Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections among Patients on Hemodialysis: Progress before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Measures implemented to prevent transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in outpatient dialysis facilities may also help to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections in patients receiving hemodialysis. We used United States Renal Data System data to examine rates of antibiotic administration within dialysis facilities and rates of hospital admission for catheter-associated bloodstream infection from March 2018 through November 2020, and rates of hospitalization for sepsis, to address overall changes in hospitalization during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using logistic regression, we estimated year-over-year adjusted odds ratios of these events in 3-month intervals. During the first 6 months of the pandemic, rates of antibiotic administration were between 20% and 21% lower, and rates of hospitalization for catheter-associated bloodstream infection were between 17% and 24% lower than during corresponding periods in 2019, without significant changes in rates of hospitalization for sepsis. However, rates of catheter-associated events also decreased between 2018 and 2019, driven by reductions in facilities operated by a large dialysis provider. These data suggest that significant reductions in catheter-associated infections occurred during the pandemic, superimposed on nonpandemic-related reductions in some facilities before the pandemic. Even after the pandemic, it may be prudent to continue some COVID-19 mitigation measures to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

Reduction of nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit using an electronic hand hygiene compliance monitoring system.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infection is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Well-regulated infection control and hand hygiene are the most effective methods for preventing healthcare-associated infections. This study evaluated and compared conventional hand hygiene observation and an electronic hand-hygiene recording and reminder system for preventing healthcare-associated infections. METHODOLOGY: This pre- and post-intervention study, employed an electronic hand-hygiene recording and reminder system for preventing healthcare-associated infections at a tertiary referral center. Healthcare-associated infection surveillance was recorded in an anesthesia and reanimation intensive care unit from April 2016 to August 2016. Hand-hygiene compliance was observed by conventional observation and an electronic recording and reminder system in two consecutive 2-month periods. healthcare-associated infections were calculated as incidence rate ratios. RESULTS: The rate of healthcare-associated infections in the electronic hand- hygiene recording and reminder system period was significantly decreased compared with that in the conventional hand-hygiene observation period (incidence rate ratio = 0.58; 95% confident interval = 0.33-0.98). Additionally, the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections and the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia were lower during the electronic hand hygiene recording and reminder system period (incidence rate ratio= 0.41; 95% confident interval = 0.11-1.30 and incidence rate ratio = 0.67; 95% confident interval = 0.30-1.45, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: After implementing the electronic hand hygiene recording and reminder system, we observed a significant decrease in healthcare-associated infections and invasive device-associated infections. These results were encouraging and suggested that electronic hand hygiene reminder and recording systems may reduce some types of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings.

Expert consensus-based clinical practice guidelines management of intravascular catheters in the intensive care unit

The French Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SRLF), jointly with the French-Speaking Group of Paediatric Emer­ gency Rooms and Intensive Care Units (GFRUP) and the French-Speaking Association of Paediatric Surgical Inten­ sivists (ADARPEF), worked out guidelines for the management of central venous catheters (CVC), arterial catheters and dialysis catheters in intensive care unit. For adult patients: Using GRADE methodology, 36 recommendations for an improved catheter management were produced by the 22 experts. Recommendations regarding catheterrelated infections' prevention included the preferential use of subclavian central vein (GRADE 1), a one-step skin disinfection(GRADE 1) using 2% chlorhexidine (CHG)-alcohol (GRADE 1), and the implementation of a quality of care improvement program. Antiseptic- or antibiotic-impregnated CVC should likely not be used (GRADE 2, for children and adults). Catheter dressings should likely not be changed before the 7th day, except when the dressing gets detached, soiled or impregnated with blood (GRADE 2− adults). CHG dressings should likely be used (GRADE 2+). For adults and children, ultrasound guidance should be used to reduce mechanical complications in case of internal jugular access (GRADE 1), subclavian access (Grade 2) and femoral venous, arterial radial and femoral access (Expert opinion). For children, an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach of the brachiocephalic vein was recommended to reduce the number of attempts for cannulation and mechanical complications. Based on scarce publications on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and on their experience (expert opinion), the panel proposed defnitions, and therapeutic strategies.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius catheter-related bloodstream infection after exposure to domestic dogs and a cat.

We report a case of a catheter-related bloodstream infection due to oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a patient receiving haemodialysis who possibly acquired the organism from her pets. Because of persistent bacteremia and the organism's ability to form biofilm, catheter removal and antimicrobial therapy were indicated to attain source control. Both clinical and microbiological cure were confirmed. Catheter care education should include information about pet exposure and the possibility of zoonotic infections.

