Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA): Intravenous Administration (IV-PCA) versus Oral Administration (Oral-PCA) by Using a Novel Device (PCoA® Acute) for Hospitalized Patients with Acute Postoperative Pain-A Comparative Retrospective Study.

Background: Acute postoperative pain delays recovery and increases morbidity and mortality. Opioid therapy is effective but is accompanied by adverse reactions. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) enables self-administration of analgesics. Oral-PCA is a safe and beneficial alternative to intravenous (IV) PCA. We have developed a novel Oral-PCA device, which enables self-administration of solid pills to the patient's mouth. This is a retrospective study comparing the effectiveness and usability of this novel Oral-PCA with those of IV-PCA. Methods: Medical records of patients who received PCA following gynecology and orthopedic surgeries were analyzed. The control cohort (n = 61) received oxycodone by IV-PCA. The test cohort (n = 44) received oxycodone by Oral-PCA via the PCoA Acute device. Outcome measures include the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score at rest and movement, side effects, technical difficulties, bolus dose administered, and bolus dose requested. Results: Patient demographics, initial NRS, and PCA duration were comparable between cohorts. NRS reduction in rest and movement was stronger in the Oral-PCA cohort (rest: 1.61 and 2.27, P = 0.077; movement: 2.05 and 2.84, P = 0.039), indicating better pain control and mobility for Oral-PCA. Side effect rates were comparable between cohorts (9% and 11% of patients who experienced side effects, P = 1.000). The rate of technological difficulties was higher in the Oral-PCoA cohort (19.7% and 36.4%, P = 0.056). The mean total bolus dose administered to patients was comparable in both cohorts (18.32 mg and 21.14 mg oxycodone, P = 0.270). However, the mean total boluses requested by patients during lockout intervals were lower in the Oral-PCA cohort (12.8 mg and 6.82 mg oxycodone, P = 0.004), indicating better pain control. Conclusions: Oral-PCA by using PCoA® Acute provides pain control and usability which is noninferior to the IV-PCA, as well as superior to pain reduction in rest and movement. These results, along with the noninvasiveness, medication flexibility, and reduced cost, suggest the potential of Oral-PCA, by using PCoA Acute, to replace IV-PCA for postoperative analgesia.

Impact of surgical technique and analgesia on clinical outcomes after lung transplantation: A STROBE-compliant cohort study.

There is paucity of data on the impact of surgical incision and analgesia on relevant outcomes.A retrospective STROBE-compliant cohort study was performed between July 2007 and August 2017 of patients undergoing lung transplantation. Gender, age, indication for lung transplantation, and the 3 types of surgical access (Thoracotomy (T), Sternotomy (S), and Clamshell (C)) were used, as well as 2 analgesic techniques: epidural and intravenous opioids. Outcome variables were: pain scores; postoperative hemorrhage in the first 24 hours, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay at intensive care unit (ICU).Three hundred forty-one patients were identified. Thoracotomy was associated with higher pain scores than Sternotomy (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.01; 2.74, P: .045) and no differences were found between Clamshell and Sternotomy incision. The median blood loss was 800 mL [interquartile range (IQR): 500; 1238], thoracotomy patients had 500 mL [325; 818] (P < .001). Median durations of mechanical ventilation in Thoracotomy, Sternotomy, and Clamshell groups were 19 [11; 37] hours, 34 [IQR 16; 57.5] hours, and 27 [IQR 15; 50.5] hours respectively. Thoracotomy group were discharged earlier from ICU (P < .001).Thoracotomy access produces less postoperative hemorrhage, duration of mechanical ventilation, and lower length of stay in ICU, but higher pain scores and need for epidural analgesia.

Comparison between anteroposterior and oblique "Scotty dog" approach during S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injection: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) has been performed using an anteroposterior (AP) fluoroscopic view. In 2007, the oblique "Scotty dog" (OS) approach was introduced as an alternative technique. We compared passage time of the needle into S1 foramen (Tf) between the anteroposterior (AP) and oblique "Scotty dog" (OS) approach during S1 TFESI. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, seventy patients scheduled S1 TFESI were randomly allocated into AP or OS groups. In the AP group, a slight cephalad-caudad tilt was used. In the OS group, the C-arm was rotated ipsilateral oblique degrees to view the S1 Scotty dog. Both groups received injection of steroid mixed with local anesthetics. We measured the passage time of the needle into S1 foramen (Tf), primary outcome, and total procedure time (Tt) between the groups. We also recorded presence of intravascular injection, patients-assessed pain relief for one month and complications. RESULTS: The Tf and Tt were shorter in the OS than in the AP group (24.4 ±â€Š24.0 s vs 47. 8 ±â€Š53.2seconds; 93.3 ±â€Š35.0 seconds vs 160.0 ±â€Š98.7 seconds, P < .001, both). Incidence of intravascular injection (AP, 8 [22.8%]; OS, 4 [11.4%], P = .205), pain score, and complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups. In logistic regression analysis, the body mass index (BMI) was a risk factor for longer Tt (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58, P = .030). CONCLUSION: The passage time of the needle into S1 foramen was shorter in OS approach and the OS approach reduced the procedure time compared with the AP approach during S1 TFESI. The practitioners should note that procedure time can be prolonged in obese patients.

