Safety and complications of central venous catheters in AIDS patients

Objective: To investigate and compare the incidence and type of complications related to central venous catheters in AIDS patients and in two control groups of non-AIDS patients.
Methods: Three groups of patients requiring permanent venous access were investigated retrospectively between January 1988 and January 1994. The indication for Port-A-Cath system implantation in AIDS patients was administration of virustatics and/or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (group A, n =71), in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients it was chemotherapy (group B, n =65) and in immunocompetent patients it was home TPN (group C, n =14). Complications were categorized into infectious complications and non-infectious complications, and related to patient characteristics, degree of immunosuppression, type of therapeutic medium, insertion technique and catheter survival time.
Results: Type of complications could not be related to type of insertion procedure or length of operation. Catheter-related mortality was low in all groups (0–1%). Type of complications could be related to catheter survival time in all groups. Infectious complications could not be related to degree of immunosuppression (CD4⁺ lymphocyte counts or white blood cell count). Unexpectedly, the incidence of both infectious and non-infectious complications was significantly higher for group C than for groups A and B, probably because of type of medium and/or differences in handling of the catheter.
Conclusion: In this retrospective study, central venous catheters appear to be safe and are well tolerated by AIDS patients, as compared to non-AIDS immunocompromised patients receiving chemotherapy and immunocompetent home-TPN patients.     

Hydatidiform mole coexistent with a twin live fetus: a national collaborative study in Japan

A national collaborative study was conducted in Japan to evaluate the clinical course and the sequelae of patients with hydatidiform mole coexistent with twin live fetus (HMTF). Seventy-two cases of HMTF were diagnosed based on gross appearance and histopathological criteria. In 18 cases, the molar parts were cytogenetically confirmed to be of androgenetic origin (complete mole). The overall incidence of persistent trophoblastic tumour (PTT) in patients with HMTF was 30.6%, and it increased to 50.0% in the 18 patients with proven androgenetic complete mole coexistent with twin live fetus (CHMTF). Among these patients, the mean gestational age at termination of pregnancy or delivery in those who developed PTT (n = 9) and those who did not (n = 9) were 20.6 and 19.4 weeks respectively. The incidence of severe maternal complications was significantly higher in patients who subsequently developed PTT (P < 0.05). The rate of subsequent development of PTT in patients with CHMTF was found to be considerably higher than in a previous study of patients with single complete mole (50 and 12.5% respectively). However, since the risk of malignancy is unchanged with advancement of gestational age, continued pregnancy may be allowed in patients with HMTF provided that severe maternal complications are controlled and fetal karyotype and development are normal.     

锁骨下静脉穿刺输液港植入的并发症分析

目的 探讨锁骨下静脉穿刺输液港植入并发症发生的危险因素,总结减少并发症的策略。方法 回顾性分析2010年6月~2018年6月我院605例经锁骨下静脉穿刺植入输液港患者的临床资料,选取性别、年龄、身高、BMI、入路（右侧、左侧）及输液港导管尖端位置等6种可能影响锁骨下静脉穿刺输液港植入并发症发生的相关因素进行分析。结果 本组患者总体并发症发生率为3.64%,其中术中并发症发生率为1.98%,包括穿刺失败改对侧锁骨下静脉穿刺后植入、气胸、误入颈内静脉;远期并发症发生率为1.65%,包括1例锁骨下静脉血栓,1例输液港外露,1例导管破损,2例导管堵塞,1例导管脱落,4例导管感染。术中并发症患者均顺利完成化疗,远期并发症导致非正常取港10例。左、右侧植入患者的并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;异常BMI（BMI＞24 kg/m2和BMI＜19 kg/m2）是并发症发生的危险因素。结论 锁骨下静脉穿刺植入输液港并发症发生率低,异常BMI指数患者是锁骨下静脉穿刺输液港植入并发症发生的高危人群。     

Reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections in critically ill patients through a multiple system intervention