Mycobacterium abscessus bloodstream infection: Unexpected catheter tunnel infection localized by PET/CT.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging cause of invasive infection in the immunosuppressed population. We report a case of M. abscessus bloodstream and catheter tunnel infection localized by positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) in an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. This case highlights the difficulties in treating invasive M. abscessus infection and the potential role of PET/CT in localizing infection and guiding therapy in this population.

Long-term Staphylococcus aureus decolonization in patients on home parenteral nutrition: study protocol for a randomized multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with long-term intestinal failure are usually treated by means of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) where they administer their nutritional formulation intravenously via a central venous access device (mostly a catheter). This implies that such patients are exposed to a lifelong risk of developing Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). SAB poses a threat to both catheter and patient survival and may lead to frequent hospitalization and a permanent loss of vascular access. In other clinical settings, S. aureus carriage eradication has been proven effective in the prevention of S. aureus infections. Unfortunately, there is a complete lack of evidence in HPN support on the most effective and safe S. aureus decolonization strategy in S. aureus carriers. We hypothesized that long-term S. aureus decolonization in HPN patients can only be effective if it is aimed at the whole body (nasal and extra-nasal) and is given chronically or repeatedly on indication. Besides this, we believe that S. aureus carriage among caregivers, who are in close contact with the patient, are of great importance in the S. aureus transmission routes. METHODS/DESIGN: The CARRIER trial is a randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical trial in Dutch and Danish hospitals that treat patients on HPN. A total of 138 adult HPN patients carrying S. aureus will be randomly assigned to a search and destroy (SD) strategy, a quick and short, systemic antibiotic treatment, or a continuous suppression (CS) strategy, a repeated chronic topical antibiotic treatment. The primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients in whom S. aureus is totally eradicated during a 1-year period. Secondary outcomes are time to successful eradication, long-term antimicrobial resistance, adverse events, patient compliance, incidence of (S. aureus) infections, catheter removals, mortality rates, S. aureus transmission routes, quality of life, and health care costs. DISCUSSION: The CARRIER trial is designed to identify the most safe and effective long-term S. aureus carriage decolonization strategy in HPN patients. This will eventually lead to a better understanding of long-term S. aureus decolonization treatments in general. The results of this study will have a great impact on our daily clinical practice, which eventually may result in less S. aureus-related infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03173053 . Registered on 1 June 2017.

ICU-acquired candidaemia in France: Epidemiology and temporal trends, 2004-2013 - A study from the REA-RAISIN network.

OBJECTIVE: Candidaemia is a life-threatening infectious disease, associated with septic shock, multiple organ failure, and a high mortality rate. In France, reported data on the incidence of ICU-acquired candidaemia and the causative Candida species are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine temporal trends in epidemiology and risk factors of intensive care unit-acquired candidaemia (ICU-Cand) and ICU mortality among a very large population of ICU patients. METHOD: Demographics, patient risk factors, invasive device exposure and nosocomial infection in ICU patient were collected from 2004 to 2013 in a national network of 213 ICUs: REA-RAISIN. Incidence and risk factors for candidaemia and ICU mortality were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 246,459 ICU patients, 851 developed an ICU-cand, representing 0.3 per 1000 patients-days. The incidence rose sharply over time. Candida albicans was the main species. The overall and ICU mortality was 52.4% in ICU-cand patients. The main risk factors of ICU-cand were length of stay, severity of illness and antimicrobial therapy at ICU admission, immune status and use of invasive procedure. ICU-cand was an independent risk factor of mortality (OR: 1.53; 95%CI [1.40-1.70]); in a sub-group analysis, independent effects on mortality were observed with C. albicans (OR: 1.45 [1.23-1.71]), Candida tropicalis (OR: 2.11 [1.31-3.39]) and "other" Candida species (OR: 1.64 [1.09-2.45]). CONCLUSION: ICU candidaemia ranked sixth among bloodstream infections, and its average annual incidence was 0.3 per 1000 patients days. Despite of new therapy and international recommendation, the incidence rose sharply during the study period, and ICU mortality remained high.

