Effects on skeletal muscle of intravenous glutamine supplementation to ICU patients

Objective: To evaluate the effect of four doses of intravenous glutamine supplementation on skeletal muscle metabolism. Design: A prospective, blinded, randomized study. Setting: The general Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a university hospital. Patients: ICU patients with multiple organ failure (n=40), who were expected to stay in the unit for more than five days. Intervention: Patients received 0, 0.28, 0.57 or 0.86 g of glutamine per kg bodyweight per day intravenously for five days as part of an isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isovolumetric diet. Results: Plasma glutamine concentration responded to glutamine supplementation with normalization of plasma levels in a dose-dependent way, while free muscle glutamine concentration, as well as muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein content, did not change significantly. Conclusion: Intravenous glutamine supplementation to ICU patients for a period of five days resulted in normalization of plasma glutamine concentrations in a dose-dependent way whereas muscle glutamine concentrations were unaffected.     

Glutamine kinetics during intravenous glutamine supplementation in ICU patients on continuous renal replacement therapy

Objective To investigate glutamine kinetics during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in multiple organ failure (MOF) patients with and without exogenous intravenous glutamine supplementation. Design and patients In a pragmatic clinical study 12 patients without urine production receiving CRRT were prospectively randomized in a cross-over design to receive glutamine intravenously for 20 h before placebo or placebo before glutamine on two consecutive days. Alanyl-glutamine or placebo (saline) was infused. Measurements Plasma glutamine concentration was measured in artery, femoral vein, and filtration fluid. Blood flow across the leg was measured and the efflux of glutamine calculated. The rate of appearance of glutamine was calculated from the plasma decay curve of glutamine concentration on the day of treatment. Results Glutamine supplementation increased plasma concentrations from 570 ± 252 to 831 ± 367 μmol l⁻¹. Glutamine losses into the filtration fluids were similar during treatment and control days: 25 ± 13 vs. 24 ± 11 mmol 24 h⁻¹, corresponding to 3.6 ± 1.9 and 3.5 ± 1.6 g 24 h⁻¹, respectively. Net glutamine balance across the leg was also similar on treatment and control days: 150 ± 138 and 188 ± 205 nmol min⁻¹ 100 ml⁻¹, respectively. The rate of appearance of glutamine was 54 ± 17 g 24 h⁻¹. Conclusion The loss of glutamine into the ultrafiltrate during CRRT in MOF patients suggests a greater need for exogenous glutamine than in patients without renal failure. The leg efflux and the filtration losses of glutamine were not affected in response to intravenous glutamine supplementation.     

Intravenous glutamine supplementation to head trauma patients leaves cerebral glutamate concentration unaffected

OBJECTIVE: There is reluctance to use glutamine-containing i.v. nutrition for neurosurgical patients, as this may result in elevated intracerebral glutamate levels, which are thought to be associated with neuronal injury and cell swelling, causing an increase in ICP and an unfavourable outcome. As general ICU patients benefit from i.v. glutamine supplementation in terms of reduced mortality and morbidity, neurosurgical patients might also be candidates for such treatment, if the possible relation between i.v. glutamine supplementation and a possible increase in cerebral glutamate could be sorted out. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study protocol had a crossover design with a 24h treatment period and a 24h placebo period in random order. Treatment was a glutamine containing dipeptide, L-alanyl-L-glutamine 200mg/ml, for 20h; placebo was saline. The rate of infusion was 0.125ml/kg/h, which is equal to 0.34g/kg of glutamine over the 20h period. Microdialysate was collected for analysis in 120min portions. The flow through the microdialysis catheter was 0.3microl/min. SUBJECTS: Patients with severe head trauma (GCS相似文献   

