5% Dextrose in Ringer's Lactate versus 5% Dextrose Normal Saline as Maintenance Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Children - A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the difference in serum chloride levels between children receiving 5% Dextrose in Ringer's Lactate (RLD5) vs. 5% Dextrose Normal Saline (DNS) and to estimate the incidence of dyselectrolytemia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (HCMA), acute kidney injury (AKI) and all-cause mortality in both groups. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in non-critically ill children aged 6 mo to 14 y, admitted between August 2021 and July 2022, requiring intravenous fluids. A sample size of 140 was estimated and randomised, with controls receiving 5% DNS and the intervention group receiving RLD5. Kidney function tests and blood gas analysis were done at admission, 24 h and 48 h after starting the maintenance IV fluid, and outcomes were analysed at 24 h and 48 h. Data was collected using a pre-designed data collection form that included demographic and clinical profile details, and outcomes were analysed using SPSS Version 20 software. RESULTS: Seventy-one children per group were enrolled. The mean chloride difference between the two groups at 24 and 48 h were 1.67 (p-value 0.03) and 2.78 (p-value 0.01), respectively. The incidence of AKI at 24 h and 48 h was 1.4% and 2.8% in the RLD5 group and 0% and 1.4% in the DNS group, respectively. At 24 h and 48 h, 2.8% and 2.8% of children had HCMA in the RLD5 group, and 14% and 4.2% had HCMA in the DNS group, respectively. There was no mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Though clinically insignificant, there was a statistically significant difference in the serum chloride levels between the groups.

Efficacy of Continuous vs. Intermittent Administration of Cefepime in Adult ICU Patients with Gram-Negative Bacilli Bacteremia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare the continuous infusion of cefepime with the intermittent infusion in patients with sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). METHODS: Randomized 1:1 multicenter double-blinded placebo-controlled study with allocation concealment; multicenter study in the intensive care units of Colombia. Patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock, and GNB-suspected bacteremia. Cefepime was administered for 7 to 14 days over 30 m intermittently every 8 h over 24 h plus continuous saline solution (0.9%) (G1) or 3 g administered continuously plus saline solution every 8 h (0.9%) (G2). The percentage of clinical response at 3, 7, and 14 days, relapse at 28 days, and mortality at discharge were measured. RESULTS: The recruitment was stopped at the suggestion of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) following an FDA alert about cefepime. Thirty-two patients were randomized; 25 received the intervention, and GNB bacteremia was confirmed in 16 (9 G1 and 7 G2). Favorable clinical response in days 3, 7, and 14 was 88.8%, 88.8%, and 77.8% (G1) and was similar for G2 (85.7%). There were no relapses or deaths in G2, while in G1, one relapse and two deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the use of cefepime for the treatment of Gram-negative infections in critically ill patients, but we could not demonstrate differences between continuous or intermittent administration because of the small sample size, given the early suspension of the study.

Postoperative pain management using an intravenous combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen compared with acetaminophen alone after thyroidectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple medications are more effective than single agents for postoperative pain management. We investigated the analgesic effects of an intravenous combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen immediately after thyroidectomy. METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, 62 patients who underwent thyroidectomies were randomized to either the treatment (1000 mg acetaminophen, 300 mg ibuprofen) or control (1000 mg acetaminophen) group. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) 0, 15, and 30 min after recovery room admission. Opioid rescue consumption was also recorded. RESULTS: The VAS scores were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group 15 [3 (2-4.3) vs. 5 (3-6); p = 0.015] and 30 [3 (2-4.3) vs. 4 (3-5); p = 0.018] min after recovery room admission, as were the opioid rescue dose requirements (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Combined intravenous acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be better than acetaminophen alone for immediately acute postoperative pain after thyroidectomy.

Development of a model to predict vancomycin serum concentration during continuous infusion of vancomycin in critically ill pediatric patients.