In this study, we aimed to determine the utility of a multiple system intervention to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) in our intensive care unit (ICU). A prospective cohort study was undertaken in the medical and surgical ICU at a university hospital. We applied five measures: educational sessions about inserting and maintaining central venous catheters, skin cleaning with chlorhexidine, a checklist during catheter insertion, subclavian vein insertion and avoiding femoral insertion whenever possible, and removing unnecessary catheters. We determined the rate of CR-BSI per 1,000 catheter-days during the intervention (March to December 2007) and compared it with the rate during the same period in 2006 in which we applied only conventional preventive measures. CR-BSI was defined as the recovery of the same organism (same species, same antibiotic susceptibility profile) from catheter tip and blood cultures. We registered 4,289 patient-days and 3,572 catheter-days in the control period and 4,174 patient-days and 3,296 catheter-days in the intervention period. No significant differences in the number of patients with central venous catheters during the two periods were observed: catheters were used in 81.5% of patients during the control period and in 80.6% of patients during the intervention period. During the control period, 24 CR-BSI were diagnosed (6.7/1,000 catheter-days); during the intervention period, 8 CR-BSI were diagnosed (2.4/1,000 catheter-days) (relative risk 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16 to 0.80; p = 0.015). Nurses interrupted the procedure to correct at least one aspect when completing the checklist in 17.7% of insertions. In conclusion, a multiple system intervention applying evidence-based measures reduced the incidence of CR-BSI in our ICU.     

Lower prevalence of pre-morbid neurological illness in African-Caribbean than White psychotic patients in England

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the increased incidence of psychosis in African-Caribbeans living in England may be due to illnesses in which social stress plays an important aetiological role. If this is the case, the prevalence of factors associated with psychosis that predate illness onset such as obstetric complications, pre-morbid neurological illness and poor childhood social adjustment may be expected to be lower in African-Caribbean than Whites psychotic patients. METHOD: Details of obstetric complications, pre-morbid neurological illness, and pre-morbid social adjustment were obtained for 337 psychotic patients by patient interview, interviews of mothers and chart review. The proportions of patients with each 'risk factor' in the African-Caribbean (N = 103) and White (N = 184) groups were compared using regression analysis; age, sex, social class, diagnosis and referral status were possible explanatory variables. RESULTS: African-Caribbean patients were less likely to have suffered a pre-morbid neurological disorder than their White counterparts (odds ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.61). There was no significant difference in pre-morbid social adjustment or obstetric complications between the two groups, though fewer obstetric complications were reported in the African-Caribbean group (21.5%) than the White group (30.9%). CONCLUSIONS: African-Caribbean patients with psychosis have experienced less pre-morbid neurological illness.     

单孔与单操作孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术治疗早期肺癌的疗效对比

目的对比分析单孔与单操作孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术治疗早期肺癌的临床效果。方法回顾性分析我院162例行胸腔镜肺癌根治术患者的临床资料,根据手术方式的不同分为单孔组(n=97)和单操作孔组(n=65)。单孔组患者行单孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术,单操作孔组患者行单操作孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术。比较2组患者的围术期指标、术后疼痛情况、手术前后肺功能及术后并发症发生情况。结果2组患者在术中出血量、手术时间、淋巴结清扫数量、术后并发症发生率方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);单孔组胸腔引流管留置时间、下地时间、住院时间短于单操作孔组(P<0.05),引流量少于单操作孔组(P<0.05);单孔组术后第1天、第3天视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分低于单操作孔组(P<0.05);术后6个月,单孔组最大通气量(MVV)、第1秒用力呼气量(FEV₁)高于单操作孔组(P<0.05)。结论在早期肺癌治疗中,采用单孔和单操作孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术均可获得较好的效果,但单孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术在缓解患者术后疼痛、促进术后恢复方面更有优势。     

Die Huber-Nadel als Spezialkanüle für die Punktion von implantierten Ports und Pumpen — ein Irrtum in zahlreichen Variationen

Summary Huber-point needles, which are thought to be noncoring, are usually recommended for puncture of implanted drug-delivery devices, such as ports and pumps. Nevertheless, we found occlusion by silicone chips deriving from the silicone inlet septum to be a major technical complication. Electron microscopic investigations demonstrated substantial loss of material from the port membrane after repeated puncture with this type of needle. During an in vitro test, multiple puncture with Huber-type cannulas led to a pressure-dependent leakage of a port after only 150 to 750 insertions of a needle. In addition, the forces necessary for puncture or for withdrawal of the needle were increased with Huber-point needles, possibly due to a coring effect. Another disadvantage of the available port needles is the formation of a hook at the tip, which may lead to additional lesion of the port or pump membrane. In our opinion, resterillization of Huber needles, recommended by the manufactures, is not advisable, because it is well known that safe sterilization of small lumina, e.g., the lumen of the needle, is impossible.

Bildnachweis: Die photographische Dokumentation mit REM-Aufnahmen wurde im Auftrag der Autoren vom Institut für Photoanalyse Dr. Brill, Hofgeismar, durchgeführt.     