A prospective randomized trial of enteral glutamine in critical illness

Objective To assess the influence of enteral glutamine on the incidence of severe sepsis and death in critically ill patients.Design This two-armed clinical trial was triple blind (patients, attending staff, research nurse).Setting The 10 bed general ICU at Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.Patients This trial evaluated 363 patients requiring mechanical ventilation (median APACHE II score=14); of these, 85 had trauma.Intervention The intervention solution contained 20 g/l glutamine and the control solution was isojoulic and isonitrogenous.Measurements and results The groups had similar characteristics at baseline, and they also received equivalent amounts of protein and energy. Patients in the glutamine group received a median of 19 g/glutamine per day and 91% (332 of 363) of the patients were fed via a nasogastric tube (median duration=10 days). The outcomes were similar in the two groups: (a) death within 6 months: glutamine group 15% (27 of 179) vs control group 16% (30 of 184); p=0.75; relative risk, 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.28); and (b) severe sepsis: glutamine group 21% (38 of 179) vs control group 23% (43 of 184); p=0.62; relative risk, 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.22). There was also no discernable difference in the secondary outcomes relating to infections, febrile period, antimicrobial therapy, and consumption of inotropes.Conclusion This clinical trial did not support the use of enteral glutamine supplements in similar cohorts of critically ill patients.     

Subcutaneous versus intravenous insulin therapy for glucose control in non‐diabetic trauma patients. A randomized controlled trial

What is known and Objective:  Hyperglycaemia in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Our pilot study is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the impact of two glucose control regimens on outcomes in non‐diabetic trauma patients admitted with hyperglycaemia to the ICU. Methods:  Trauma patients with blood glucose levels (BGLs) ≥7·8 mm within the first 48 h of the hospital admission were randomized to receive intermittent SQ or continuous IV insulin to maintain BGLs between 4·4 and 6·1 mm. We excluded diabetics on the basis of history, or a glycosylated haemoglobin ≥6% on admission. We compared the effect of SQ vs. IV insulin therapy on the ICU length of stay (ILOS). Results and Discussion:  A total of 58 patients were included in the study. The SQ and IV groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, injury severity, revised trauma, Glasgow coma scores and type of trauma (blunt vs. penetrating). There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups in the ILOS (3 vs. 2 days, P = 0·084), hospital length of stay (8 vs. 6, P = 0·09), ventilator support days (6 vs. 3, P = 0·98), requirement for blood transfusion (P = 0·66), rates of infections (P = 0·70), acute kidney injury (P = 0·99) and mortality (P = 0·61). What is new and Conclusion:  There was no difference between SQ and IV insulin therapy in the ILOS in non‐diabetic trauma patients.     

The effects of peppermint gel on prevention of pressure injury in hospitalized patients with head trauma in neurosurgical ICU: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of peppermint gel on the prevention of pressure injuries in patients with head trauma admitted to neurosurgical intensive care units.DesignThis double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 150 patients with head trauma admitted to the ICU. Using sealed envelopes, patients were assigned randomly into two intervention (n = 75) and control (n = 75) groups.SettingThe study was conducted in the ICUs of a university hospital and a general hospital in Shiraz, Iran.InterventionThe intervention group received peppermint gel three times a day up to 14 days during the skin care as a layer on the skin areas exposed to the risk of pressure injuries. The control group used a placebo gel.Primary outcomesThe expected outcome in this study was the incidence of pressure injuries stage I, which once daily was evaluated by pairs of observers with the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.ResultsThe incidence rate of pressure injuries was 22.8% and 77% in the intervention and the control groups, respectively. The chi-square test result showed a significant deference between two groups (P < 0.001). Sacrum was the most common site for incidence of the pressure injuries.ConclusionThe findings showed that the peppermint gel has a positive effect in the prevention of pressure injuries in the patients with head trauma admitted to ICUs. So, the use of this gel is suggested as an easy and low-cost method for prevention of pressure injuries in the patients admitted to ICUs.     

Oral nystatin prophylaxis in surgical/trauma ICU patients: a randomised clinical trial

