Genomic characterization of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients on home parenteral nutrition and their caregivers.

In this prospective study, patients on home parenteral nutrition were twice as likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus if their caregivers were also carriers. Among S. aureus-positive patients and their caregivers, molecular analysis showed 68% genetically related strains. Despite decolonization, genetically related strains reappeared in 70% of patients.

Oral antimicrobial agents in patients with short bowel syndrome: worth a try!

BACKGROUND: The use of oral antimicrobial agents in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) is challenging due to the changes in gastrointestinal anatomy that may result in diminished absorption and altered drug bioavailability. Prospective studies evaluating bioavailability of antimicrobial agents after oral administration in SBS patients are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To determine the bioavailability of orally administered antimicrobial agents commonly used for treatment in SBS patients to guide clinical decision making when faced with infections. METHODS: We performed an explorative, clinical study investigating the pharmacokinetics (PK) of clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, flucloxacillin and fluconazole in SBS patients with intestinal failure. Participants received a combination of two antimicrobial agents simultaneously. To determine the oral bioavailability, participants received a single oral and IV dose of both agents on two occasions, after which they underwent intensive PK sampling on six predefined time points up to 12 hours after administration. Primary outcome was the oral bioavailability of these antimicrobial agents. Secondary outcomes were intravenous PK characteristics following non-compartmental analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen SBS patients were included: the mean (SD) age was 59 (17) years and 61% of participants were female. The median observed (IQR) bioavailability of ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, flucloxacillin and fluconazole were 36% (24-50), 93% (56-106), 50% (32-76) and 98% (61-107), respectively. CONCLUSION: The bioavailability of selected antimicrobial agents in certain patients with SBS appeared to be better than expected, providing a feasible treatment option. Due to the large observed differences between patients, therapeutic drug monitoring should be part of the treatment to safeguard adequate exposure in all patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NL7796) and EudraCT number 2019-002587-28.

Having breakfast has no clinically relevant effect on bioelectrical impedance measurements in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used to evaluate body composition as part of nutritional assessment. Current guidelines recommend performing BIA measurements in a fasting state of at least 2 h in a clinical setting and 8 h in a research setting. However, since asking patients with malnutrition or sarcopenia to fast is not desirable and literature to support the strategy in the guidelines is lacking, this study aimed to assess the impact of breakfast on BIA measurements. METHODS: We performed an explorative, prospective study in healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 70 years, with a normal fluid balance and a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2. BIA measurements were performed according to the standard operating procedure in the fasting state, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after ingesting a standardized breakfast meal of about 400 kcal with a 150 mL drink, using the hand-to-food single-frequency BIA (Bodystat500 ®). The Kyle formula was used to calculate the primary outcome, i.e. fat-free mass (FFM, kg). A linear mixed model was used to compare baseline values with other time points. A difference of 1 kg in FFM was considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (85% female) volunteers were included, with a median age of 28 years (IQR 24-38). In 90% of the participants, having breakfast had no clinically relevant impact on the estimated FFM. For the group, the most pronounced mean difference, a statistically but not clinically significant higher value of 0.2 kg (0.4%), was observed after 3 h of fasting compared to baseline. No statistically significant differences were found at the other time points. CONCLUSION: Eating affects single-frequency BIA measurements, but differences in FFM remain below clinical relevance for most participants when using a standardized breakfast. Thus, the current study suggests performing a BIA measurement in a fasting state is not required.

Berlin Bowel Bothers: Might Adolf Hitler's Gut Problems Have Been Parkinson-Related?

It has been argued that Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) had Parkinson's disease. He also experienced several gastrointestinal symptoms, for which various explanations have been sought, both contemporaneously and by later authors. In this Historical Note, a possible relationship between Hitler's Parkinson's disease and his gastrointestinal symptoms is explored. Specifically, we posit the hypothesis that Hitler may have suffered from small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), thus providing an early example of SIBO occurring as a prodromal Parkinson's disease symptom.

A European survey on the practice of nutritional interventions in head-neck cancer patients undergoing curative treatment with radio(chemo)therapy.

PURPOSE: As the practice of nutritional support in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during curative radio(chemo)therapy is quite heterogeneous, we carried out a survey among European specialists. METHODS: A 19-item questionnaire was drawn up and disseminated via the web by European scientific societies involved in HNC and nutrition. RESULTS: Among 220 responses, the first choice was always for the enteral route; naso-enteral tube feeding was preferred to gastrostomy in the short term, while the opposite for period longer than 1 month. Indications were not solely related to the patient's nutritional status, but also to the potential burden of the therapy. CONCLUSION: European HNC specialists contextualize the use of the nutritional support in a comprehensive plan of therapy. There is still uncertainty relating to the role of naso-enteral feeding versus gastrostomy feeding in patients requiring < 1 month nutritional support, an issue that should be further investigated.

