Increased Peripheral Venous Catheter Bloodstream Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, Switzerland.

Studies suggest that central venous catheter bloodstream infections (BSIs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated catheter-related BSIs in Switzerland and found peripheral venous catheter (PVC) BSI incidence increased during 2021-2022 compared with 2020. These findings should raise awareness of PVC-associated BSIs and prompt inclusion of PVC BSIs in surveillance systems.

Increase in PVC-BSI during the second COVID-19 pandemic year: analysis of catheter and patient characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Increasing nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported. However, data describing peripheral venous catheter associated bloodstream infections (PVC-BSI) are limited. AIMS: To describe the epidemiology and risk factors for PVC-BSI during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected PVC-BSI data in a 2100 bed hospital network in Switzerland. Adult patients with a PVC inserted between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 were included. Risk factors for PVC-BSI were identified through descriptive analysis of patient and catheter characteristics, and univariable marginal Cox models. RESULTS: 206,804 PVCs and 37 PVC-BSI were analysed. Most PVC-BSI were attributed to catheters inserted in the Emergency department (76%) or surgical wards (22%). PVC-BSI increased in 2021 compared to 2020 (hazard ratio 2021 vs. 2020 = 2.73; 95% confidence interval 1.19-6.29), with a numerically higher rate of Staphylococcus aureus (1/10, 10%, vs. 5/27, 19%) and polymicrobial infection (0/10, 0% vs. 4/27, 15%). PVC insertions, patient characteristics, and catheter characteristics remained similar across the study period. PVC-BSI risk was associated with admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and use of wide gauge catheter ( < = 16G). CONCLUSION: Increased PVC-BSI during the COVID-19 pandemic was not explained by catheter or patient factors alone, and may result from system-wide changes. PVC-BSI events are primarily attributed to acute care settings, including the emergency department, surgical wards, and the ICU.

Microbiology of catheter-associated bloodstream infection: differences according to catheter type.

OBJECTIVES: Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI) cause preventable morbidity. We compared the microbiological etiology of CABSI across different types of central and peripherally-inserted catheters. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected CABSI data in a 2100-bed hospital network in Switzerland between 2016 and 2022. We included: short-term non-tunneled central venous catheters (CVC); long-term catheters (tunneled, or peripherally-inserted central catheters); arterial catheters; dialysis catheters; and peripheral venous catheters (PVC). We used multivariable logistic regression models to describe the risk of Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative pathogens according to catheter type. RESULTS: Overall, 416 CABSI episodes were included, including 60 episodes of S. aureus and 92 episodes of Gram-negative CABSI. Microbiological profiles differed between catheter types. Together, PVC and dialysis catheters accounted for 43/60 (72%) of all S. aureus CABSI. After adjusting for age, sex, and hematology/oncology care, the odds of S. aureus were higher for hemodialysis catheters (odds ratio [OR] 17.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.75-52.2, P <0.01) and PVC (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.22-7.20, P = 0.02) compared to short-term non-tunneled CVC. Odds of Gram-negative organism as the cause of CABSI were higher in long-term catheters versus short-term non-tunneled CVC (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.37-5.24). CONCLUSIONS: CABSI in catheters other than short-term non-tunneled CVC is more commonly caused by virulent organisms including S. aureus and Gram-negative bacteria. Catheter type should be considered when selecting empirical antimicrobial therapies.