Switching from intravenous to oral antibiotics in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: A real-world analysis 2010-2018.

The Japanese Respiratory Society 2017 guidelines strongly recommend switching from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotics in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), following improvement in clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Here, we retrospectively investigated the real-world, nationwide treatment and switching patterns for hospitalized patients with CAP in Japan using administrative data from 372 Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination hospitals from April 2010 to December 2018. Hospitalizations for CAP (patient age ≥20 years) with an A-DROP classification for CAP severity and IV antibiotics initiated on the admission date were included. Overall, 210,314 hospitalizations (moderate CAP: 61.7%) in 183,607 patients were analyzed. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at admission was 79 (70-86) years. Penicillin (51.9%) and cephalosporin (38.9%) were the most common IV antibiotic classes used and the median (IQR) duration of IV use was 8 (6-11) days. Switching to oral antibiotics during a hospitalization occurred in 30.1% (n = 63,311) of patients after a median (IQR) of 7 (5-10) days of IV treatment. The most frequently used oral antibiotic classes after a switch were fluoroquinolone (45.9%) and penicillin (24.8%). The switch rate was higher among hospitalizations with milder CAP, in respiratory medicine ward and in larger hospitals. The overall switch rates did not change over the study period. The findings from this analysis suggest that early switch from IV to oral antibiotics was not widely implemented during the 8 years of the study period. Further observation will be needed to see the potential impact of the guidelines update in 2017 in Japan.

A smartphone application for reporting symptoms in adults with cystic fibrosis improves the detection of exacerbations: Results of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory exacerbations impair lung function and health-related quality of life in people with CF, with delayed identification of exacerbations often resulting in worse outcomes. We developed a smartphone application (app) for adults with CF to report symptoms to the CF team, and investigated its impact on antibiotic use and other outcomes. METHODS: Participants were randomised to intervention (use of the app weekly or sooner if symptoms had worsened) or control (usual care). The app comprised questions relating to symptoms suggestive of an exacerbation. If worsening symptoms were reported, the participant was contacted by the nurse practitioner. The primary outcome measure was the number of courses and days of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. RESULTS: Sixty participants (29 female, aged [mean ±â€¯SD] 31 ±â€¯9 years, FEV1 60 ±â€¯18% predicted) were recruited, with 29 (48%) allocated to the intervention group. Over the 12-month follow-up, there was no clear effect of the app on the number of courses of IV antibiotics (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6 to 1.7), however number of courses of oral antibiotics increased (IRR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.2). The median [IQR] time to detection of exacerbation requiring oral or IV antibiotics was shorter in the intervention group compared with the control group (70 [123] vs. 141 [140] days; p = .02). No between-group differences were observed in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of an app reduced time to detect respiratory exacerbations that required antibiotics, however did not demonstrate a clear effect on the number of courses of IV antibiotics.

The Controversy of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy With Intravenous Contrast: What Is the Risk?

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has long been observed in both experimental and clinical studies. However, recent observational studies have questioned the prevalence and severity of CIN following intravenous contrast exposure. Initial studies of acute kidney injury following intravenous contrast were limited by the absence of control groups or contained control groups that did not adjust for additional acute kidney injury risk factors, including prevalent chronic kidney disease, as well as accepted prophylactic strategies. More contemporary use of propensity score-adjusted models have attempted to minimize the risk for selection bias, although bias cannot be completely eliminated without a prospective randomized trial. Based on existing data, we recommend the following CIN risk classification: patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) ≥ 45mL/min/1.73m2 are at negligible risk for CIN, while patients with eGFRs<30mL/min/1.73m2 are at high risk for CIN. Patients with eGFRs between 30 and 44mL/min/1.73m2 are at an intermediate risk for CIN unless diabetes mellitus is present, which would further increase the risk. In all patients at any increased risk for CIN, the risk for CIN needs to be balanced by the risk of not performing an intravenous contrast-enhanced study.