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.

Endoscopy in patients with diarrhea during treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Is the cause in the mucosa?

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a frequently occurring adverse event during treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs) and is mostly accompanied by abdominal cramps, flatulence and pyrosis. These complaints impair quality of life and lead to dose reductions and treatment interruptions. It is hypothesized that the diarrhea might be due to ischemia in bowel mucosa or inflammation, but the exact underlying pathophysiological mechanism of the diarrhea is still unknown. We aimed at exploring the mechanism for diarrhea in these patients by thorough endoscopic and histological assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endoscopies of the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract in 10 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who developed diarrhea during treatment with VEGFR TKIs were performed. RESULTS: Ten patients were included. The results showed endoscopically normal mucosa in the lower GI tract in seven patients without signs of ischemic colitis or inflammation. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed gastro-esophageal reflux disease, bulbitis and/or duodenitis with ulcers in eight patients. In three selected patients with bulbitis/duodenitis additional video capsule endoscopy was performed but revealed no additional intestinal abnormalities. CONCLUSION: We observed frequent mucosal abnormalities in the upper GI tract in VEGFR TKI-treated mRCC patients with diarrhea. Although these abnormalities provide insufficient explanation for the occurrence of diarrhea, we suggest to perform routine upper GI endoscopy in VEGFR TKI-treated patients with GI complaints.

Atypical presentation of 'acalculous cholecystitis' with marked isolated hyperbilirubinaemia in patients treated for haematological malignancies.

Four patients diagnosed with haematological malignancies developed an isolated hyperbilirubinaemia following cytarabine- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The clinical picture was consistent with acalculous cholecystitis, but ultrasonography did not show the typical gallbladder wall thickening. All patients suffered from severe mucositis with neutropenic enterocolitis. We hypothesise that damage of the mucosa of the gallbladder induced by chemotherapy results in hyperpermeability of the mucosal barrier with bile leakage and isolated hyperbilirubinaemia.

Allopurinol and 5-aminosalicylic acid influence thiopurine-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: The use of thiopurines is frequently accompanied by hepatotoxicity. Studies on hepatocyte cultures showed a time- and dose-dependent increase of thiopurine toxicity. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and allopurinol can influence thiopurine metabolism; however, it is unknown whether this affects in vitro cytotoxicity. METHODS: Human hepatoma cells (Huh7, HepG2 and HepaRG) were incubated with increasing concentrations of thiopurines, 5-ASA or allopurinol. Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) cytotoxicity assays were used to calculate cell survival curves and half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Combination experiments with thiopurines with a fixed dose of 200 µM 5-ASA or 100 µM allopurinol were conducted in HepaRG cells. Caspase-3/7 activation was evaluated, and single cell electrophoresis analysis was performed. RESULTS: A time- and dose-related cytotoxic effect was seen with azathioprine (AZA) in all hepatoma cells, whereas Huh7 and HepG2 cells did not show toxicity to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). HepaRG cells expressed the highest levels of drug metabolising enzymes, and therefore, combination experiments were conducted in HepaRG cells. Addition of a non-toxic dose of allopurinol resulted in a twofold to threefold increased cytotoxicity of all thiopurines, which seemed to be mediated by apoptosis/DNA damage. CONCLUSION: The addition of allopurinol to thiopurines leads to a two-threefold increased cytotoxicity in HepaRG cells.

GST Theta null genotype is associated with an increased risk for ulcerative colitis: a case-control study and meta-analysis of GST Mu and GST Theta polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important in the detoxification of many compounds, including reactive oxygen species. Polymorphisms in GSTs resulting in a decreased enzyme activity might enhance the risk for inflammatory bowel disease by eliciting a state of oxidative stress. Previous case-control studies showed divergent results and were frequently limited in sample size; therefore we conducted a meta-analysis including results from our case-control study. For the case-control study, we genotyped 552 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 223 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 972 healthy controls by PCR for functional deletions in GST Mu and GST Theta. Both were not analyzed in recent genome-wide association studies. For the meta-analysis, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched. In this meta-analysis, we show an enhanced susceptibility for UC in individuals with the GSTT1null genotype (odds ratio (OR) 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-3.92). In our case-control study, a reduced risk for CD was seen with the GSTT1null genotype (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43-0.77); however, pooled analysis showed an OR of 1.67, 95% CI 0.81-3.45. In this meta-analysis, we showed an increased risk for UC in individuals with the GSTT1null genotype.