Vancomycin is a frequently used antibiotic in intensive care units, and the patient's renal clearance affects the pharmacokinetic characteristics of vancomycin. Several advantages have been reported for vancomycin continuous intravenous infusion, but studies on continuous dosing regimens based on patients' renal clearance are insufficient. The aim of this study was to develop a vancomycin serum concentration prediction model by factoring in a patient's renal clearance. Children admitted to our institution between July 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022 with records of continuous infusion of vancomycin were included in the study. Sex, age, height, weight, vancomycin dose by weight, interval from the start of vancomycin administration to the time of therapeutic drug monitoring sampling, and vancomycin serum concentrations were analyzed with the linear regression analysis of the mixed effect model. Univariable regression analysis was performed using the vancomycin serum concentration as a dependent variable. It showed that vancomycin dose (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.007) were factors that had the most impact on vancomycin serum concentration. Vancomycin serum concentration was affected by vancomycin dose (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.001) with statistical significance, and a multivariable regression model was obtained as follows: Vancomycin serum concentration (mg/l) = -1.296 + 0.281 × vancomycin dose (mg/kg) + 20.458 × serum creatinine (mg/dl) (adjusted coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.66). This prediction model is expected to contribute to establishing an optimal continuous infusion regimen for vancomycin.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics across infusion rates of intravenously administered nipocalimab: results of a phase 1, placebo-controlled study.

Introduction: Nipocalimab is a high-affinity, fully human, aglycosylated, effectorless, immunoglobulin G (IgG) 1 monoclonal antibody that targets the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), decreases systemic IgG including autoantibodies, and is under development in several IgG autoantibody- and alloantibody-mediated diseases, including generalized myasthenia gravis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, maternal-fetal medicine, and multiple other therapeutic areas. An initial phase 1 study with single and multiple ascending doses of nipocalimab infused intravenously (IV) over 2 h demonstrated dose-dependent serum pharmacokinetics and IgG reductions, with an adverse event (AE) profile comparable to placebo. Methods: The current investigation evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single doses of nipocalimab across various IV infusion rates in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential-dose study. Forty participants were randomized to receive nipocalimab 30 mg/kg over 60, 30, 15 or 7.5 min (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg/min); nipocalimab 60 mg/kg over 15 min (4 mg/kg/min); or matching placebo. Results: At doses up to 60 mg/kg and infusion rates up to 4 mg/kg/min (maximum clinically feasible rate), single doses of nipocalimab were tolerable, with 12 (40%) participants experiencing AEs across nipocalimab cohorts compared with 1 (10%) participant in the placebo cohort. AEs deemed treatment related occurred in 6 (20%) participants receiving nipocalimab and 1 (10%) participant receiving placebo. None of the AEs were severe, and no participants discontinued treatment due to AEs. Nipocalimab provided consistent, dose-dependent serum pharmacokinetics and IgG reductions, regardless of infusion rate. Discussion: This study supports the use of shortened durations of nipocalimab infusion for future studies.

Transitioning patients from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel disease: what is the opportunity cost of improving access to healthcare?

BACKGROUND: Biologic drugs are highly effective for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management but are key drivers of costs of care especially when administered intravenously (i.v.). Availability of subcutaneous (SC) formulations has increased convenience for patients and improved access to care, but at the cost of revenue to health services. AIMS: To evaluate the economic impact of transitioning a tertiary centre IBD cohort from i.v. to SC biologic administration and assess the implications for key stakeholders. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients who received i.v. infliximab or vedolizumab in the outpatient infusion centre of a tertiary IBD centre between July 2019 and June 2021 was undertaken. Data were collated from electronic medical records, pharmacy dispensing systems and the hospital business intelligence unit. An economic analysis and theoretical financial/capacity impact analysis of a transition to an SC model were estimated under two scenarios using a random 10% and 30% of the patient cohort. RESULTS: Transitioning our IBD cohort from i.v. to SC administration would result in a loss to our health service of AU$2 732 123.75, composed of AU$1 463 003.75 in Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separation (WIES) and AU$1 269 120 in drug procurement revenue. However, it would ease capacity in the infusion centre by up to 5256 h. CONCLUSIONS: Transitioning patients to SC administration results in improved access to infusion centres and substantial savings to state governments; however, switching results in a loss of i.v. biologic-generated WIES to health services. Alternative funding models are required to achieve sustainability in IBD care and reduce reliance on i.v. biologic-generated income.

Investigating the Kazakhstani Pediatric Nurses' intravenous catheter management knowledge and confidence: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To assess Kazakh pediatric nurses' knowledge and confidence in peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) management and examine the personal and professional factors that influenced them. BACKGROUND: Despite the significance of having high levels of PIVC insertion and care knowledge and confidence among pediatric nurses, the literature portrays inadequacies in the knowledge of these nurses in various parts of the globe. DESIGN: This study is cross-sectional and observational, following the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology checklist in reporting. METHODS: A convenience sample of 200 pediatric nurses working in the University Medical Center in Kazakhstan were surveyed from November to December 2022 using a paper-based questionnaire to assess the PIVC management knowledge and confidence. RESULTS: The respondents had poor knowledge of patient assessment, PIVC insertion, maintenance, and removal. Participants reported high confidence in inserting and maintaining PIVCs among pediatric patients. Nurses' education, pediatric nursing experience, and training in PIVC management in the last 12 months were significant predictors of the nurses' knowledge. PIVC insertion and care knowledge directly influenced the nurses' confidence in these procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high confidence of the nurses, their actual knowledge of these skills needed to be higher. Some personal and professional factors influence the knowledge and confidence of pediatric nurses.