Serratia marcescens outbreak due to contaminated 2% aqueous chlorhexidine. / Brote de Serratia marcescens producido por clorhexidina acuosa al 2% contaminada.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: An outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections outbreak is described, as well as the epidemiological study that linked the outbreak to the use of 2% aqueous chlorhexidine antiseptic. METHOD: In late November 2014 an increasing incidence of S. marcescens isolates was detected in patients treated in the emergency department. It was considered a possible outbreak, and an epidemiological investigation was started. RESULT: S. marcescens was isolated in 23 samples from 16 patients and in all new bottles of two lots of 2% aqueous chlorhexidine. The contaminated disinfectant was withdrawn, and the Spanish Drugs Agency was alerted (COS 2/2014). The epidemiological study showed that strains isolated from clinical samples and from chlorhexidine belonged to the same clone. No further isolates were obtained once the disinfectant was withdrawn. CONCLUSION: The suspicion of an outbreak and the epidemiological study were essential to control the incidence.

[Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections]. / Infektionsprävention bei der Katheterdrainage der Harnblase.

With a share of 22.4%, nosocomial urinary tract infections (nUTIs) are among the most frequent infections acquired in hospitals, along with surgical site infections (24.7%), pneumonia (21.5%), clostridium difficile infections (6.6%) and primary sepsis (6%) 1. 80% of all nUTIs are associated with indwelling urinary catheters, with 12-16% of all hospitalised patients and up to 81.8% of all intensive care patients receiving an indwelling urinary catheter during their hospital stay 2 3. Therefore, profound knowledge about the basics of catheter-associated nUTIs and the correct management of urinary catheters are of utmost individual and socio-economic importance 4 5. It is estimated that up to 70% of all nUTIs occurring in Germany may be avoided by using appropriate preventative measures 6 7.In 2012, the authors Conway and Larson compared 8 recommendations in English language for the prevention of UTIs and noticed that they have been largely consistent over a period of 30 years 8. Special issues have rarely been addressed in valid studies, and study results are rather heterogeneous. For example, the 2008 SHEA (Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America) guideline contains only 3 recommendations and 4 prohibitions which are based on more than one randomised controlled clinical study 9 10 11.The confirmed recommendations on the prevention of UTIs are consistent in the following aspects 12 13 14 15 16 17: · Every insertion of a urinary catheter must be based on a well-founded medical indication.. · Well-founded medical indications include acute urinary retention, interventions lasting several hours with a high fluid turnover, surgery involving the urinary tract, the necessity to record fluid turnover especially in critically ill patients, comfort for the dying, facilitating wound healing in the external genitals in the presence of urinary incontinence. Examples of unnecessary use of urinary catheters include prescriptions based on urinary incontinence alone and prolongation of use, e. g. after surgical procedures or after intensive care monitoring/recording has been completed.. · The insertion technique as well as catheter care and the detection of catheter-associated complications must be trained continuously.. · Catheterisation must be performed under sterile precautions.. · Only sterile and closed urinary drainage systems may be used.. · Catheters must be removed as early as possible..

The efficacy of daily chlorhexidine bathing for preventing healthcare-associated infections in adult intensive care units.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in critically ill patients with prolonged length of hospital stay and increased medical costs. The aim of this study is to assess whether daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing will significantly reduce the rates of HAIs in adult intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched until December 31, 2014 to identify relevant studies. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data from included studies. All data was analyzed by Review Manager version 5.3. RESULTS: Fifteen studies including three randomized controlled trials and 12 quasi-experimental studies were available in this study. The outcomes showed that daily CHG bathing were associated with significant reduction in the rates of primary outcomes: catheter-related bloodstream infection (risk ratio [RR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.63; p < 0.00001), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.88; p = 0.004), ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.93; p = 0.01), acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.91; p = 0.001) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.99; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the use of daily CHG bathing can significantly prevent HAIs in ICUs. However, more well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

[Prevention of nosocomial infections in the pediatric ward - own experiences]. / Profilaktyka zakazen szpitalnych w oddziale pediatrycznym - doswiadczenia wlasne.