Body composition of adults with chronic intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition: A descriptive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic intestinal failure (CIF) refers to the long-lasting reduction of gut function below the minimum necessary to absorb macronutrients, water, and/or electrolytes. Patients with CIF likely develop various forms of malnutrition and dehydration, yet studies that focus primarily on body composition are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the body composition of adult patients with CIF. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive cohort study was performed at the Radboud University Medical Center, a tertiary referral center for CIF treatment in the form of home parenteral nutrition. We collected available bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) data from routine care between 2019 and 2023. The primary outcome was body composition, which was evaluated by assessing body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and fat percentage (fat%). RESULTS: Overall, 147 adult patients with CIF were included with a median (interquartile range) age of 58 (25-68) years; 69% were female. The mean (SD) BMI was 22.1 (4.3) kg/m2, FFMI was 14.2 (1.9) kg/m2 in females and 17.0 (2.0) kg/m2 in males, and fat% was 33.7% (6.8%) in females and 24.6% (6.4%) in males. 63% had an FFMI below references, and 48% had a high fat%. CONCLUSION: This study found that most adult patients with CIF have an unfavorable body composition characterized by a high fat% and low FFMI despite having a normal mean BMI. These results highlight the necessity for in-depth nutrition assessment, including BIA measurement. Moreover, future studies should focus on exercise interventions to increase FFMI and improve body composition and function.

ddPCR enables rapid detection of bloodstream infections in patients on home parenteral nutrition: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic intestinal failure patients (CIF) require a central venous access device (CVAD) to administer parenteral nutrition. Most serious complication related to a CVAD is a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). The golden standard to diagnose a CLABSI are blood cultures, however, they may require 1-5 days before getting a result. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the detection of pathogen 16S/28S rRNA is a novel culture-independent molecular technique that has been developed to enhance and expedite infection diagnostics within two and a half hours. In this study, we prospectively compared ddPCR with blood cultures to detect pathogens in whole blood. METHODS: We included adult CIF patients with a clinical suspicion of CLABSI in this prospective single-blinded clinical study. Blood cultures were routinely collected and subsequently two central samples from the CVAD and two peripheral samples from a peripheral venous access point. Primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR. RESULTS: In total, 75 patients with 126 suspected CLABSI episodes were included, with 80 blood samples from the CVAD and 114 from peripheral veins. The central ddPCR samples showed a sensitivity of 91% (95%CI 77-98), and specificity of 96% (95%CI 85-99). Peripheral ddPCR samples had a sensitivity of 63% (95%CI 46-77) and specificity of 99% (95%CI 93-100). CONCLUSION: ddPCR showed a high sensitivity and specificity relative to blood cultures and enables rapid pathogen detection and characterization. Clinical studies should explore if integrated ddPCR and blood culture outcomes enables a more rapid pathogen guided CLABSI treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.

Patients' and caregivers' perspective on challenges and outcomes with tube feeding: Analysis of home enteral nutrition survey data.

BACKGROUND: Given the growing use of home enteral nutrition (HEN), assessing the experience of consumers and caregivers is crucial to understanding the real-world subjective and objective challenges of administering HEN. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, a survey was distributed to HEN consumers and caregivers between January 16, 2020, and July 16, 2021. Data collected included information regarding demographics, primary diagnosis, tube and connectors, HEN regimen, and overall HEN experience. RESULTS: A total of 884 individuals responded to the survey: 673 (76.1%) responses by caregivers and 211 (23.9%) responses by patients. The study cohort included 566 (64%) children and 318 (36%) adults. The leading primary diagnosis of participants was developmental delay and motility disorder for children and adults, respectively. Low-profile gastric tubes were the most used (75.7% of children and 30.3% of adults). Notably, legacy connectors were utilized for more patients (46.7% children, 52.6% adults) compared to ISO-80369-3 connectors (38.9% children, 29.7% adults). HEN complications were prevalent, including enteral tube site infections and other tube-related complications, including clogging and kinking. CONCLUSION: This real-world data reveals that HEN complications remain prevalent. Additionally, despite introducing ISO-80369-3 connectors many years ago, most patients continue to use legacy tubes with a significant lack of knowledge about ISO-80369-3 connectors. The survey results guide HEN providers to focus on several areas to reduce complications.

