Analysis of catheter utilization, central line associated bloodstream infections, and costs associated with an inpatient critical care-driven vascular access model.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) carry serious risks for patients and financial consequences for hospitals. Avoiding unnecessary temporary central venous catheters (CVC) can reduce CLABSI. Critical Care Medicine (CCM) is often consulted to insert CVC when alternatives are unavailable. We aim to describe clinical and financial implications of a CCM-driven vascular access model. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational cohort study, all CLABSI and a sample of CCM consults for CVC insertion on adult medical-surgical inpatient units were reviewed in 2019. Assessment of CVC appropriateness and financial analysis of labor, reimbursement, and attributable CLABSI cost was conducted. RESULTS: Of 554 CCM consult requests, 75 (13.5%) were for CVC and 36 (48.0%) resulted in CVC insertion; 6 (16.7%) CVC were avoidable. Three CLABSI occurred in avoidable CVC with estimated annual attributable cost of $165,099. Estimated annual CCM consultant cost for CVC was $78,094 generating $110,733 in reimbursement. Overall estimated annual loss was $132,460. DISCUSSION: Reliance on CCM for intravenous access resulted in avoidable CVC, CLABSI, inefficient physician effort, and financial losses; nurse-driven vascular access models offer potential cost savings and risk reduction. CONCLUSIONS: CCM-driven vascular access models may not be cost-effective; alternatives should be considered for utilization reduction, CLABSI prevention, and financial viability.

Nasal encephaloceles: a review of etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

INTRODUCTION: Encephaloceles are considered by most to be a type of neural tube defect characterized by a herniation of the brain and meninges through structural weaknesses in the bony structures of the skull. DISCUSSION: Many different types of encephaloceles have been classified according to the location of the bony defect. Basal and frontoethmoidal encephaloceles constitute a nasal subclass of encephaloceles, which are herniations from the skull base and ethmoid bone, respectively. Basal encephaloceles are usually occult and can herniate into nasal structures causing obstruction. Frontoethmoidal encephaloceles usually present as a protrusion that is visible at birth and enlarges during crying. Both of these entities are rare with an incidence ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births around the world with the majority of cases localized in Southeast Asia. CONCLUSION: Although cases have been recorded since the sixteenth century, there is still a scarcity of knowledge on the exact causes and factors associated with the development of the disease. Many studies have determined these to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Most cases are non-life-threatening and the preferred method of treatment is surgical removal after diagnosis is confirmed with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Prognosis is generally positive, especially in the subset of patients with frontoethmoidal encephaloceles.