INTRODUCTION: Patients pediatric wards are particularly at risk of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the newest principles of prevention of infections should be implemented and monitored. AIM: 1) to determine the prevalence, etiology and clinical manifestations of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of procedures that aim at preventing hospital rotavirus infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections; 3) to analyse the incidence of flu among staff in two consecutive seasons of the epidemic influenza H1N1 (2009/2010 and 2010/2011); 4) to promote vaccinations of the medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 4432 children hospitalized from October 2007 to December 2009 and 57 medical staff (doctors, nurses, orderlies). The effectiveness was assessed of prevention procedures for nosocomial infections and morbidity, and of vaccination against influenza among the sta$, as deƒned by the Act on the prevention and suppression of infection and infectious diseases human and the criteria developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Nosocomial infections were diagnosed in 2.2% of hospitalized children, where 96% were of acute gastroenteritis; 3% were bloodstream infections associated with peripheral vascular catheter. The 1% had respiratory infections (influenza). Hospital gastrointestinal infections were caused by the rotavirus (78%), norovirus (13%) and adenovirus (0.9%). In 1.1% of cases the etiology had not been determined. As a result of implementing prophylactic activities, a statistically signifiƒcant reduction of the incidence of nosocomial infections by the rotavirus was achieved (from 7.1 to 1.5%). The occurrence catheter-related bloodstream infections was entirely eliminated. Influenza and influenza-like infections were reported in 7% of the medical staff in the season of 2009/2010 and 5% in the season of 2010/2011. 42% of the medical staff was immunized against the influenza (92% of doctors, 7% nurses, 0% orderlies). CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of nosocomial infections in the pediatric ward are rotaviruses. Rotavirus infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections are possible to be effectively prevented through regular, proactive preventive measures. Vaccinations of the medical sta$ against influenza medical staff against influenza still require implementing measures of a promotional and educational character.

The effect of gowning on labor epidural catheter colonization rate: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The need to gown for labor epidural catheter insertion is controversial. The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine has identified a lack of randomized controlled trials investigating this issue. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gowning on colonization rates following epidural catheter insertion for labor analgesia. METHODS: Following research ethics board approval and informed written consent, parturients were randomized to undergo epidural analgesia with the anesthesiologist either ungowned or wearing a sterile gown. Cultures were obtained from each of the operator forearms, the work area under the insertion site, and from the epidural catheter tip as well as from the catheter segment adjacent to the insertion site. The primary outcome was growth of any microbial organisms from the cultured sites. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen patients completed the study. There were no significant differences in catheter-tip colonization rates between the ungowned and gowned groups (9.2% vs 7.6%, respectively). The most common microorganism that was cultured was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. CONCLUSIONS: The use of gowns in the current study did not affect catheter colonization rate. Overall, there was a relatively high incidence of catheter-tip colonization in both groups, which underscores the need for strict aseptic technique.

Prevention of transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms during catheter exchange using antimicrobial catheters.

Exchanging a central venous catheter (CVC) over a guide wire for a fresh uncoated CVC in the presence of bacteremia can result in cross-infection of the newly exchanged CVC. A recent retrospective clinical study showed that exchanging a catheter over a guide wire in the presence of bacteremia using an antimicrobial minocycline-rifampin (M/R) catheter may improve outcomes. To expand on this, we developed an in vitro cross-contamination model of exchange to evaluate the efficacy of different antimicrobial CVCs in preventing cross-contamination of multidrug-resistant organisms during exchange. Uncoated CVCs were allowed to form biofilm by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After 24 h, the biofilm-colonized CVCs were placed in a glass tube containing bovine calf serum plus Mueller-Hinton broth, and each catheter was exchanged over a guide wire for a fresh uncoated or an M/R-, chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (CHX/SS)-, or chlorhexidine-M/R (CHX-M/R)-coated CVC. Cross-contamination of exchanged catheters was enumerated by sonication and quantitative plating methods. The exchange of M/R CVCs completely prevented cross-contamination by MRSA biofilms compared to control exchanged CVCs (P<0.0001). Exchange with CHX/SS CVCs reduced but did not completely prevent cross-contamination by MRSA (P=0.005). Exchange with CHX-M/R CVCs completely prevented cross-contamination by MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans biofilms (P<0.0001). Furthermore, CHX-M/R CVCs were superior to M/R CVCs against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans (P=0.003) and were superior to CHX/SS CVCs against MRSA and P. aeruginosa (P=0.01). In conclusion, exchange with the novel CHX-M/R CVC was the only exchange effective in completely and concurrently preventing cross-contamination from bacteria and Candida.