Umbilical Venous Catheters and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Are They Equally Safe in VLBW Infants? A Non-Randomized Single Center Study.

Background and Objective: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are frequently used for vascular access in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). While there is a significant need for these devices for critically ill neonates, there are many complications associated with their use. We aimed at investigating the incidence of UVC and PICC complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study performed with neonates of the tertiary General Hospital of Piraeus, Greece, during an 18 month-period. Seventy-one neonates were recruited and divided into two groups: 34 neonates with PICC and 37 neonates with UVC. We recorded: Catheter dwell time, the causes of catheter removal, other complications, infections, and catheter tip colonization rates. Results: No significant statistical differences were noticed between the 2 study groups with regards to demographic characteristics, causes for catheter removal, catheter indwelling time or the incidence of nosocomial infection. Eleven UVC tips and no PICC tips were proved colonized (p = 0.001) following catheter removal. Conclusions: The incidence of complications associated with the use of UVCs and PICCs in VLBW infants did not significantly differ in our study. Their use seems to be equally safe. Further studies, with larger samples, are necessary to confirm our results.

Improving the safety of high-concentration potassium chloride injection.

Objectives: Serious adverse effects, including arrhythmia and cardiac arrest, result from rapid intravenous high concentration of potassium chloride (KCl). We aimed to eliminate prescription of undiluted KCl and encourage dilution of KCl to 400 mEq/L and 40 mEq/L in the intensive care units (ICUs) and general and outpatient departments, respectively. Methods: Before the first intervention, we collected data regarding high-concentration KCl and interviewed representatives of physicians prescribing high-concentration KCl. Based on the guidelines in other countries on safely used concentrations of KCl (400 mEq/L), we negotiated with physicians to dilute KCl below 400 mEq/L. In the first intervention, we made rules based on surveys above. In the second intervention, we revised the rules based on opinions from physicians and pharmacists and investigated the change in the number of prescriptions of KCl concentration in each department. Continuing efforts with the safety manager ensured compliance of the rules by physicians and nurses in all departments. Results: After the first and second interventions, prescriptions for undiluted KCl in ICUs and general wards were eliminated (median=0). Prescriptions for <400 mEq/L KCl increased to 110 (median) after the first intervention and to 137 (median) after the second. In the general ward, 7 months after the first intervention, prescriptions for <400 mEq/L KCl had not increased. Compliance with our rules was high, and more than 72% of physicians and nurses were aware of the rules. Conclusions: The rules for administration of high-dose KCl successfully eliminated prescription of undiluted KCl, which was maintained using two plan-do-study-act cycles. Our intervention process could be useful in countries where prediluted formulations are unavailable or where prescriptions are not matched and undiluted ampules are used.

Risk Factors for Intracardiac Thrombus During Liver Transplantation.

Intracardiac thrombus (ICT) is an intraoperative complication with high mortality that occurs during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Patients with end-stage liver disease have compromised coagulation pathways, and when combined with stressors of surgery, thrombi can form. However, it is unknown which patients are most likely to develop ICT. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all OLT patients at our hospital from 2010 to 2017 to identify risk factors for ICT. An analysis was performed with conventional bivariate tests and logistic regression. The incidence of ICT during OLT was 4.2% (22/528) with a 45.5% (10/22) mortality. Patients who developed ICT had higher physiologic Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores at the time of transplant (25.1 versus 32.4; P = 0.004), received grafts from donors with a higher body mass index (28.1 versus 32.2 kg/m2 ; P = 0.007), and had longer intraoperative warm ischemia times (53.1 versus 67.5 minutes; P = 0.001). The odds of developing ICT were significantly lower after administration of intravenous (IV) heparin prior to inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping compared with no administration of heparin (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.75; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the incidence of ICT at our institution is higher than previously reported, which may be explained by our routine use of transesophageal echocardiography. Although many factors associated with ICT in this study are nonmodifiable, administration of IV heparin prior to IVC cross-clamping is modifiable and was found to be protective. Further studies will be needed to confirm findings and ultimately aid in preventing these lethal events.