Operational recommendations for the implementation of home parenteral nutrition program of care according to the guidelines of the European society for clinical nutrition and metabolism.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a complex therapy, which requires dedicated facilities and expertise. However, the management and provision of HPN differs significantly between countries and between HPN centers within countries. These differences lead to heterogeneity in the quality of care received by patients, with variable impact on the appropriateness, safety, and effectiveness of HPN, and resultant variability in the quality of life that a patient may expect. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) have published guidelines on the appropriate and safe provision of HPN, with an associated practical version describing a short and precise way to implement the guidelines' recommendations in clinical practice. This educational paper suggests means of implementation of evidence supported HPN guidelines, using "operational recommendations" applitngto healthcare professionals, administrators and stakeholders, with the ultimate aim of enhancing equity of patient access to an appropriate and safe HPN program of care.

Long-term patency rate of the translocated autologous saphenous vein versus prosthetic material in vascular access surgery for haemodialysis and parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term patency rate of the arteriovenous angioaccess (AVA) with interposition of either autologous or prosthetic material as a last option for vascular access in the upper extremity. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review study of all patients who received an AVA with autologous saphenous vein (SV Group, n = 38) or prosthetic material (PTFE Group, n = 25) as a conduit from the year 1996 to 2020 in the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). Data were retrospectively extracted from two prospectively updated local databases for vascular access, one for haemodialysis (HD) and one for parenteral nutrition (PN). When required, the medical records of each patient were used. Data were eventually collected anonymously and analysed in SPSS 25. Kaplan-Meier life-tables were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Primary patency at 12 and 48 months was 30% and 20% in the SV group and 45% and 14% in the PTFE group. No significant difference was shown in the median primary patency rate (p = 0.715). Secondary patency at 12 and 48 months was 63% and 39% in the SV group and 55% and 19% in the PTFE group. This was considered a significant difference in median secondary patency in favour of the SV with 41.16 ± 17.67 months against 13.77 ± 10.22 months for PTFE (p = 0.032). The incidence of infection was significantly lower in the SV group (p = 0.0002). A Kaplan-Meier curve could not detect a significant difference in secondary patency between the access for haemodialysis and the access for parenteral nutrition. The secondary patency of the SV in parenteral nutrition access, was significantly higher when compared with PTFE (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The SV can be preferred over PTFE when conduit material is needed for long-term vascular access for HD or PN treatment due to its higher secondary patency and lower infection risk.

Antiseptic barrier caps to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reliable and safe venous access is crucial for patients using central venous catheters (CVC). However, such CVCs carry a risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Antiseptic barrier caps (ABCs) are a novel tool in the armamentarium for CVC disinfection. Our aim was to review the efficacy and safety of ABCs. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using MedLine, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and CINAHL. Primary aim was to compare CLABSI rates in patients using ABCs versus standard care. Secondary aims included efficacy of ABCs in relevant subgroups (age, ABC brand, clinical setting), safety, compliance, and costs. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 391 CLABSIs in 273,993 catheter days occurred in the intervention group versus 620 CLABSIs in 284,912 days in the standard care group, resulting in a risk ratio of 0.65 (95%CI 0.55-0.76; P < .00001). Subgroup analyses showed similar effects, except for nonintensive care unit. In general, ABCs were safe, highly appreciated by patients and caregivers, and cost-effective, while compliance was easy to monitor. In most studies, a substantial risk of bias was observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, while available evidence suggests that ABCs are effective, safe, easy in use, and cost-effective. However, due to the poor methodological quality of most available studies, more robust data should justify their use at this point.