Attributable cost and length of stay for central line-associated bloodstream infections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are common types of hospital-acquired infections associated with high morbidity. Little is known about the attributable cost and length of stay (LOS) of CLABSI in pediatric inpatient settings. We determined the cost and LOS attributable to pediatric CLABSI from 2008 through 2011. METHODS: A propensity score-matched case-control study was performed. Children <18 years with inpatient discharges in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2008 to 2011 were included. Discharges with CLABSI were matched to those without CLABSI by age, year, and high dimensional propensity score (obtained from a logistic regression of CLABSI status on patient characteristics and the presence or absence of 262 individual clinical classification software diagnoses). Our main outcome measures were estimated costs obtained from cost-to-charge ratios and LOS for pediatric discharges. RESULTS: The mean attributable cost and LOS between matched CLABSI cases (1339) and non-CLABSI controls (2678) was $55 646 (2011 dollars) and 19 days, respectively. Between 2008 and 2011, the rate of pediatric CLABSI declined from 1.08 to 0.60 per 1000 (P < .001). Estimates of mean costs of treating patients with CLABSI declined from $111 852 to $98 621 (11.8%; P < .001) over this period, but cost of treating matched non-CLABSI patients remained constant at ∼$48 000. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant improvement in rates, CLABSI remains a burden on patients, families, and payers. Continued attention to CLABSI-prevention initiatives and lower-cost CLABSI care management strategies to support high-value pediatric care delivery is warranted.

Complicaciones infecciosas de la diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria en niños / Ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related infectious complications in children

Introducción: la diálisis peritoneal es la mejor alternativa terapéutica para los niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal, y en las modalidades de diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria ha permitido el tratamiento fuera del hospital, lo que proporciona un mejor estilo y calidad de vida. No es un método exento de riesgos. Las complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas a la diálisis peritoneal son la causa más importante de morbilidad y es la peritonitis su principal complicación. Objetivo: determinar retrospectivamente la frecuencia y las características de complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas al proceder dialítico. Métodos: nuestro hospital es referente como unidad de diálisis pediátrica del país, así que recibe la mayoría de los niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal de Cuba. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal en programa de diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria en el Hospital Pediátrico de Centro Habana durante el período 2008-2011. Resultados: se estudiaron 12 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 11 años, 58 por ciento del sexo femenino. Se documentaron 24 episodios infecciosos. Las complicaciones encontradas fueron infección del sitio de salida del catéter, con 62,5 por ciento, peritonitis 33,3 por ciento e infección del túnel submucoso 4,2 por ciento. Predominaron cultivos positivos a bacterias grampositivas (66,7 por ciento). Las bacterias más comunes fueron: Staphylococcus coagulasa positivo (48 por ciento) y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo (22 por ciento). Otros gérmenes identificados fueron E. coli, Enterobacter spp. y Candida spp., con 8,3 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: la infección del sitio de salida del catéter fue la complicación infecciosa más frecuente en nuestra serie. Las bacterias grampositivas son los gérmenes más comunes que causan infección del sitio de salida y peritonitis en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria(AU)

Introduction: peritoneal analysis is the best therapeutic alternative for children suffering terminal chronic renal disease and it has allowed, in the ambulatory peritoneal dialysis variant, providing out of hospital treatment to improve life style and quality. It is not risk-free method since the peritoneal dialysis-related infectious complications are the most important cause of morbidity, being peritonitis the main one. Objective: to retrospectively determine the frequency and the characteristics of dialysis-related infectious complications. Methods: our hospital is a point of reference in the country as pediatric dialysis unit where most of children with terminal chronic renal disease in Cuba are referred to. The medical histories of children with this type of disease, who were included in the ambulatory peritoneal dialysis program of Centro Habana pediatric hospital for the 2008-2011 period, were checked over. Results: twelve patients aged 11 years as average were studied. Fifty eight percent were girls. Twenty four infectious events were documented. The most frequent complications were infection at the outlet site of the catheter (62.5 percent), peritonitis (33.3 percent) and submucous tunnel infection (4.2 percent). Positive cultures to Grampositive bacteria (66.7 percent) were predominant. The most common bacteria were positive Staphylococcus coagulase (48 percent) and negative Staphylococcus coagulase (22 percent). Other germs were E E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Candida spp, with 8.3 percent, respectively. Conclusions: the most frequent complication was infection at the outlet site of the catheter in our sample. The most common germs were Grampositive bacteria that cause this type of infection and peritonitis in patients under ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment(AU)

Complicaciones infecciosas de la diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria en niños / Ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related infectious complications in children