自体髂骨植骨供骨区并发症的Meta分析

背景：目前,自体髂骨移植被广泛认为是治疗骨缺损的“金标准”;然而,髂嵴供骨区常出现并发症,限制了其在临床上的推广使用。 目的：采用循证医学研究方法,对已发表相关文献进行汇总分析,总结自体髂骨植骨后供骨区并发症的种类及发生率。 方法：检索PubMed Medline、Ovid Medline、Cochrane Database、Embase Database等数据库,检索时间范围：2002年1月至2011年12月,以“Iliac crest bone graft”或“autologous bone graft”或“bone graft donor site”或“complication”或“Morbidity”为检索词,共检索到174篇文献。根据检索条件及评价标准,最终筛选出30篇临床研究报道进行Meta分析,共计2 476例患者。采用SPSS 13.0和R软件及其Meta程序包对检索结果进行统计分析。 结果与结论：自体髂骨植骨后供骨区主要并发症包括供骨区≥6个月长期疼痛(发生率=7.88%,95%可信区间4.76%-12.79%)、供骨区感染(发生率=4.26%,95%可信区间2.95%-6.12%)、血肿及血清肿(发生率=6.55%,95%可信区间4.90%-8.70%)、神经损伤(发生率=5.85%,95%可信区间3.46%-9.71%)、感觉障碍(发生率=10.1%,95%可信区间6.07%-16.23%)。可见髂骨取骨后并发症发生率较高,临床医师应予以重视。     

Central venous catheter-related sepsis in a cohort of 366 hospitalised patients

Five hundred two central venous catheters inserted in 366 patients were evaluated prospectively over a one-year period to determine the frequency and risk factors associated with catheter-related sepsis. For study purposes, in cases in which catheter infection was suspected but the initial blood cultures were negative, the catheters were replaced by guidewire technique; otherwise, the catheters were routinely changed after 21 days by guidewire technique. A catheter-related infection was suspected in 190 cases (190/502, 38%). A diagnosis of catheter-related sepsis was established in 50 patients, which represents 10% of the total number of lines (502). Over a total of 6428 days of catheter use, the infection rate was 0.8 cases of sepsis per 100 catheter-days.Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, andCandida spp. were the most frequently isolated aetiological agents of sepsis. On univariate analysis, six variables affecting the rate of catheter-related sepsis were identified: neutropenia for more than eight days (p<0.001); AIDS (p<0.001); haematological malignancy (p<0.001); administration of total parenteral nutrition (p=0.001); duration of site use (p=0.04); and high APACHE II score (p=0.04). The logistic regression analysis revealed that AIDS and haematological malignancies were independent risk factors of catheter-related sepsis. Catheter replacement over a guidewire was no more likely to be associated with sepsis than was percutaneous catheter insertion. In conclusion, although the incidence of established catheter infection is much lower than the incidence of suspected infection, in most cases of suspected infection it is wise to change the catheter with the guidewire technique and wait for culture of the tip, rather than to remove the catheter immediately. Such a policy may help reduce the number of unnecessary catheter removals.     

Erratum to: Transdermal power transfer for recharging implanted drug delivery devices via the refill port

This paper describes a system for transferring power across a transdermal needle into a smart refill port for recharging implantable drug delivery systems. The device uses a modified 26 gauge (0.46 mm outer diameter) Huber needle with multiple conductive elements designed to couple with mechanical springs in the septum of the refill port of a drug delivery device to form an electrical connection that can sustain the current required to recharge a battery during a reservoir refill session. The needle is fabricated from stainless steel coated with Parylene, and the refill port septum is made from micromachined stainless steel contact springs and polydimethylsiloxane. The device properties were characterized with dry and wet ambient conditions. The needle and port pair had an average contact resistance of less than 2 Ω when mated in either environment. Electrical isolation between the system, the liquid in the needle lumen, and surrounding material has been demonstrated. The device was used to recharge a NiMH battery with currents up to 500 mA with less than 15°C of resistive heating. The system was punctured 100 times to provide preliminary information with regard to device longevity, and exhibited about 1 Ω variation in contact resistance. The results suggest that this needle and refill port system can be used in an implant to enable battery recharging. This allows for smaller batteries to be used and ultimately increases the volume efficiency of an implantable drug delivery device.     