Nurses' Indications for Administration of Perioperative Intravenous Fluid Therapy-A Prospective, Descriptive, Single-Center Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To examine whether nurse anesthetists and postanesthesia nurses' administration of intravenous (IV) fluid therapy during surgery and in the postanesthesia care unit is based on evidence. Secondarily to investigate if providing indications for IV fluid administration changed nursing practice. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive, single-center study in Scandinavia comparing two cohorts. METHODS: Descriptive, fluid volume, and type data were obtained in both cohorts. Cohort 1 (n = 126) was used as baseline data. In cohort 2 (n = 130), nurses recorded indications for type and volume of fluid therapy using a validated list. Analysis compared median volumes of crystalloid or colloid fluids of surgical types by cohort. Analysis compared frequency of given indication reasons for each IV fluid by surgical type. FINDINGS: Basic static variables were chosen most frequently for indications of IV fluid needed for all surgeries except high-risk abdominal surgery where dynamic variables were more frequent. Signs and symptoms of inadequate tissue perfusion were only sparsely indicated. The volume of intraoperative crystalloid fluids was statistically different for patients with hip fracture surgery in cohort 2. Volumes of both colloid and crystalloid fluids were significantly higher for high-risk abdominal surgery in cohort 2. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse anesthetists and nurses in the postanesthesia care unit rely more on basic static parameters than signs of inadequate tissue perfusion when they make decisions about fluid administration. The indications cited for fluid administered to high-risk abdominal surgery and hip fracture patients did not always fit guidelines. This indicates the need of a stronger intervention to change practice to follow evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Experimental protocol for metabolic acidosis induction by intravenous administration of hydrochloric acid in sheep / Protocolo de indução experimental de acidose metabólica por administração intravenosa de ácido clorídrico em ovinos

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and duration of blood and urine changes and the side effects of hyperchloremic acidosis induced by the intravenous administration of hydrochloric acid in sheep. Five healthy, crossbred adult ewes, with a mean body weight of 44±2.9kg were used. The hydrochloric acid solution was administered intravenously at a rate of 25mL/kg/h for 4 hours continuously. Venous blood and urine samples were collected and pH values, blood carbon dioxide partial pressure, bicarbonate, base excess, strong ion difference, anion gap, total concentration of nonvolatile buffers, creatinine, plasma L-lactate, plasma and urine sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined. The experimental protocol induced severe hyperchloremic acidosis at the end of the infusion, with a decreased plasma strong ion difference. The fractional excretion of sodium and chloride remained increased during 4 hours after the infusion. Aciduria was observed at approximately 24 hours. Twenty-four hours after the infusion, the animals showed mild and compensated metabolic acidosis. This protocol was effective in inducing severe and long-lasting hyperchloremic acidosis and did not cause serious side effects. Therefore, this protocol can be used safely in adult sheep for studies on the treatment of this condition.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a magnitude e a duração das alterações sanguíneas e urinárias, bem como os efeitos colaterais da acidose hiperclorêmica induzida por administração intravenosa de ácido clorídrico, em ovinos. Foram utilizadas cinco ovelhas mestiças, adultas, sadias, com peso médio de 44±2,9kg. A solução de ácido clorídrico foi administrada por via intravenosa, na velocidade de 25mL/kg/h, totalizando quatro horas de administração contínua. Amostras de sangue venoso e de urina foram colhidas, e determinaram-se os valores de pH, pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono, bicarbonato, excesso de bases, diferença dos íons fortes, ânion-gap, creatinina, lactato L, sódio, potássio e cloro. O protocolo de indução experimental foi capaz de induzir acidose hiperclorêmica grave ao término da infusão, com diminuição da diferença dos íons fortes plasmáticos. Houve aumento da excreção fracionada de sódio e cloro por até quatro horas após o término da infusão. A acidúria foi observada por cerca de 24 horas. Após 24 horas do início da infusão, os animais apresentaram acidose metabólica leve e compensada. Esse protocolo foi eficaz na indução da acidose hiperclorêmica grave e duradoura e não causou efeitos colaterais. Conclui-se que o protocolo pode ser usado com segurança em ovelhas adultas, para estudos sobre tratamento dessa condição.(AU)

Intraosseous versus intravenous access in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Insights from the resuscitation outcomes consortium continuous chest compression trial.

AIM: To examine outcomes associated with intraosseous access route attempt for delivery of medications during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) resuscitation. METHODS: Using data from the Continuous Chest Compression trial, we examined rates of survival to hospital discharge, sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and survival with favorable neurological function among patients with intraosseous and intravenous access attempts after adjusting for age, sex, initial rhythm, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, public location, witnessed status, EMS response and trial randomization cluster. RESULTS: Among 19,731 patients, intraosseous access was attempted in 3068 patients and intravenous access in 16,663 patients respectively. Patients in whom intraosseous access was attempted were younger, more often female, and had marginally faster times to initial access and to initial drug administration. Unadjusted outcomes were significantly lower in patients with attempted intraosseous access compared with intravenous access: (4.6% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.01) for survival to discharge, (17.9% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.001) for sustained ROSC and (2.8% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) for survival with favorable neurological function. After adjustment, there were no differences in hospital survival (OR, 0.88, 95% CI 0.72-1.09, p = 0.24) or survival with favorable neurological function (OR, 0.87, 95% CI 0.67-1.12, p = 0.29) in patients with intraosseous access attempt (vs. intravenous access). However, intraosseous access continued to associate with lower rates of sustained ROSC (OR, 0.80, 95% CI 0.71 - 0.89, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with OHCA, intraosseous access attempt was associated with worse ROSC rates but no difference in survival. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal access route among OHCA patients.

Adverse Maternal Outcomes Differ between Obese and Nonobese Women with Severe Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: This article evaluates the differences in adverse maternal outcomes related to severe preeclampsia in obese versus nonobese women. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study and planned secondary analysis of women with severe preeclampsia comparing a composite adverse maternal outcome related to preeclampsia among obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) women. The composite outcome was defined as ≥ 1 of the following prior to discharge: renal failure, liver abnormality, thrombocytopenia, blood transfusion, pulmonary edema, disseminated intravascular coagulation, stroke, or eclampsia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: Of the 152 women included, 37.5% were obese and 62.5% were nonobese. The prevalence of the primary outcome was 15.8% with obese women less likely to have the composite outcome compared with nonobese women (7% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.02). This remained after adjusting for confounders including maternal age, race, and chronic hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33 [0.12-0.89], p = 0.03). Obese women were, however, more likely to require intravenous antihypertensive medication peripartum compared with nonobese women (49.1% vs. 28.4%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Obese women with severe preeclampsia may have a different phenotype of severe preeclampsia that is more associated with severe hypertension rather than end-organ damage.

Types and frequency of errors in the preparation and administration of drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify compatibility, types and frequency of errors in preparation and administration of intravenous drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study performed at the emergency department of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). The sample consisted of 303 observations of the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs by nursing aides, nursing technicians and registered nurses, using a systematized script, similar to a checklist. The following variables were collected: errors related to dispensing, omission, schedule, unauthorized administration, dosage, formulation, incompatibility, preparation and administration. RESULTS: In the preparation stage, the following errors were identified: no hand hygiene (70.29%), and no use of aseptic technique (80.85%). Upon administration, no hand hygiene (81.18%), and no use of aseptic technique (84.81%). In 31.35% of observations, there was more than one medication at the same time for the same patient, of which 17.89% were compatible, 56.84% were incompatible and 25.26% were not tested, according to the Micromedex database. CONCLUSION: In both preparation and administration stages, the most frequent errors were no hand hygiene and no use of aseptic technique, indicating the need to develop and implement education programs focused on patient safety.

Reducing Readmissions Post-tonsillectomy: A Quality Improvement Study on Intravenous Hydration.

INTRODUCTION: Dehydration is a potentially preventable complication post-tonsillectomy and can result in an Emergency Department visit and/or readmission. Our objectives were to identify risk factors for dehydration readmissions and develop interventions to prevent them. METHODS: We used retrospective chart reviews to determine if increased intravenous (IV) hydration post-tonsillectomy prevented hospital readmissions for dehydration. All children aged 1-18 years who underwent tonsillectomy between July 1, 2007 and September 30, 2015 were included in this quality improvement study. Using the Pediatric Health Information System database, patients who experienced a readmission for dehydration within 72 hours of surgery were identified and validated with internal data. We analyzed the pre-implementation and post-implementation readmission rates after standardization of increased IV fluids (1.5 times maintenance). An interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate the effects of our hydration initiative. RESULTS: Of 11,157 patients who underwent tonsillectomy during the study period, 96 (0.9%) met the criteria for readmissions for dehydration. The pre-implementation readmission rate was 1% compared to 0.2% post-implementation, a reduction of 82%. CONCLUSIONS: The hydration initiative was associated with a significant decrease in hospital readmissions. This safe, low-cost, easy-to-implement approach to preventing dehydration post-tonsillectomy could be explored at other institutions.

Use of Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes Worldwide.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) use in health care is common worldwide. Failure of PIVCs is also common, resulting in premature removal and replacement. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics, management practices, and outcomes of PIVCs internationally. SETTING/PATIENTS: Cross-sectional study. Hospitalized patients from rural, regional, and metropolitan areas internationally. MEASUREMENTS: Hospital, device, and inserter characteristics were collected along with assessment of the catheter insertion site. PIVC use in different geographic regions was compared. RESULTS: We reviewed 40,620 PIVCs in 51 countries. PIVCs were used primarily for intravenous medication (n = 28,571, 70%) and predominantly inserted in general wards (n = 22,167, 55%). Two-thirds of all devices were placed in non-recommended sites such as the hand, wrist, or antecubital veins. Nurses inserted most PIVCs (n = 28,575, 71%); although there was wide regional variation (26% to 97%). The prevalence of iIn this study, we found that many PIVCs were placed in areas of flexion, were symptomatic or idle, had suboptimal dressings, or lacked adequate documentation. This suggests inconsistency between recommended management guidelines for PIVCs and current practice.dle PIVCs was 14% (n = 5,796). Overall, 10% (n = 4,204) of PIVCs were painful to the patient or otherwise symptomatic of phlebitis; a further 10% (n = 3,879) had signs of PIVC malfunction; and 21% of PIVC dressings were suboptimal (n = 8,507). Over one-third of PIVCs (n = 14,787, 36%) had no documented daily site assessment and half (n = 19,768, 49%) had no documented date and time of insertion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that many PIVCs were placed in areas of flexion, were symptomatic or idle, had suboptimal dressings, or lacked adequate documentation. This suggests inconsistency between recommended management guidelines for PIVCs and current practice.

A nationwide survey of intravenous antimicrobial use in intensive care units in Japan.

Although most patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) receive antibiotics, little is known about patterns of antibiotic use in ICUs in Japan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of antibiotic use in ICUs. A nationwide one-day cross-sectional surveillance of antibiotic use in the ICU was conducted three times between January 2011 and December 2011. All patients aged at least16 years were included. Data from 52 ICUs and 1148 patients were reviewed. There were 1028 prescriptions for intravenous antibiotics. Of 1148 patients, 834 (73%) received at least one intravenous antibiotic, and 575 had at least one known site of infection. Respiratory and intra-abdominal infections were the two most common types. Of 1028 prescriptions, 331 (34%) were for surgical or medical prophylaxis. Excluding prophylaxis, carbapenems were the most commonly prescribed agent. Infectious disease consultations, pre- and post-prescription antimicrobial stewardship, and ICU-dedicated antibiograms were available in 44%, 52%, 77%, and 21% of the ICUs, respectively. In logistic regression analysis adjusting for patient characteristics, treatment in a university hospital (adjusted odds ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05-2.84; P = 0.033) and an open ICU (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.02-5.17; P = 0.044) were significantly associated with greater likelihood of carbapenem use. An increase in the number of closed ICUs and more intensive care specialists may reduce carbapenem use in Japanese ICUs. Large-scale epidemiological studies of antimicrobial resistance in the ICU are needed.

Association between duration of intravenous antibiotic administration and early-life microbiota development in late-preterm infants.

Antibiotic treatment is common practice in the neonatal ward for the prevention and treatment of sepsis, which is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Although the effect of antibiotic treatment on microbiota development is well recognised, little attention has been paid to treatment duration. We studied the effect of short and long intravenous antibiotic administration on intestinal microbiota development in preterm infants. Faecal samples from 15 preterm infants (35 ± 1 weeks gestation and 2871 ± 260 g birth weight) exposed to no, short (≤ 3 days) or long (≥ 5 days) treatment with amoxicillin/ceftazidime were collected during the first six postnatal weeks. Microbiota composition was determined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Short and long antibiotic treat ment significantly lowered the abundance of Bifidobacterium right after treatment (p = 0.027) till postnatal week three (p = 0.028). Long treatment caused Bifidobacterium abundance to remain decreased till postnatal week six (p = 0.009). Antibiotic treatment was effective against members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, but allowed Enterococcus to thrive and remain dominant for up to two weeks after antibiotic treatment discontinuation. Community richness and diversity were not affected by antibiotic treatment, but were positively associated with postnatal age (p < 0.023) and with abundance of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.003). Intravenous antibiotic administration during the first postnatal week greatly affects the infant's gastrointestinal microbiota. However, quick antibiotic treatment cessation allows for its recovery. Disturbances in microbiota development caused by short and, more extensively, by long antibiotic treatment could affect healthy development of the infant via interference with maturation of the immune system and gastrointestinal tract.