Trends in use of intraosseous and intravenous access in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest across English ambulance services: A registry-based, cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The optimum route for drug administration in cardiac arrest is unclear. Recent data suggest that use of the intraosseous route may be increasing. This study aimed to explore changes over time in use of the intraosseous and intravenous drug routes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in England. METHODS: We extracted data from the UK Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes registry. We included adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients between 2015-2020 who were treated by an English Emergency Medical Service that submitted vascular access route data to the registry. The primary outcome was any use of the intraosseous route during cardiac arrest. We used logistic regression models to describe the association between time (calendar month) and intraosseous use. RESULTS: We identified 75,343 adults in cardiac arrest treated by seven Emergency Medical Service systems between January 2015 and December 2020. The median age was 72 years, 64% were male and 23% presented in a shockable rhythm. Over the study period, the percentage of patients receiving intraosseous access increased from 22.8% in 2015 to 42.5% in 2020. For each study-month, the odds of receiving any intraosseous access increased by 1.019 (95% confidence interval 1.019 to 1.020, p < 0.001). This observed effect was consistent across sensitivity analyses. We observed a corresponding decrease in use of intravenous access. CONCLUSION: In England, the use of intraosseous access in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has progressively increased over time. There is an urgent need for randomised controlled trials to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the different vascular access routes in cardiac arrest.

Superficial venous morphometry in the antecubital fossa: An autonomous robotic ultrasound-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: The antecubital fossa is an important site for venepuncture and intravenous procedures. The size and location of a vein can affect the success of venepuncture and intravenous access. Several studies have investigated the superficial vein morphometry, but they had small sample sizes or focused on specific populations or groups. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study with large participants in general population to analyse the morphology of the antecubital superficial vein and identify the association of sex, age and body mass index (BMI) with the size and location of the vein. METHODS: This study collected images of superficial veins prospectively using autonomous robotic ultrasound on the antecubital area between October and November 2020. We measured the superficial vein depth, vertical diameter and horizontal diameter at the antecubital area, extracted population characteristics (sex, age and BMI), and analysed a relationship between the vein dimensions and the characteristics. RESULTS: In this study, data from 461 participants (201 males and 260 females) with mean age of 41.1 years were produced. The mean vein depth, mean vertical diameter and mean horizontal diameter (±standard deviation) were 4.81 (±2.17), 3.01 (±1.10) and 4.46 (±1.60) mm, respectively. We found significant differences in vein dimensions between males and females, with males having larger vertical and horizontal diameters than females (p < 0.001). The study also revealed significant differences in vein depth and dimensions among age groups and BMI subgroups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed that the superficial vein in the antecubital area was oval, with a larger horizontal diameter than vertical diameter. Morphometry revealed differences in sex, age and BMI. Understanding variations in vein dimensions among different subgroups can help medical professionals improve success rate of venous access and patient safety.

First-Dose Antimicrobial Infusion Reactions in Patients Enrolled in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Services.

After receiving a monitored first-dose antimicrobial infusion at an infusion center, 6 of 93 (6%) patients enrolled in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy services experienced an immediate reaction, none of which were consistent with immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions. These findings suggest it would be reasonable to forgo monitoring for most patients receiving first-dose intravenous antimicrobials outpatient.

Design of an algorithm for the detection of intravenous fluid contamination in clinical laboratory samples.

OBJECTIVES: Contamination of blood samples from patients receiving intravenous fluids is a common error with potential risk to the patient. Algorithms based on the presence of aberrant results have been described but have the limitation that not all infusion fluids have the same composition. Our objective is to develop an algorithm based on the detection of the dilution observed on the analytes not usually included in infusion fluids. METHODS: A group of 89 cases was selected from samples flagged as contaminated. Contamination was confirmed by reviewing the clinical history and comparing the results with previous and subsequent samples. A control group with similar characteristics was selected. Eleven common biochemical parameters not usually included in infusion fluids and with low intraindividual variability were selected. The dilution in relation to the immediate previous results was calculated for each analyte and a global indicator, defined as the percentage of analytes with significant dilution, was calculated. ROC curves were used to define the cut-off points. RESULTS: A cut-off point of 20 % of dilutional effect requiring also a 60 % dilutional ratio achieved a high specificity (95 % CI 91-98 %) with an adequate sensitivity (64 % CI 54-74 %). The Area Under Curve obtained was 0.867 (95 % CI 0.819-0.915). CONCLUSIONS: Our algorithm based on the global dilutional effect presents a similar sensitivity but greater specificity than the systems based on alarming results. The implementation of this algorithm in the laboratory information systems may facilitate the automated detection of contaminated samples.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Central Venous Access Device and Site Selection.

The use of central venous access devices is ubiquitous in both inpatient and outpatient settings, whether for critical care, oncology, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition, or diagnostic purposes. Radiology has a well-established role in the placement of these devices due to demonstrated benefits of radiologic placement in multiple clinical settings. A wide variety of devices are available for central venous access and optimal device selection is a common clinical challenge. Central venous access devices may be nontunneled, tunneled, or implantable. They may be centrally or peripherally inserted by way of veins in the neck, extremities, or elsewhere. Each device and access site presents specific risks that should be considered in each clinical scenario to minimize the risk of harm. The risk of infection and mechanical injury should be minimized in all patients. In hemodialysis patients, preservation of future access is an additional important consideration. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Navigating nutrition and hydration care in the adult patient with short bowel syndrome.

Attending diligently to the nutrition and hydration needs of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a key tenet of their care, both postoperatively and in the years that follow. For, without each, patients are left to themselves to navigate the nutrition consequences of SBS, including malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, renal compromise, osteoporosis, fatigue, depression, and impaired quality of life. The intent of this review is to discuss the initial nutrition assessment, oral diet, hydration, and home nutrition support for the patient with SBS.

Short bowel syndrome: Complications and management.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs when a patient loses bowel length or function significantly enough to cause malabsorption, oftentimes requiring lifelong parenteral support. In adults, this occurs most commonly in the setting of massive intestinal resection, whereas congenital anomalies and necrotizing enterocolitis predominate in children. Many patients with SBS develop long-term clinical complications over time related to their altered intestinal anatomy and physiology or to various treatment interventions such as parenteral nutrition and the central venous catheter through which it is administered. Identifying, preventing, and treating these complications can be challenging. This review will focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of several complications that can occur in this patient population, including diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, vitamin and trace element derangements, metabolic bone disease, biliary disorders, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, d-lactic acidosis, and complications of central venous catheters.

Comparing successful insertions, dwell time, reinsertions and the costs of supplies between integrated and simple short peripheral catheters.

BACKGROUND: Along with the challenges to strengthen patient safety in the use of short peripheral catheters (SPCs), various studies have been conducted in the past to explore differences between two main types of SPCs-integrated SPC (ISPC) and simple SPC (SSPC) in terms of clinical performance. The accumulated evidence from the literature lean toward the benefits of ISPC use in preventing complications leading to longer dwell time and more economical savings than SSPC use. The study aimed to compare ISPC and SSPC in terms of first-attempt successful insertions, number of attempts before successful insertion, perceived ease of insertion, dwell time, reinsertion rate, reasons for removal, and costs of supplies used for the insertions. Furthermore, it aimed to verify whether the previous results of referenced work in the use of ISPC were similar, and its use provided more foreseeable benefit for patient safety and cost-efficiency. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 650-bed tertiary academic medical center in the Philippines. Eligible participants were adult patients who were required SPC for at least 72 h by the physician. Using inferential statistics, comparisons were done among adult patients with integrated (n = 350) and simple (n = 350) SPC. Comparisons were also made according to insertion site and gauge of SPC. RESULTS: The successful first-attempt insertions did not vary significantly at around 80% in both groups (p = 0.428). No significant differences were found in terms of attempts before successful insertion (p = 0.677), dwell time (p = 0.144), reinsertions (p = 0.934), and reasons for removal (p = 0.424). Meanwhile, comparable differences were noted in terms of perceived ease of insertion (p < 0.001) and cost of supplies used during the insertions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ISPCs can yield the same results with that of SSPCs while being easier to use and less costly.

Standardized neonatal continuous infusion concentrations: A quality improvement initiative.

PURPOSE: Medication errors are a significant and preventable source of patient harm, especially in the neonatal population. Standardized infusion concentrations increase patient safety and streamline the workflow for pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. METHODS: Neonatal continuous infusion concentrations were standardized and implemented into the electronic health record using an automated order panel. Pre- and postimplementation data were collected to assess the impact of this quality improvement initiative. The primary endpoint was the proportion of neonatal intensive care unit infusion orders that were compatible with "bolus from infusion" functionality in the syringe pump. RESULTS: Before implementation, only 40% of eligible infusions were compatible with the "bolus from infusion" function, compared to 93% after implementation (P < 0.00001). Within the syringe pump, the ratio of total options to the number of concentrations per medication was reduced by 31%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an order panel with defaulted standard infusion concentration selection improved workflow and optimized technology in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis: A meta-analysis of topical treatment.

AIM: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of different topical treatments for PVC-related phlebitis in hospital in-patients. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A selection was made of experimental and quasi-experimental studies published in English or Spanish. These should provide data on the degree of phlebitis, pain and infiltration (means and standard deviations, mainly) of hospitalized patients with phlebitis secondary to peripheral venous catheter. All those studies that reflected systemic or exclusive prevention treatments were excluded. Searches were from inception to April 2020. The date of data collection was from December 2020 to May 2021. The selection criteria were based on the PICOS model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Twelve studies (726 patients) met the inclusion criteria. With respect to the decrease in the degree of phlebitis, was found ichthammol glycerine, followed by heparinoids. As for degree of pain, sesame oil obtained the most marked reduction. In terms of degree of infiltration, heparinoids and ichthammol glycerine were the only products to achieve a statistically significant reduction. The most important limitations are the low quantity and quality of the trials included. Insufficient data are available to draw valid conclusions about the efficacy of any treatment.

Erros de prescrição, dose, preparo e desperdício de medicamentos relacionados a distribuição individualizada de antimicrobiano para pacientes de uti-neonatal / Prescription errors, dose, preparation and drug wastage related to individualized antimicrobial distribution for uti-neonatal patients / Errores de prescripción, dosis, preparación y desperdicio de medicamentos relacionados con la distribución individualizada de antimicrobianos a pacientes en unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales

Introdução: Dentre as diversas áreas de sua competência, a Farmácia Hospitalar é responsável pela promoção e monitoramento do uso seguro de medicamentos. Objetivo: Investigar erros de prescrição, de dose, de preparo e desperdício de antimicrobianos distribuídos de forma individualizada para pacientes de UTI-Neonatal na Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, retrospectiva, fundamentada na pesquisa-ação, tendo como recorte temporal o período de novembro de 2021 a janeiro 2022. As variáveis relacionadas aos medicamentos foram comparadas ao protocolo de prescrição do NEOFAX®. Resultado: O estudo envolveu 76 pacientes e analisou 213 prescrições que envolveram 341 antimicrobianos, dos quais, 280 (82%) dos antimicrobianos prescritos não apresentavam clareza quanto às instruções de preparo e 98 (29%) apresentaram as doses em desacordo com o NEOFAX®. Os itens de maior dúvida foram quanto à estabilidade após o preparo: 341 (100%); quanto ao volume final após preparo 341 (100%) e quanto a técnica de preparo 266 (78%). Do total de pacientes, 32 (42%) eram de muito baixo peso, seguidos de 26 (34%) de extremo baixo peso, e 18 (24%) de baixo peso. Conclusão: Os dados obtidos no estudo subsidiaram a implantação de uma central de misturas intravenosas na instituição estudada.

Introduction: Among the various areas of its competence, the Hospital Pharmacy is responsible for promoting and monitoring the safe use of medicines. Objective: To investigate errors in prescribing, dosage, preparation and waste of antimicrobials distributed individually to neonatal ICU patients at Santa Casa de Misericórdia Foundation of Pará. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study, based on action research, with a time frame of November 2021 to January 2022. The variables related to medications were compared to the NEOFAX® prescription protocol. Results: The study involved 76 patients and analyzed 213 prescriptions involving 341 antimicrobials. Of these, 280 (82%) of the prescribed antimicrobials were unclear regarding preparation instructions and 98 (29%) had doses in disagreement with NEOFAX®. The most doubtful items were about stability after preparation: 341 (100%); about the final volume after preparation 341 (100%) and about the preparation technique 266 (78%). Of the total number of patients, 32 (42%) were very low weight, followed by 26 (34%) extreme low weight, and 18 (24%) low weight. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study supported the implementation of an IV mixing center at the studied institution.