ESPEN guideline on chronic intestinal failure in adults - Update 2023.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In 2016, ESPEN published the guideline for Chronic Intestinal Failure (CIF) in adults. An updated version of ESPEN guidelines on CIF due to benign disease in adults was devised in order to incorporate new evidence since the publication of the previous ESPEN guidelines. METHODS: The grading system of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was used to grade the literature. Recommendations were graded according to the levels of evidence available as A (strong), B (conditional), 0 (weak) and Good practice points (GPP). The recommendations of the 2016 guideline (graded using the GRADE system) which were still valid, because no studies supporting an update were retrieved, were reworded and re-graded accordingly. RESULTS: The recommendations of the 2016 guideline were reviewed, particularly focusing on definitions, and new chapters were included to devise recommendations on IF centers, chronic enterocutaneous fistulas, costs of IF, caring for CIF patients during pregnancy, transition of patients from pediatric to adult centers. The new guideline consist of 149 recommendations and 16 statements which were voted for consensus by ESPEN members, online in July 2022 and at conference during the annual Congress in September 2022. The Grade of recommendation is GPP for 96 (64.4%) of the recommendations, 0 for 29 (19.5%), B for 19 (12.7%), and A for only five (3.4%). The grade of consensus is "strong consensus" for 148 (99.3%) and "consensus" for one (0.7%) recommendation. The grade of consensus for the statements is "strong consensus" for 14 (87.5%) and "consensus" for two (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: It is confirmed that CIF management requires complex technologies, multidisciplinary and multiprofessional activity, and expertise to care for the underlying gastrointestinal disease and to provide HPN support. Most of the recommendations were graded as GPP, but almost all received a strong consensus.

Experience and opinions relating to pregnancy in patients with chronic intestinal failure: an international survey.

Introduction: Pregnancy in patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) is a relatively rare occurrence but is an important contemporary topic given both the increasing use of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and the demographics of patients with CIF. Method: An opinion-based survey was produced in a multidisciplinary manner, which was then distributed internationally, via the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism network, using a web-based survey tool for healthcare professionals with a specialist interest in the management of CIF. Results: Seventy specialists from 11 countries completed the survey. Fifty-four per cent of the respondents reported some experience of managing pregnancy in patients with CIF. However, 60% stated that they did not feel that it was their role to discuss the topic of pregnancy with their patients, with fewer than 10% stating that they routinely did so. Respondents felt that an individualised approach was required when considering alterations to parenteral support prior to conception, during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. Most respondents also felt there was no increased risk of catheter-related blood stream infections, while catheter-related thrombosis was deemed to be the most significant HPN-related complication for pregnant women. Conclusion: This study reports a variable experience, knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals when considering pregnancy in patients with CIF. The risk of HPN-related complication was felt to be greater during pregnancy, with an individualised approach being the preferred route for most aspects of care. The findings support the need for an international registry and subsequent consensus guidelines for the management of pregnancy in CIF.

A multi-national survey of experience and attitudes towards managing catheter related blood stream infections for home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is the most common complication of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF). The aim of this study was to assess the broad range of practices of international multi-disciplinary teams involved in the care of this complication occurring in CIF patients. DESIGN: An online questionnaire was designed and distributed to members of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and distributed to colleagues involved in managing patients with CIF. RESULTS: A total of 47 responses were included from centers across 21 countries. The centers had been delivering HPN for a median 21 years (IQR 11-35) and were actively following a median 58 patients (27-120) per center for benign CIF in 80% of cases (67-95). Tunneled catheters were the most common type of central venous catheters (CVC), representing 70% (47-86) of all CVC in use. For the management of CRBSI, written procedures were provided in 87% of centers. First measures included simultaneous central and peripheral blood cultures (90%), stopping HPN infusion (74%), and administrating an antibiotic lock and systemic antibiotics (44%). Immediate removal of the CVC was more likely in case of fungal infection (78%), Staphylococcus aureus (53%), or in case of PICC catheter (52%) (all p < 0.01). After the first CRBSI, 80% of centers used preventive CVC locks (taurolidine in 84% of cases, p < 0.001). We observed a large heterogeneity in practices regarding preparation, duration, reaspiration, and volume of CVC locks, and monitoring of CRBSI (timing of blood cultures, radiological work-up). CONCLUSION: In this international survey of HPN expert centers, we observed a significant consensus regarding the initial management of CRBSI and the use of secondary preventive CVC locks, while areas of variation exist. Management of CRBSI may be improved with clearer recommendations based on the micro-organism and the type of CVC, including PICC lines which are increasingly used yet insufficiently studied in HPN patients.

ESPEN practical guideline: Home parenteral nutrition.

This guideline will inform physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, caregivers and other home parenteral nutrition (HPN) providers, as well as healthcare administrators and policy makers, about appropriate and safe HPN provision. This guideline will also inform patients requiring HPN. The guideline is based on previous published guidelines and provides an update of current evidence and expert opinion; it consists of 71 recommendations that address the indications for HPN, central venous access device (CVAD) and infusion pump, infusion catheter and CVAD site care, nutritional admixtures, program monitoring and management. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and single clinical trials based on clinical questions were searched according to the PICO format. The evidence was evaluated and used to develop clinical recommendations implementing Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. The guideline was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN and members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN.