections may delay chemotherapy, increase antimicrobial resistance with frequent antibiotic use, deteriorate the quality of life of patients, and increase costs. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate risk factors, causative pathogens, and treatment in recurrent PN catheter-related urinary tract infections in cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cancer patients with PN catheter-associated urinary tract infection who were followed-up in the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2021 were included in the study. RESULTS: The total catheterization time, and occurrence of preinfection catheter replacement, active chemotherapy, and kidney stones were significantly higher in patients with recurrent infection when compared to the other group (P = .000, P = .000, P = .007, and P = .018, respectively). ESBL-positive Escherichia coli and ESBL-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae were most commonly isolated from the PN catheter urine cultures of patients with recurrent infections. DISCUSSION: Long-term use of the PN catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infection and sepsis. In this study, the total catheterization time, and occurrence of preinfection catheter replacement, active chemotherapy, and kidney stones were found to be risk factors for the development of recurrent PN catheter-related urinary tract infection in cancer patients. CONCLUSION: It is important to know the risk factors in recurrent PN catheter-related urinary tract infections in cancer patients, take maximum protective measures, and follow-up. Knowing both the causative profile and the resistance rates will increase the chance of success in the treatment when empirical treatment is required. It should also be noted that these patients should be included in the group of patients who need prophylaxis for urinary tract infection.

Efficacy of vancomycin lock therapy for totally implantable venous access port-related infection due to coagulase-negative staphylococci in 100 patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Data on the efficacy of vancomycin catheter lock therapy (VLT) for conservative treatment of totally implantable venous access port-related infections (TIVAP-RI) due to CoNS are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of VLT in the treatment of TIVAP-RI due to CoNS in cancer patients. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicentre study included adults with cancer treated with VLT for a TIVAP-RI due to CoNS. The primary endpoint was the success of VLT, defined as no TIVAP removal nor TIVAP-RI recurrence within 3 months after initiation of VLT. The secondary endpoint was 3 month mortality. Risk factors for VLT failure were also analysed. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included [men 53%, median age 63 years (IQR 53-72)]. Median duration of VLT was 12 days (IQR 9-14). Systemic antibiotic therapy was administered in 87 patients. VLT was successful in 44 patients. TIVAP could be reused after VLT in 51 patients. Recurrence of infection after completion of VLT occurred in 33 patients, among which TIVAP was removed in 27. Intermittent VLT (antibiotic solution left in place in the TIVAP lumen part of the time) was identified as a risk factor for TIVAP-RI recurrence. At 3 months, 26 deaths were reported; 1 (4%) was related to TIVAP-RI. CONCLUSIONS: At 3 months, success of VLT for TIVAP-RI due to CoNS was low. However, removing TIVAP was avoided in nearly half the patients. Continuous locks should be preferred to intermittent locks. Identifying factors of success is essential to select patients who may benefit from VLT.

Bloodstream Infections in Infants and Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery are at risk for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (LCBIs). These infections can lead to morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. The role of mucosal barrier injury in causing LCBIs is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To describe characteristics of LCBIs in patients admitted to cardiac intensive care and step-down units and to assess frequencies of National Healthcare Safety Network infection types and associations with organism classification, patient clinical factors, and infection outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis using manual electronic medical record data abstraction included children with congenital heart disease who developed an LCBI while receiving inpatient cardiac care between August 2011 and November 2018 at one institution. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome variables were collected and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients with congenital heart disease developed 103 LCBIs during the study time frame. The most common causative microorganisms were gram-positive bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Sixty-three percent of causative organisms were characterized as originating from mucosal barrier injury, although no infections met National Healthcare Safety Network criteria for mucosal barrier injury LCBIs. CONCLUSIONS: Translocation of bacteria through injured gut mucosa may cause bloodstream infections in children with congenital heart disease. Further investigation is warranted to understand microbiome changes that adversely select pathogenic gut organisms. Preventive care to maintain intact gut function and a healthy microbiome should be explored for this patient population.

Clinical study of complications of a peripherally inserted central catheter in cancer patients.