Introducción: Entre varias áreas de su competencia, la Farmacia Hospitalaria es responsable de promover y vigilar el uso seguro de los medicamentos. Objetivo: Investigar errores de prescripción, dosificación, preparación y desperdicio de antimicrobianos distribuidos de forma individualizada para pacientes de UCI neonatal en la Fundación Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Pará. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, retrospectiva, fundamentada na pesquisa-ação, tendo como recorte temporal o período de novembro de 2021 a janeiro 2022. Las variables relacionadas con la medicación se compararon con el protocolo de prescripción NEOFAX®. Resultados: El estudio involucró 76 pacientes y analizó 213 prescripciones que involucraron 341 antimicrobianos, de los cuales, 280 (82%) de los antimicrobianos prescritos no eran claros en cuanto a las instrucciones de preparación y 98 (29%) presentaban las dosis en desacuerdo con el NEOFAX®. Los ítems de mayor duda fueron sobre la estabilidad tras la preparación: 341 (100%); sobre el volumen final tras la preparación 341 (100%) y sobre la técnica de preparación 266 (78%). Del total de pacientes, 32 (42%) eran de muy bajo peso, seguidos de 26 (34%) de bajo peso extremo y 18 (24%) de bajo peso. Conclusión: Los datos obtenidos en el estudio subsidian la implementación de un centro de mezclas intravenosas en la institución estudiada.

Gestión del capital venoso de los recién nacidos hospitalizados: catéter de línea media (CM) con técnica adaptada. Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Público de Chile / Venous capital management of hospitalized newborns: midline catheter (MC) with adapted technique. Neonatology Service, Chilean public hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: El catéter midline o de línea media (CM) es un dispositivo de acceso vascular que mide de 6 a 20cm, con la punta del dispositivo ubicado en venas basílica, braquial o cefálica debajo del pliegue axilar. El catéter de línea media se caracteriza por ser un acceso confiable y proporcionar menores complicaciones que un catéter intravenoso periférico corto. Este tipo de dispositivo vascular se ha utilizado ampliamente en adultos, pero faltan estudios desarrollados en el área neonatal. OBJETIVO: fue describir las características de la utilización de catéter midline con técnica adaptada en recién nacidos hospitalizados con necesidad de terapia intravascular en un hospital público de Chile, durante 2 años de seguimiento. METODOLOGÍA: Investigación descriptiva y retrospectiva, estuvo orientada a la identificación de las variables relacionadas a: tiempo de permanencia, características de la terapia intravascular, sitio de inserción, complicaciones y causa de retiro. RESULTADOS: La muestra estuvo conformada por 163 usuarios entre 24 y 41 semanas de edad gestacional, peso de nacimiento en un rango de 500 y 4880 gramos. El 87,7% se retiró por término de tratamiento intravascular, mientras que el 12,3% del total de los CM presentó complicaciones. El promedio de rendimiento del CM fue de 7,99 días, el sitio de inserción más frecuente correspondió a extremidad superior derecha, mientras que su utilización estuvo dada principalmente para fleboterapia, antibióticos y nutrición parenteral periférica. CONCLUSIÓN: Se concluye que el CM con técnica adaptada en usuarios neonatales presenta una alta tasa de éxito para completar la terapia intravascular periférica y bajo porcentaje de complicaciones.

INTRODUCTION: The midline catheter (MC) is a vascular access device measuring 6 to 20cm, with the tip of the device located in the basilic, brachial or cephalic veins below the axillary crease. The midline catheter is characterized as a reliable access and provides fewer complications than a short peripheral intravenous catheter. This type of vascular device has been widely used in adults, but studies developed in the neonatal area are lacking. OBJECTIVE: to describe the characteristics of the use of midline catheter with adapted technique in hospitalized newborns in need of intravascular therapy in a public hospital in Chile, during 2 years of follow-up. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive and retrospective research was oriented to the identification of variables related to: length of stay, characteristics of intravascular therapy, site of insertion, complications and cause of withdrawal. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 163 users between 24 and 41 weeks of gestational age, birth weight in the range of 500 and 4880 grams. Eighty-seven point seven percent were withdrawn due to the end of intravascular treatment, while 12.3% of the total MC presented complications. The average MC performance was 7.99 days, the most frequent insertion site corresponded to the right upper extremity, while its use was mainly for phlebotherapy, antibiotics and peripheral parenteral parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSION: The MC with adapted technique in neonatal users presents a high success rate to complete peripheral intravascular therapy and a low percentage of complications.