Surveillance of catheter-associated bloodstream infections: development and validation of a fully automated algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Most surveillance systems for catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are based on manual chart review. Our objective was to validate a fully automated algorithm for CRBSI and CLABSI surveillance in intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: We developed a fully automated algorithm to detect CRBSI, CLABSI and ICU-onset bloodstream infections (ICU-BSI) in patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital in Switzerland. The parameters included in the algorithm were based on a recently performed systematic review. Structured data on demographics, administrative data, central vascular catheter and microbiological results (blood cultures and other clinical cultures) obtained from the hospital's data warehouse were processed by the algorithm. Validation for CRBSI was performed by comparing results with prospective manual BSI surveillance data over a 6-year period. CLABSI were retrospectively assessed over a 2-year period. RESULTS: From January 2016 to December 2021, 854 positive blood cultures were identified in 346 ICU patients. The median age was 61.7 years [IQR 50-70]; 205 (24%) positive samples were collected from female patients. The algorithm detected 5 CRBSI, 109 CLABSI and 280 ICU-BSI. The overall CRBSI and CLABSI incidence rates determined by automated surveillance for the period 2016 to 2021 were 0.18/1000 catheter-days (95% CI 0.06-0.41) and 3.86/1000 catheter days (95% CI: 3.17-4.65). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of the algorithm for CRBSI, were 83% (95% CI 43.7-96.9), 100% (95% CI 99.5-100), 100% (95% CI 56.5-100), and 99.9% (95% CI 99.2-100), respectively. One CRBSI was misclassified as an ICU-BSI by the algorithm because the same bacterium was identified in the blood culture and in a lower respiratory tract specimen. Manual review of CLABSI from January 2020 to December 2021 (n = 51) did not identify any errors in the algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: A fully automated algorithm for CRBSI and CLABSI detection in critically-ill patients using only structured data provided valid results. The next step will be to assess the feasibility and external validity of implementing it in several hospitals with different electronic health record systems.

Catheter size and risk of short-term peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Short-term peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (PVC-associated BSI) are disregarded in the literature because of their relatively low incidence. No data are available on the association between PVC diameter size and the risk of PVC-associated BSI. METHODS: Using a prospective database, we performed an observational study at the University of Geneva Hospitals from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, including all patients with a PVC. We used univariable and multivariable marginal Cox regression models for clustered data to investigate the association between catheter size and PVC-associated BSI. The main variable of interest 'catheter size' was forced into our multivariable models. Confounders, which are thought to influence the risk of PVC-associated BSI, were used as adjustment factors. RESULTS: A total of 206 804 PVCs were included. In all, 10 806 of 201 413 (5.4%), 80 274 of 201 413 (39.9%), 93 047 of 201 413 (46.2%) and 17 286 of 201 413 (8.6%) PVCs measured ≤16G, 18G, 20G and ≥22G, respectively. The univariable analysis showed that diameters of ≤16G were significantly associated with a higher risk of PVC-associated BSI (hazard ratio [HR] 4.52, 95% CI, 1.14-18.00). Multivariable models confirmed these results (HR 4.65, 95% CI, 1.19-18.20). Sensitivity analyses including PVC inserted only in 2021 (HR 4.80, 95% CI, 1.21-19.10), for dwell time >2 days (HR 3.67, 95% CI, 0.92-14.65) and only in adults (HR 3.97, 95% CI, 0.97-15.39) showed similar results. DISCUSSION: Larger PVC size may increase the risk of PVC-associated BSI. Diameter size should be considered when selecting PVCs to reduce the burden of PVC-associated BSI.

Lower risk of peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection by hand insertion.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the bloodstream infection (BSI) risk associated with short-term peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) and no large study investigated the insertion site-related risk for PVC-BSI. METHODS: We performed a cohort study at the University of Geneva Hospitals using the prospective hospital-wide BSI surveillance database. We analyzed the association between insertion site and risk of PVC-BSI on the upper extremity using univariable and multivariable marginal Cox models. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, utilization of 403'206 peripheral venous catheters were prospectively recorded in a 2000-bed hospital consortium with ten sites. Twenty-seven percent of PVC (n = 109'686) were inserted in the hand. After adjustment for confounding factors, hand insertion was associated with a decreased PVC-BSI risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.98, p = 0.046) compared to more proximal insertion sites. In a sensitivity analysis for PVCs with ≥ 3 days of dwell time, we confirmed a decreased PVC-BSI risk after hand insertion (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.93, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Hand insertion should be considered for reducing PVC infections, especially for catheters with an expected dwell time of more than 2 days.

Comparison of Routine Replacement With Clinically Indicated Replacement of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters.

Importance: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used indwelling devices in hospitals worldwide. Peripheral intravenous catheter bloodstream infections (PVC-BSIs) are rare, but severe and preventable, adverse events. Objective: To investigate the incidence of PVC-BSIs after changing the policy of routine PVC replacement every 96 hours to clinically indicated replacement. Design, Setting, and Participants: This institution-wide, observational cohort study evaluated all patients hospitalized at a large university-affiliated hospital with 10 sites in Western Switzerland with a PVC insertion between January 1, 2016, and February 29, 2020. Exposures: Peripheral intravenous catheters were routinely replaced every 96 hours until March 31, 2018 (baseline period). Between April 1, 2018, and October 15, 2019, PVCs were replaced if clinically indicated (intervention period). From October 16, 2019, PVCs were again routinely replaced every 96 hours (reversion period). Main Outcomes and Measures: The PVC-BSI rates and PVC-BSI incidence rate ratios (IRRs) during each period. Results: A total of 412 631 PVCs with documented catheter duration were included (164 331 patients; median [interquartile range] patient age, 51 [33-72] years; 88 928 [54.1%] female): 241 432 PVCs at baseline, 130 779 at intervention, and 40 420 at reversion. Eleven PVC-BSIs were observed during the baseline period, 46 during the intervention, and 4 during the reversion period. Although the monthly number of PVC-days remained stable during all study periods, the number of monthly inserted PVCs decreased during the intervention period. The number of PVCs still in place more than 4 or more than 7 days was higher during the intervention period compared with the baseline and reversion periods. A significantly increased IRR of PVC-BSIs was observed for the intervention period (IRR, 7.20; 95% CI, 3.65-14.22; P < .001) compared with baseline, whereas during the reversion period there was no significant increase (IRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.30 6.17; P = .69). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cohort study using a large, prospective surveillance database suggest that replacement of PVCs only when clinically indicated may be associated with an increased risk of PVC-BSI compared with routine replacement. Even if PVC-associated BSI is a rare event, the use of PVCs in most patients makes this outcome relevant.

Double-blind, randomized, crossover trial of 3 hand rub formulations: fast-track evaluation of tolerability and acceptability.

OBJECTIVE: To compare healthcare workers' skin tolerance for and acceptance of 3 alcohol-based hand rub formulations. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial. SETTING: Intensive care unit in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight healthcare workers (HCWs). INTERVENTION: A total of 3 alcohol-based hand rub formulations (hereafter, formulations A, B, and C) were used in random order for 3-5 consecutive working days during regular nursing shifts. Formulations A and B contained the same emollient, and formulations B and C contained the same alcohol at the same concentration. Use of each test formulation was separated by a "washout" period of at least 2 days. A visual assessment of skin integrity by a blinded observer using a standard 6-item scale was conducted before and after the use of each formulation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for the assessment of risk factors for skin alteration, and product acceptability was assessed by use of a customized questionnaire after the use of each formulation. RESULTS: Thirty-eight HCWs used each of 3 formulations for a median of 3 days (range, 3-5 days). The mean amount of product used daily (+/-SD) was 54.9+/-23.5 mL (median, 50.9 mL). Both subjective and objective evaluation of skin conditions after use showed lower HCW tolerance for product C. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.17 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.1-8.8]), fair or very fair skin (OR, 3.01 [95% CI, 1.1-7.9]), skin alteration before hand rub use (OR, 3.73 [95% CI, 1.7-8.1]), and use of formulation C (OR, 8.79 [95% CI, 2.7-28.4]) were independently associated with skin alteration. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol permits a fast-track comparison of HCWs' skin tolerance for different alcohol-based hand rub formulations that are used in healthcare settings. The emollient in formulation C may account for its inferior performance.

Knowledge of standard and isolation precautions in a large teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of knowledge regarding and attitudes toward standard and isolation precautions among healthcare workers in a hospital. METHOD: A confidential, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in a random sample of 1500 nurses and 500 physicians in a large teaching hospital. RESULTS: A total of 1,241 questionnaires were returned (response rate, 62%). The median age of respondents was 39 years; 71.9% were women and 21.2% had senior staff status. One-fourth had previously participated in specific training regarding transmission precautions for pathogens conducted by the infection control team. More than half (55.9%) gave correct answers to 10 or more of the 13 knowledge-type questions. The following reasons for noncompliance with guidelines were judged as "very important": lack of knowledge (47%); lack of time (42%); forgetfulness (39%); and lack of means (28%). For physicians and healthcare workers in a senior position, lack of time and lack of means were significantly less important (P < .0005). On multivariate linear regression, knowledge was independently associated with exposure to training sessions (coefficient, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.57; P = .009) and less professional experience (coefficient per increasing professional experience, -0.024; 95% confidence interval, -0.035 to -0.012; P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a training effort targeting opinion leaders, knowledge of transmission precautions for pathogens remained insufficient. Nevertheless, specific training proved to be the major determinant of "good knowledge".

Successful implementation of the World Health Organization hand hygiene improvement strategy in a referral hospital in Mali, Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the World Health Organization hand hygiene improvement strategy in a low-income African country. DESIGN: A before-and-after study from December 2006 through June 2008, with a 6-month baseline evaluation period and a follow-up period of 8 months from the beginning of the intervention. SETTING: University Hospital, Bamako, Mali. Participants. Two hundred twenty-four healthcare workers. METHODS: The intervention consisted of introducing a locally produced, alcohol-based handrub; monitoring hand hygiene compliance; providing performance feedback; educating staff; posting reminders in the workplace; and promoting an institutional safety climate according to the World Health Organization multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy. Hand hygiene infrastructure, compliance, healthcare workers' knowledge and perceptions, and handrub consumption were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up. RESULTS: Severe deficiencies in the infrastructure for hand hygiene were identified before the intervention. Local handrub production and quality control proved to be feasible, affordable, and satisfactory. At follow-up, handrubbing was the quasi-exclusive hand hygiene technique (93.3%). Compliance increased from 8.0% at baseline to 21.8% at follow-up (P < .001). Improvement was observed across all professional categories and medical specialities and was independently associated with the intervention (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-3.5). Knowledge enhanced significantly (P < .05), and perception surveys showed a high appreciation of each strategy component by staff. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal hand hygiene promotion is feasible and effective in a low-income country. Access to handrub was critical for its success. These findings motivated the government of Mali to expand the intervention nationwide. This experience represents a significant advancement for patient safety in developing countries.

The World Health Organization hand hygiene observation method.

Monitoring hand hygiene adherence and providing performance feedback to health care workers is a critical component of multimodal hand hygiene promotion programs, but important variations exist in the way adherence is measured. Within the framework of the World Health Organization's (WHO) First Global Patient Safety Challenge known as "Clean Care is Safer Care," an evidence-based, user-centered concept, "My five moments for hand hygiene," has been developed for measuring, teaching, and reporting hand hygiene adherence. This concept is an integral part of the WHO's hand hygiene improvement strategy conceived to translate the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care into practice. It has been tested in numerous health care facilities worldwide to ensure its applicability and adaptability to all settings irrespective of the resources available. Here we describe the WHO hand hygiene observation method in detail-the concept, the profile and the task of the observers, their training and validation, the data collection form, the scope, the selection of the observed staff, and the observation sessions-with the objective of making it accessible for universal use. Sample size estimates, survey analysis and report, and major bias and confounding factors associated with observation are discussed.

Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infection.

We prospectively evaluated 46 possible risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surgical site infection (SSI) among patients with MRSA carriage in a large intervention study. Of 6,130 study patients, 68 (1.1%) developed MRSA SSI, which occurred a median of 14 days after surgery. Risk factors associated with MRSA SSI were receipt of emergency surgery, presence of comorbid condition, receipt of immunosuppressive therapy, receipt of contaminated surgery, and a surgical duration longer than the 75th percentile. MRSA carriage on admission did not predict MRSA SSI.