AIM: To evaluate complications after PICC use in cancer patients. DESIGN: This was a clinical and retrospective study in which the risk factors and complications of PICC use were evaluated. METHODS: This study was carried out in the patient, emergency room, and intensive care units through the evaluation of electronic medical records. To assess the association between qualitative variables, the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used, and to compare the reason for withdrawal, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. RESULTS: A total of 359 patients (53.5% men) with 43.1 ± 14 years who had a PICC (88% with solid tumours) were evaluated. The most common complications were mechanical complications (61.2%), infection (38%), and thrombosis (57.1%). Patients with double-lumen catheters experienced thrombosis (85.7%). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of PICC and that patients with haematological cancer are more prone to multiple PICC passages and more mechanical complications and infections.

Postoperative Rather Than Preoperative Neutropenia Is Associated With Early Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of early catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) with perioperative neutropenia and antibiotic prophylaxis is not well established. We sought to evaluate perioperative factors associated with early CRBSIs in newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients, particularly hematologic indices and antibiotic use. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed national registry records of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients with port-a-caths inserted using standardized perioperative protocols where only antibiotic use was not regulated. Thirty-day postoperative CRBSI incidence was correlated with preoperative factors using logistic regression and with postoperative blood counts using linear trend analysis. RESULTS: Among 243 patients, 17 CRBSIs (7.0%) occurred at median 14 (range, 8-28) postoperative days. Early CRBSIs were significantly associated with cancer type [acute myeloid leukemia and other leukemias (AML/OLs) vs. solid tumors and lymphomas (STLs): odds ratio (OR), 5.09; P = 0.0036; acute lymphoblastic leukemia vs. STL: OR 0.83; P = 0.0446] but not preoperative antibiotics, absolute neutrophil counts and white blood cell counts. Thirty-day postoperative absolute neutrophil counts and white blood cell trends differed significantly between patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and STLs (OR 0.83, P < 0.05) and between AML/OLs and STLs (OR 5.09, P < 0.005), with AML/OL patients having the most protracted neutropenia during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to common belief, low preoperative absolute neutrophil counts and lack of preoperative antibiotics were not associated with higher early CRBSI rates. Instead, AML/OL patients, particularly those with prolonged neutropenia during the first 30 postoperative days, were at increased risk. Our findings do not support the use of empirical preoperative antibiotics and instead identify prolonged postoperative neutropenia as a major contributing factor for early CRBSI.

Comparison of outcomes of central venous catheters in patients with solid and hematologic neoplasms: an Italian real-world analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although many reports have analyzed the outcomes of central venous catheters (CVCs) in oncologic and oncohematologic patients, current guidelines do not routinely recommend a specific type of CVC over the other. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 178 patients with CVCs referred to an Italian specialized cancer center between January 2016 and December 2018. The analysis compares midterm peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) with long-term centrally inserted catheters, including totally implanted ports and tunneled catheters with central insertion (tCVCs). RESULTS: A total of 130 PICCs (73%) and 48 tCVCs (27%) were analyzed. The overall complication rate was significantly increased in the PICC cohort compared to the tCVC cohort (43.1% vs 25%, respectively; p = 0.037), leading to complication-related device removal in 30.8% of PICCs vs 12.5% of tCVCs (p = 0.013). No significant differences in terms of catheter-related thromboses (p = 0.676) or catheter-related infections (p = 0.140) were detected. Nonthrombotic obstructions were significantly higher in the PICC group compared to the tCVC cohort (p = 0.006). Overall complication-free survival was significantly longer for tCVCs compared to PICCs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.262; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.128-0.536; p < 0.0001), as well as obstruction-free survival (HR, 0.082; 95% CI, 0.018-0.372; p < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, the type of CVC was independently correlated with the occurrence of any complication (HR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.135-0.553; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This Italian real-world experience suggests that PICCs are associated with a higher risk of overall complications compared with tCVCs. Catheter choice in oncologic patients should be guided by treatment type and duration, risk-benefit assessment, patient preferences, and compliance.

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.

Flushing na manutenção de cateteres intravenosos: um estudo observacional da prática de enfermagem na terapia intensiva / Flushing in the maintenance of intravenous catheters: an observational study of nursing practice in intensive care

A manutenção da permeabilidade do cateter intravenoso usado em pacientes hospitalizados é essencial para prevenir danos e garantir a segurança da terapia intravenosa. Dentre os cuidados de enfermagem preconizados para essa manutenção está o flushing, que é a aplicação de solução salina no lúmen do cateter com o objetivo de limpeza. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivos: Caracterizar a prática da equipe de enfermagem na realização do flushing para a manutenção de cateteres intravenosos utilizados por pacientes hospitalizados em cenários de cuidados intensivos; Avaliar a associação de características profissionais da equipe de enfermagem com a prática do flushing na manutenção de cateteres intravenosos em pacientes hospitalizados em cenários de cuidados intensivos; Analisar a prática do flushing em relação às melhores evidências para a manutenção dos cateteres intravenosos, na perspectiva da segurança do paciente; Elaborar, à luz dessa análise, uma tecnologia de cuidado voltada a promover as boas práticas de enfermagem na realização do flushing para a manutenção dos cateteres intravenosos. Estudo observacional, transversal e com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em quatro cenários de cuidados intensivos de um hospital universitário do município do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram 108 profissionais de enfermagem que realizavam a manutenção dos dispositivos intravenosos e estavam envolvidos na prática do flushing. Os dados foram coletados através de observação por meio checklist e aplicação de questionário estruturado, no período de novembro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. A análise ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva, analítica e inferencial. Foram realizadas 404 observações da prática do flushing, das quais em 23% não houve a realização do flushing e, em 77%, a prática do flushing foi realizada em algum momento da manipulação do dispositivo intravenoso. Das observações em que houve algum momento de flushing, em 52% os profissionais utilizaram frasco de grande volume no preparo; 97% utilizaram solução fisiológica; 70% aplicaram a técnica de pressão contínua no êmbolo da seringa; 64,5% não avaliaram previamente a permeabilidade. Houve predomínio da prática do flushing após a administração de medicamentos, com emprego do volume e seringa de 10 ml. Possuir formação específica ligada a acesso venoso, conhecimento de guidelines e tempo de exercício profissional inferior a cinco anos foram variáveis que aumentaram as chances de realização do flushing na prática. Quanto aos dados do questionário: 88% dos participantes responderam que efetuam o procedimento do flushing na sua prática; 93% descreveram o soro fisiológico como a solução de escolha; 49,5% relataram realizar o flushing com a pressão contínua no êmbolo da seringa, enquanto 35% aplicam a técnica push pause. No que tange à frequência, apenas 22% referiram que realizam o flushing antes, entre e após a administração de um medicamento. Entretanto, quando essa frequência foi graduada numa escala, nos dados do cateter venoso central, principal dispositivo manipulado na prática, 64% referiram que realizam muitas vezes/sempre o flushing antes da administração do medicamento, 68% realizam muitas vezes/sempre entre a administração dos medicamentos e 79% realizam muitas vezes/sempre após a administração. Concluiu-se que existiram fragilidades na prática do flushing em relação às recomendações de boas práticas que se configuram erros de medicação. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de investimentos em melhorias nos cenários estudados em vista das boas práticas na terapia intravenosa. Em face disso, elaborou-se uma tecnologia na forma de guia de cuidado para a prática do flushing, a ser implementada na instituição como uma barreira à recorrência dos erros.

Maintaining the patency of the intravenous catheter used in hospitalized patients is essential to prevent damage and ensure the safety of intravenous therapy. Among the nursing care recommended for this maintenance is flushing, which is the application of saline solution in the lumen of the catheter with the objective of cleaning. This research aimed to: Characterize the practice of the nursing team in performing flushing for the maintenance of intravenous catheters used by hospitalized patients in intensive care settings; To evaluate the association of professional characteristics of the nursing team with the practice of flushing in the maintenance of intravenous catheters in hospitalized patients in intensive care settings; To analyze the practice of flushing in relation to the best evidence for the maintenance of intravenous catheters, from the perspective of patient safety; To develop, in the light of this analysis, a care technology aimed at promoting good nursing practices in performing flushing for the maintenance of intravenous catheters. Observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in four intensive care settings at a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Participants were 108 nursing professionals who performed the maintenance of intravenous devices and were involved in the practice of flushing. Data were collected through observation using a checklist and application of a structured questionnaire, from November 2019 to January 2020. The analysis was carried out using descriptive, analytical and inferential statistics. A total of 404 observations of flushing were performed, of which 23% did not perform flushing and, in 77%, flushing was performed at some point during the handling of the intravenous device. Of the observations in which there was some moment of flushing, in 52% the professionals used a large volume bottle in the preparation; 97% used saline solution; 70% applied the technique of continuous pressure on the plunger of the syringe; 64.5% had not previously evaluated permeability. There was a predominance of flushing after drug administration, using the volume and 10 ml syringe. Having specific training related to venous access, knowledge of guidelines and time of professional practice of less than five years were variables that increased the chances of performing flushing in practice. As for the data from the questionnaire: 88% of the participants answered that they perform the flushing procedure in their practice; 93% described saline as the solution of choice; 49.5% reported flushing with continuous pressure on the syringe plunger, while 35% applied the push pause technique. Regarding the frequency, only 22% reported that they perform flushing before, between and after the administration of a medication. However, when this frequency was graded on a scale, in the data of the central venous catheter, the main device manipulated in practice, 64% reported that they often/always perform flushing before drug administration, 68% perform it often/always between administration of medications and 79% perform it often/always after administration. It was concluded that there were weaknesses in the practice of flushing in relation to the recommendations of good practices that configure medication errors. These results indicate the need for investments in improvements in the scenarios studied in view of good practices in intravenous therapy. In view of this, a technology was developed in the form of a care guide for the practice of flushing, to be implemented in the institution as a barrier to the recurrence of errors.

Mantener la permeabilidad del catéter intravenoso utilizado en pacientes hospitalizados es esencial para prevenir daños y garantizar la seguridad de la terapia intravenosa. Entre los cuidados de enfermería recomendados para ese mantenimiento está el flushing, que es la aplicación de solución salina en la luz del catéter con el objetivo de limpiarlo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo: Caracterizar la práctica del equipo de enfermería en la realización de lavados para el mantenimiento de los catéteres intravenosos utilizados por pacientes hospitalizados en cuidados intensivos; Evaluar la asociación de las características profesionales del equipo de enfermería con la práctica de lavado en el mantenimiento de catéteres intravenosos en pacientes hospitalizados en cuidados intensivos; Analizar la práctica del flushing en relación a la mejor evidencia para el mantenimiento de catéteres intravenosos, desde la perspectiva de la seguridad del paciente; Desarrollar, a la luz de este análisis, una tecnología asistencial dirigida a promover buenas prácticas de enfermería en la realización de lavados para el mantenimiento de catéteres intravenosos. Estudio observacional, transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en cuatro unidades de cuidados intensivos de un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro. Participaron 108 profesionales de enfermería que realizaban el mantenimiento de los dispositivos intravenosos y participaban en la práctica del flushing. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de la observación mediante una lista de cotejo y aplicación de un cuestionario estructurado, de noviembre de 2019 a enero de 2020. El análisis se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, analítica e inferencial. Se realizaron un total de 404 observaciones de lavado, de las cuales el 23% no realizó lavado y en el 77% se realizó lavado en algún momento durante la manipulación del dispositivo intravenoso. De las observaciones en las que hubo algún momento de rubor, en 52% los profesionales utilizaron un biberón de gran volumen en la preparación; 97% utilizó solución salina; el 70% aplicó la técnica de presión continua sobre el émbolo de la jeringa; El 64,5% no había evaluado previamente la permeabilidad. Predominó el rubor tras la administración del fármaco, utilizando el volumen y jeringa de 10 ml. Tener formación específica relacionada con el acceso venoso, el conocimiento de las guías y un tiempo de ejercicio profesional inferior a cinco años fueron variables que aumentaron las posibilidades de realizar lavados en la práctica. En cuanto a los datos del cuestionario: el 88% de los participantes respondieron que realizan el procedimiento de lavado en su práctica; el 93% describió la solución salina como la solución de elección; El 49,5% refirió enjuagar con presión continua sobre el émbolo de la jeringa, mientras que el 35% aplicó la técnica de empujar pausa. En cuanto a la frecuencia, solo el 22% informó que realiza lavados antes, entre y después de la administración de un medicamento. Sin embargo, cuando se graduó esta frecuencia en una escala, en los datos del catéter venoso central, el principal dispositivo manipulado en la práctica, el 64% informó que a menudo/siempre realiza lavado antes de la administración del medicamento, el 68% lo realiza a menudo/siempre entre administración de medicamentos y el 79% lo realiza seguido/siempre después de la administración. Se concluyó que existieron debilidades en la práctica del flushing en relación a las recomendaciones de buenas prácticas que configuran errores de medicación. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de inversiones en mejoras en los escenarios estudiados en vista de las buenas prácticas en terapia intravenosa. Ante esto, se desarrolló una tecnología en forma de guía de cuidados para la práctica del rubor, para ser implementada en la institución como barrera a la reincidencia de errores.

Predictive Factors of Severe Adverse Events in Pediatric Oncologic Patients with Febrile Neutropenia.

OBJECTIVES: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is severe and potentially life-threatening in oncologic patients. The objective of this study is to define the factors associated with severe adverse outcomes of pediatric FN. METHODS: A retrospective and prospective descriptive study performed in pediatric patients diagnosed with FN at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. Severe adverse events defined as the presence in one of these following oxygen therapies, mechanical ventilator, shock, admission to ICU, renal dysfunction, and liver dysfunction. RESULTS: The study included 267 patients with 563 febrile neutropenia episodes. The median (range) age was 5.1 years (1 month-15 year). Among 563 febrile neutropenia episodes, 115 episodes (20%) developed severe adverse events. The FN patients were classified into low and high-risk groups, 91% of patients with severe adverse events and all 21 patients who died were in high risk group. The overall mortality rate was 3.1%. Factors associated with severe adverse events were fungal infection (aOR 6.51, 95%CI 2.29-18.56), central venous catheter insertion (aOR 4.28, 95% CI 2.51-7.29), CPG defined high risk (aOR 3.35, 95%CI 1.56-7.17), viral infection (aOR 2.72, 95%CI 1.05-7.06), lower respiratory tract infection (aOR 2.52, 95%CI 1.09-5.82) and treatment not according to CPG (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.51-4.03). CONCLUSIONS: Fungal and viral infection, central venous catheter insertion, lower respiratory tract infection, CPG defined high risk and treatment not according to CPG were associated factors of increased risk for severe adverse events. Our current institutional CPG for FN in children was applicable and improved clinical outcomes for this group of patients. 
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Shunt failure clusters: an analysis of multiple, frequent shunt failures.

OBJECTIVE: Repeated failure of ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) is a problem familiar to pediatric neurosurgeons and patients. While there have been many studies to determine what factors are associated with the first shunt failure, studies of subsequent failures are much less common. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of clustered shunt failures (defined as 3 or more VPS operations within 3 months). METHODS: The authors reviewed prospectively collected records from all patients who underwent VPS surgery from 2008 to 2017 at their institution and included only those children who had received all of their hydrocephalus care at that institution. Demographics, etiology of hydrocephalus, history of endoscopic third ventriculostomy or temporizing procedure, initial valve type, age at shunt placement, and other factors were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to test for the association of each variable with a history of shunt failure cluster. RESULTS: Of the 465 included children, 28 (6.0%) had experienced at least one cluster of shunt failures. Among time-independent variables, etiology of hydrocephalus (OR 0.27 for non-intraventricular hemorrhage [IVH], nonmyelomeningocele, nonaqueductal stenosis etiology vs IVH, 95% CI 0.11-0.65; p = 0.003), younger gestational age at birth (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.97; p = 0.003), history of a temporizing procedure (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.12-6.85; p = 0.028), and smaller head circumference at time of initial shunt placement (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99; p = 0.044) showed significant association with shunt failure cluster on univariate analysis. None of these variables maintained significance in a multivariate model. Among children with a history of a shunt failure cluster, 21 (75%) had a shunt infection either prior to or during the shunt failure cluster. A comparison of the infecting organism between these children and 62 children with a history of infection but without a shunt failure cluster showed an association of cluster with gram-negative rod species. CONCLUSIONS: Six percent of children in this institutional sample had at least one shunt failure cluster. These children accounted for 30% of the total shunt revisions in the sample. Shunt infection is an important factor associated with shunt failure cluster. Children with a history of prematurity and IVH may have a higher risk for failure cluster.

Intravenous supplementation type and volume are associated with 1-year outcome and major complications in patients with chronic intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: No marker to categorise the severity of chronic intestinal failure (CIF) has been developed. A 1-year international survey was carried out to investigate whether the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism clinical classification of CIF, based on the type and volume of the intravenous supplementation (IVS), could be an indicator of CIF severity. METHODS: At baseline, participating home parenteral nutrition (HPN) centres enrolled all adults with ongoing CIF due to non-malignant disease; demographic data, body mass index, CIF mechanism, underlying disease, HPN duration and IVS category were recorded for each patient. The type of IVS was classified as fluid and electrolyte alone (FE) or parenteral nutrition admixture (PN). The mean daily IVS volume, calculated on a weekly basis, was categorised as <1, 1-2, 2-3 and >3 L/day. The severity of CIF was determined by patient outcome (still on HPN, weaned from HPN, deceased) and the occurrence of major HPN/CIF-related complications: intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), catheter-related venous thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). RESULTS: Fifty-one HPN centres included 2194 patients. The analysis showed that both IVS type and volume were independently associated with the odds of weaning from HPN (significantly higher for PN <1 L/day than for FE and all PN >1 L/day), patients' death (lower for FE, p=0.079), presence of IFALD cholestasis/liver failure and occurrence of CRBSI (significantly higher for PN 2-3 and PN >3 L/day). CONCLUSIONS: The type and volume of IVS required by patients with CIF could be indicators to categorise the severity of CIF in both clinical practice and research protocols.

Calcification and abscess formation around the catheter tip of a central venous access port: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein occasionally occurs in association with long-term placement of a central venous catheter; however, such complications rarely involve calcification within the blood vessels. We report a case of calcification and abscess formation around a central venous catheter tip. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was an 84-year-old Asian woman who developed a fever that had started approximately 5 months after the placement of a central venous catheter. At the time of presentation, blood tests showed a marked inflammatory response, and chest computed tomography showed a high absorption area and air density around the catheter tip. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with abnormal intravascular calcification and a deep neck abscess associated with long-term central venous catheter placement. The initial plan was to administer antibiotics and remove the central venous catheter. However, central venous catheter removal was deemed difficult due to the calcification and therefore required an incision. Because of the patient's advanced age and dementia, her family requested antibiotic treatment only. Following antibiotic treatment, the patient's inflammatory response normalized, and her fever resolved. The treatment was discontinued, and the patient's condition gradually stabilized. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-related complications of central venous catheter placement include vascular occlusion, extravasation of the infusion, and infection. However, abnormal calcification in the blood vessels is extremely rare, and there has been only one case report of a neonate with central venous catheter-related vascular calcification in Japan. The etiology of intravascular calcification is considered to be related to the infusion content and the infusion rate of high caloric infusions and blood products. The incidence of complications associated with long-term central venous catheter placement is expected to increase with the increasing aging of the population and advances in chemotherapy. The report of the clinical course of this rare case adds to the body of knowledge in this area.

Early diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin levels for catheter-related blood stream infection in first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional approaches for diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infection(CRBSI) is time consuming, which could not meet the clinical requirement. Our aim was to investigate the value of serum procalcitonin(PCT) in predicting CRBSI in first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). METHODS: This was a retrospective study. First-ever acute ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in neurological intensive care unit(NICU) of Aerospace Center Hospital and NICU of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital during January 2010 and December 2017 with clinically suspected CRBSI were enrolled. Peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophils percentage(NE%), the levels of serum PCT, dwell time of catheterization and outcome of the patients were collected. According to the diagnosis of CRBSI or not, they were divided into CRBSI group and no CRBSI group. We used receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to evaluate the value of serum PCT levels in predicting CRBSI in patients with clinically suspected CRBSI. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with suspected CRBSI were included in this study, and 13 patients were diagnosed with CRBSI. Comparing to those in no CRBSI group, the maximum body temperature (Tmax) (p = 0.036) and the PCT levels (P = 0.013) in CRBSI group were both significantly higher. The area under ROC of the serum PCT levels and the Tmax to predict the CRBSI were 0.803 (0.95CI,0.660-0.946) and 0.680 (0.95CI,0.529-0.832) respectively. The PCT cut-off value was 0.780 ng/ml, with the sensitivity 69.23%, specificity 87.50%, positive predictive values 69.23% and negative predictive values 87.50%. CONCLUSION: It could be helpful to adopt PCT as a rapid diagnostic biomarker for first-ever acute stroke patients with suspected CRBSI.

Evaluation of Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing to Predict Bloodstream Infection in Pediatric Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Cancer.

Importance: Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a common, life-threatening complication of treatment for cancer. Predicting BSI before onset of clinical symptoms would enable preemptive therapy, but there is no reliable screening test. Objective: To estimate sensitivity and specificity of plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing (mcfDNA-seq) for predicting BSI in patients at high risk of life-threatening infection. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective pilot cohort study of mcfDNA-seq for predicting BSI in pediatric patients (<25 years of age) with relapsed or refractory cancers at St Jude Children's Research Hospital, a specialist quaternary pediatric hematology-oncology referral center. Remnant clinical blood samples were collected during chemotherapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation. Samples collected during the 7 days before and at onset of BSI episodes, along with negative control samples from study participants, underwent blinded testing using a mcfDNA-seq test in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments/College of American Pathologists-approved laboratory. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were sensitivity of mcfDNA-seq for detecting a BSI pathogen during the 3 days before BSI onset and specificity of mcfDNA-seq in the absence of fever or infection in the preceding or subsequent 7 days. Results: Between August 9, 2017, and June 4, 2018, 47 participants (27 [57%] male; median age [IQR], 10 [5-14] years) were enrolled; 19 BSI episodes occurred in 12 participants, and predictive samples were available for 16 episodes, including 15 bacterial BSI episodes. In the 3 days before the onset of infection, predictive sensitivity of mcfDNA-seq was 75% for all BSIs (12 of 16; 95% CI, 51%-90%) and 80% (12 of 15; 95% CI, 55%-93%) for bacterial BSIs. The specificity of mcfDNA-seq, evaluated on 33 negative control samples from enrolled participants, was 82% (27 of 33; 95% CI, 66%-91%) for any bacterial or fungal organism and 91% (30 of 33; 95% CI, 76%-97%) for any common BSI pathogen, and the concentration of pathogen DNA was lower in control than predictive samples. Conclusions and Relevance: A clinically relevant pathogen can be identified by mcfDNA-seq days before the onset of BSI in a majority of episodes, potentially enabling preemptive treatment. Clinical application appears feasible pending further study. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03226158.

A case report of catheter-related bloodstream infection due to Trichosporon coremiiforme in a patient with secondary neutropenia to HIV.

Here, we describe an invasive infection due to Trichosporon coremiiforme in an HIV positive patient with neutropenia. The strain was first erroneously identified as Trichosporon asahii by conventional methods, but correctly identified by mass spectrometry using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight technology (MALDI-TOF MS) and ribosomal DNA sequencing. The infection was successfully resolved after antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole. This case report is a contribution to the study of T. coremiiforme infections and reinforces its relevance as a species capable of causing invasive human infection in immunocompromised patients and also contributes to the study of its susceptibility profile against antifungal drugs.

Long-term methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia persisting for more than 2 weeks: risk factors and outcomes.

The clinical significance of long-term methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia remains unclear. We evaluated the clinical, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of long-term MRSA bacteremia. A nested case-control study was conducted in a prospective cohort of adult patients with MRSA bacteremia at a tertiary hospital between August 2008 and December 2017. Patients with long-term MRSA bacteremia (≥ 14 days) were compared with control patients, defined as having bacteremia that resolved in less than 3 days. The following variables were documented: heteroresistance phenotype, genotypes, agr dysfunction, and the presence of 41 virulence genes in isolates. Of the total 890 patients studied, 69 patients (7.8%) exhibited long-term MRSA bacteremia and 599 (67.3%) exhibited resolving bacteremia. The most common sources of long-term bacteremia were central venous catheter-related infection (39%) and osteomyelitis (19%). Independent risk factors for long-term MRSA bacteremia included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.43), community-acquired bacteremia (aOR = 2.93), the presence of a prosthetic device (aOR = 3.40), and osteomyelitis (aOR = 7.98). Metastatic infections developed more frequently in patients with long-term bacteremia than in those with resolving bacteremia (56.5% vs. 8.0%; P < 0.001). Although there were no significant differences in 30-day, 12-week, or in-hospital mortality rates between the two groups, infection-attributable mortality was higher in the long-term bacteremia group (23.2% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.01). Microbiological characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Clinical factors, including community-acquired bacteremia, the presence of a prosthetic device, and osteomyelitis, appear to contribute to long-term MRSA bacteremia more than microbiological factors.

Bacteriemia relacionada con catéter por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada / Catheter-related bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina constituye la causa principal de bacteriemia relaciona a catéter en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada en hemodiálisis. Objetivos: Estimar la tasa de incidencia de bacteriemia relaciona con catéter por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada en el Hospital General Freyre de Andrade, Cuba, y vigilar los valores de concentración mínima inhibitoria de vancomicina frente a los aislados recuperados de bacteriemia. Métodos: El estudio se realizó entre mayo 2017 y febrero 2018, el cual incluyó 64 pacientes con Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (total de los atendidos en hemodiálisis). De cada uno se recogió información acerca de tipo de acceso vascular y tiempo de uso; de los que desarrollaron un episodio sugerente de bacteriemia se obtuvieron muestras de sangre para hemocultivo. Se informó bacteriemia relacionada con catéter utilizando los criterios de Bouza y otros 2004 y estas se confirmaron debidas a Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina tras determinar la concentración mínima inhibitoria de oxacilina, empleando el método de microdilución en caldo y los criterios del CLSI 2017. Asimismo se evaluó la concentración mínima inhibitoria de vancomicina. Resultados: Las tasas de incidencia de bacteriemia relaciona con catéter por S. aureus y Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina fueron de 0,66 y 0,59/1000 días-catéter, respectivamente. Predominaron las bacteriemia relacionada con catéter en los pacientes con accesos vasculares temporales. No se observó incremento en la concentración mínima inhibitoria de vancomicina (1 y 2 (g/mL) para los aislados responsables de bacteriemia a repetición y persistente. Conclusiones: La tasas de incidencia de bacteriemia relacionada con catéter indican que en la unidad de hemodiálisis se mantienen buenas prácticas clínicas. Los valores de concentración mínima inhibitoria de vancomicina sugieren una reducción en la eficacia de la droga en el tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of catheter-related bacteremia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Objective: Estimate the incidence rate of catheter-related bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease from General Freyre de Andrade Hospital in Cuba, and survey the vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration values for isolates obtained from bacteremia. Methods: A study was conducted of 64 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (total of those undergoing hemodialysis) from May 2017 to February 2018. For each one of them, information was collected about vascular access type and time of use. Blood culture samples were obtained from patients who developed an episode suggesting bacteremia. Catheter-related bacteremia was reported using Bouza et al (2004) criteria, and it was confirmed as due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after determining oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentration by broth microdilution and CLSI 2017 criteria. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration was also evaluated. Results: The incidence rates for catheter-related bacteremia by S. aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were 0.66 and 0.59/1000 catheter-days, respectively. A predominance was found of catheter-related bacteremia in patients with temporary vascular accesses. No increase was observed in vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (1 and 2 g/mlL for the isolates responsible for recurrent and persistent bacteremia. Conclusions: The incidence rates for catheter-related bacteremia show that good clinical practices are maintained in the hemodialysis unit. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration values suggest a decrease in the efficacy of the drug during treatment(AU)