Transdermal power transfer for recharging implanted drug delivery devices via the refill port

This paper describes a system for transferring power across a transdermal needle into a smart refill port for recharging implantable drug delivery systems. The device uses a modified 26 gauge (0.46 mm outer diameter) Huber needle with multiple conductive elements designed to couple with mechanical springs in the septum of the refill port of a drug delivery device to form an electrical connection that can sustain the current required to recharge a battery during a reservoir refill session. The needle is fabricated from stainless steel coated with Parylene, and the refill port septum is made from micromachined stainless steel contact springs and polydimethylsiloxane. The device properties were characterized with dry and wet ambient conditions. The needle and port pair had an average contact resistance of less than 2 Ω when mated in either environment. Electrical isolation between the system, the liquid in the needle lumen, and surrounding material has been demonstrated. The device was used to recharge a NiMH battery with currents up to 500 mA with less than 15°C of resistive heating. The system was punctured 100 times to provide preliminary information with regard to device longevity, and exhibited about 1 Ω variation in contact resistance. The results suggest that this needle and refill port system can be used in an implant to enable battery recharging. This allows for smaller batteries to be used and ultimately increases the volume efficiency of an implantable drug delivery device.     

A new endo aortic occlusion balloon for limited access cardiac surgery: development and clinical evaluation

In recent years, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), or limited access cardiac surgery, has been presented as a promising operative procedure. We developed a new balloon device that is inserted directly into the ascending aorta to stop the heart during limited access cardiac surgery. The balloon has a three lumen structure: balloon lumen port, cardioplegia/vent lumen port, and aortic root lumen port. This direct EAC balloon catheter, designed to be inserted directly into the ascending aorta, is different from the Heartport system. The Heartport EAC balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta via an artery in the lower limb, making lower limb arterial disease a key concern. Our Direct Endo Aortic Clamp (EAC) balloon overcomes this problem. The device was clinically used in seven cardiac cases. All patients were discharged within 5 postoperative days, confirming the utility of the device.     

Pulmonary complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Despite advanced effective prophylaxes, pulmonary complications still occur in a high proportion of all hematopoietic stem cell recipients, accounting for considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to describe the causes, incidences and mortality rates secondary to pulmonary complications and risk factors of such complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We reviewed the medical records of 287 patients who underwent either autologous or allogeneic HSCT for hematologic disorders from February 1996 to October 2003 at Samsung Medical Center (134 autografts, 153 allografts). The timing of pulmonary complications was divided into pre-engraftment, early and late period. The spectrum of pulmonary complications included infectious and non-infectious conditions. 73 of the 287 patients (25.4%) developed pulmonary complications. Among these patients, 40 (54.8%) and 29 (39.7%) had infectious and non-infectious conditions, respectively. The overall mortality rate from pulmonary complications was 28.8%. Allogeneic transplant, grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and extensive chronic GVHD were the risk factors with statistical significance for pulmonary complications after HSCT. The mortality rates from pulmonary complications following HSCT were high, especially those of viral and fungal pneumonia, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and idiopathic pneumonia syndrome.     

Resection of uterine septum using gynaecoradiological techniques.

This paper presents further refinements in our technique for the resection of uterine septum. Fourteen patients [infertility (n = 9) and recurrent miscarriages (n = 5)] underwent in-office resection of a uterine septum under fluoroscopic control. The main outcome measure was complete resection of uterine septum. Resections were carried out using either hysteroscopic scissors in combination with a specially designed uterine balloon catheter, or microlaparoscopy scissors in conjunction with a cervical cannula. In all patients the septum was successfully resected without any intra-operative complications. We conclude that ambulatory gynaecoradiological resection of uterine septa is a safe and simple procedure. It avoids utilization of expensive operating room time, general anaesthesia, and some complications associated with hysteroscopic resection, such as fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance.     

1910名初中新生慢性鼻-鼻窦炎与鼻中隔偏曲的相关性分析

目的　了解初中新生慢性鼻-鼻窦炎发病与鼻中隔偏曲的相关性。 方法　分层随机抽取郑州市1910名12~15岁初中新生，采取问卷调查及专科体检的形式，根据量表、体检结果，了解鼻中隔偏曲和慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患病情况，分析两者相关性。 结果　抽样初中新生慢性鼻-鼻窦炎的患病率为6.2%（119/1910）；慢性鼻-鼻窦炎患病群体与非患病群体中，轻、中度鼻中隔偏曲的发生率分别为27.7%（33/119）和31.2%（559/1791），两者差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.632，P>0.05）；重度鼻中隔偏曲的发生率分别为13.4%（16/119）和8.0%（144/1791），两者差异有统计学意义（χ2=4.248，P<0.05）。 结论　初中新生慢性鼻-鼻窦炎发病与重度鼻中隔偏曲具有相关性。     

生物蛋白胶联合大网膜包肾在门静脉高压症手术治疗中的应用

目的:评价医用生物蛋白胶(BFG)联合大网膜包肾(ORP)对门静脉高压症患者断流术后近期和远期疗效的影响。方法:将我院3年内(2003年11月～2006年5月)收治的118例门静脉高压症接受选择性贲门周围血管离断术(sPCDV)患者分成两组,即应用BFG联合ORP组(A组,n=72)和对照组(B组,n=46),比较两组手术后近期(一月)脾窝渗液、发热和远期上消化道再出血、肝性脑病和胃病等并发症的发生率。结果:A组手术近期脾窝渗液和发热率明显低于B组(P<0.05);A组和B组随访期间上消化道再出血率分别为1.3%和10.8%(P<0.05)、门静脉高压性胃病发生率分别为30.6%和65.2%(P<0.05);A组肝性脑病发生率与B组无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:BFG联合ORP可有效降低选择性断流术后近期和远期并发症的发生,提高门静脉高压症患者断流术的疗效。     

Influence of tracheostomy on the incidence of central venous catheter-related bacteremia

Although there are many studies on catheter-related infection, there are scarce data about the influence of tracheostomy in the incidence of central venous catheter-related bacteremia (CRB). In this cohort study, we found a higher incidence of CRB in patients with tracheostomy than without (11.25 vs. 1.43 per 1,000 catheter-days; odds ratio [OR] = 7.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.38–infinite; P < 0.001). Besides, we found a higher incidence of CRB in patients with tracheostomy using the jugular access compared to subclavian access (21.64 vs. 5.11 per 1,000 catheter-days; OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.44–infinite; P = 0.0097).     

Lower incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection in subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy than in femoral venous access: prospective observational study

Guidelines for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) recommend subclavian rather than femoral venous access to minimize the risk of CRBSI. However, they do not address the issue of CRBSI with subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy, where the incidence of CRBSI has been found to be higher than without tracheostomy. In this study, we found lower CRBSI in subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy than in femoral venous access (3.9 vs. 10.1 CRBSI per 1000 catheter-days; odds ratio = 0.39; 95% confidence interval ≤0.001–0.91; p 0.03).     

Risk factors for central venous catheter-related infections in general surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is a common problem during hospitalization and nosocomial bloodstream infection in these patients is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care cost. This prospective study examined the risk factors of CVC-related infections. METHODS: During a 6-month period, a total of 281 patients who underwent central venous catheterization after general surgery were enrolled. RESULTS: The mean duration from CVC insertion to the development of infection was 7.12 days. The rate of bloodstream infection without isolation of the same organism from the catheter was 1.4% (4/281). The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 6.0% (17/281). The rate of catheter bacteremia, defined as positive culture from a catheter blood sample in a patient without signs of infection, was 8.5% (24/281). The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 7.5/1000 catheter-days. Risk factors for catheter-related infection on univariate analysis included place of insertion (operating room or surgical ward), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), more than 3 tubings, and duration of catheterization. TPN was a significant risk factor in the logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Established infection control guidelines should be rigorously observed with regard to catheter use and various risk factors controlled to prevent the occurrence of CVC-related infection, especially in patients receiving TPN.     

经鼻内窥镜选择性鼻中隔粘膜下切除术

目的：探讨经鼻内窥镜选择性鼻中隔粘膜下切除术的意义及手术方法。方法：根据不同的手术目的对204例需要行鼻中隔手术的病人，经鼻内窥镜实施选择性鼻中隔粘膜下切除术。结果：采用该技术对单纯性鼻中隔偏曲患者手术临床治愈率100％，其手术有效治愈头痛、鼻阻及鼻出血等鼻中隔偏曲临床症状，达到临床治疗目的。未出现鼻腔粘连、鼻中隔穿孔等并发症。有2例形成鼻中隔血肿，经放置引流管处理后治愈。对于解除高位鼻中隔偏曲解剖异常引发的鼻窦炎，手术后效果良好。取鼻中隔软骨做为修补材料手术效果满意。结论：经鼻内镜选择性鼻中隔粘膜下切除术目的性强、方法灵活、创伤小、并发症少、手术效果确切。