Introducción: la diálisis peritoneal es la mejor alternativa terapéutica para los niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal, y en las modalidades de diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria ha permitido el tratamiento fuera del hospital, lo que proporciona un mejor estilo y calidad de vida. No es un método exento de riesgos. Las complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas a la diálisis peritoneal son la causa más importante de morbilidad y es la peritonitis su principal complicación. Objetivo: determinar retrospectivamente la frecuencia y las características de complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas al proceder dialítico. Métodos: nuestro hospital es referente como unidad de diálisis pediátrica del país, así que recibe la mayoría de los niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal de Cuba. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de niños con enfermedad renal crónica terminal en programa de diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria en el Hospital Pediátrico de Centro Habana durante el período 2008-2011. Resultados: se estudiaron 12 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 11 años, 58 por ciento del sexo femenino. Se documentaron 24 episodios infecciosos. Las complicaciones encontradas fueron infección del sitio de salida del catéter, con 62,5 por ciento, peritonitis 33,3 por ciento e infección del túnel submucoso 4,2 por ciento. Predominaron cultivos positivos a bacterias grampositivas (66,7 por ciento). Las bacterias más comunes fueron: Staphylococcus coagulasa positivo (48 por ciento) y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo (22 por ciento). Otros gérmenes identificados fueron E. coli, Enterobacter spp. y Candida spp., con 8,3 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: la infección del sitio de salida del catéter fue la complicación infecciosa más frecuente en nuestra serie. Las bacterias grampositivas son los gérmenes más comunes que causan infección del sitio de salida y peritonitis en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria

Introduction: peritoneal analysis is the best therapeutic alternative for children suffering terminal chronic renal disease and it has allowed, in the ambulatory peritoneal dialysis variant, providing out of hospital treatment to improve life style and quality. It is not risk-free method since the peritoneal dialysis-related infectious complications are the most important cause of morbidity, being peritonitis the main one. Objective: to retrospectively determine the frequency and the characteristics of dialysis-related infectious complications. Methods: our hospital is a point of reference in the country as pediatric dialysis unit where most of children with terminal chronic renal disease in Cuba are referred to. The medical histories of children with this type of disease, who were included in the ambulatory peritoneal dialysis program of Centro Habana pediatric hospital for the 2008-2011 period, were checked over. Results: twelve patients aged 11 years as average were studied. Fifty eight percent were girls. Twenty four infectious events were documented. The most frequent complications were infection at the outlet site of the catheter (62.5 percent), peritonitis (33.3 percent) and submucous tunnel infection (4.2 percent). Positive cultures to Grampositive bacteria (66.7 percent) were predominant. The most common bacteria were positive Staphylococcus coagulase (48 percent) and negative Staphylococcus coagulase (22 percent). Other germs were E E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Candida spp, with 8.3 percent, respectively. Conclusions: the most frequent complication was infection at the outlet site of the catheter in our sample. The most common germs were Grampositive bacteria that cause this type of infection and peritonitis in patients under ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment

Bringing central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention home: CLABSI definitions and prevention policies in home health care agencies.

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to investigate health care agency central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) definitions and prevention policies and pare them to the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG.07.04.01), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CLABSI prevention recommendations, and a best-practice central line care bundle for inpatients. METHODS: A telephone-based survey was conducted in 2011 of a convenience sample of home health care agencies associated with children's hematology/oncology centers. RESULTS: Of the 97 eligible home health care agencies, 57 (59%) completed the survey. No agency reported using all five aspects of the National Healthcare and Safety Network/Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology CLABSI definition and adjudication process, and of the 50 agencies that reported tracking CLABSI rates, 20 (40%) reported using none. Only 10 agencies (18%) had policies consistent with all elements of the inpatient-focused NPSG.07.04.01, 10 agencies (18%) were consistent with all elements of the home care targeted CDC CLABSI prevention recommendations, and no agencies were consistent with all elements of the central line care bundle. Only 14 agencies (25%) knew their overall CLABSI rate: mean 0.40 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.61). Six agencies (11%) knew their agency's pediatric CLABSI rate: mean 0.54 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days (95% CI, 0.06 to 1.01). CONCLUSIONS: The policies of a national sample of home health care agencies varied significantly from national inpatient and home health care agency targeted standards for CLABSI definitions and prevention. Future research should assess strategies for standardizing home health care practices consistent with evidence-based recommendations.

[An epidemic strain of Acinetobacter baumannii in two long-term care facilities]. / Evento epidemico da Acinetobacter baumannii in pazienti lungodegenti.

This study describes an epidemic strain of Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) in two long-term care facilities. Assessment was focused on the spreading modalities of AB infection, the risk of acquiring the infection from colonized patients, the multidrug-resistant features, the clinical characteristics of affected patients, and the average length of hospital stay prior to and after AB infection. The effects of AB spreading among the healthcare operators and the environment are also evaluated, along with a description of the clinical course and outcome, and the efficacy of implemented preventive measures. AB is an opportunistic pathogen with increasing relevance in a variety of nosocomial infections.