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Candida prophylaxis in ICU is still a matter of debate. Oral chemoprophylaxis has been advocated to reduce the incidence of Candida colonisation and infection. METHODS: We performed a randomised trial studying a single drug (nystatin) versus control in surgical/trauma ICU patients. Multiple-site testing for fungi was performed in each patient on ICU admission (T0) and subsequently every 3 days (T3, T6, T9, and so forth). The primary evaluation criterion was the time course of the corrected colonisation index. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled. At admission, 69 patients exhibited Candida colonisation: the most frequently colonised body sites were the stomach and the pharynx. The most frequent isolated species was Candida albicans. The corrected colonisation index was similar in the two groups at T0 (P = 0.36), while a significant statistical difference was observed between the treatment and control groups at T6 (median 0.14 and 0.33, respectively; P = 0.0016), at T9 (median 0.00 and 0.28, respectively; P = 0.0001), at T12 (median 0.00 and 0.41, respectively; P = 0.0008), and at T15 (median 0.00 and 0.42, respectively; P <0.0003). The same results were obtained in the subgroup of patients already colonised at ICU admission. CONCLUSION: This trial shows that nystatin prophylaxis significantly reduces fungal colonisation in surgical/trauma ICU patients, even if already colonised. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01495039.     

A randomized, controlled trial of intravenous clodronate in patients with metastatic bone disease and pain

To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous clodronate in ameliorating refractory bone pain in patients with metastatic bone disease, 60 patients with established osseous metastases and persistent bone pain were randomized to receive either clodronate (600 mg or 1500 mg in 500 mL of normal saline) or 500 mL of saline as placebo. After 2 weeks, the patients were crossed over to receive the alternate treatment. After another 2 weeks, each patient and investigator made a blinded choice. Daily visual analogue scales (VAS) and analgesic diaries were recorded throughout the study period. Forty-six patients were evaluable (77%). A treatment × period interaction was identified in the VAS and daily morphine equivalent dose (DATED) scores. First period analysis of the VAS scores for general pain, pain at rest, and pain upon movement demonstrated an average reduction of 13, 14, and 24 mm, respectively, from baseline, but were not significantly different from changes following placebo. The average change in DMED was −6 .4 (SE = 2.9) following clodronate and was +24.6 (SE = 14.9) following placebo (p = 0.03). In the blinded choice of which agent resulted in improvement in pain, 26 (57%) patients chose clodronate, 12 (26%) chose placebo, and eight (17%) had no preference (p = 0. 0021). For the investigators who also made a blinded selection, clodronate was chosen in 30 (65%) patients, placebo in ten (22%) patients, and no difference was apparent in six (13%) (p < 0.0001). Intravenous clodronate appeared to have analgesic effect in patients with refractory bone pain due to metastatic bone disease. The optimal dose and duration of effect require further evaluation, particularly in patients with stable disease and persistent bone pain.     

A randomized trial of catheter change and short course of antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria in catheterized ICU patients

Objective To determine the effect on the occurrence of urosepsis of a treatment with a short course of antibiotics and indwelling urethral catheter replacement in clinically asymptomatic intensive care unit (ICU) patients with a positive urine culture occurring at least 48 h after catheterization. Methods A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted in the medico-surgical ICU of a tertiary care centre. Sixty patients hospitalized in the ICU with an indwelling urethral catheter for longer than 48 h developing an asymptomatic positive urine culture were randomized to receive either a 3-day course of antibiotics associated with the replacement of the indwelling urethral catheter 4 h after first antibiotic administration or no antibiotics, no catheter replacement (standard of care). Results Three patients in each group developed urosepsis (P = 0.1). There were no significant differences in duration of mechanical ventilation between the study group and the standard of care group (9 [4–20] days vs 5 [2–15] days, P = 0.2), in duration of urinary catheterization (22 [11–40] days vs 18 [14–33] days, P = 0.8), or in length of ICU stay (28 [13–46] vs 19 [15–34], P = 0.6). The recurrence of positive urine culture at days 7 and 15 was not affected by the randomization (P = 0.1). The profile of bacterial resistance was similar in the two groups. Conclusions Treating a positive urine culture in an asymptomatic patient with an indwelling urethral catheter does not reduce the occurrence of urosepsis in the medico-surgical ICU. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users Conflict of interest: none Financial support: none     

Safety and efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin prophylaxis in pediatric head trauma patients: A double-blind controlled trial

Infection is one of the major complications of severe head trauma in children. To assess whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) decreases the incidence of secondary infection after head injury in children, a randomized, double-blind trial was performed. Thirty-three children (mean age, 6.67 years; mean injury severity score, 32.8; mean Glasgow coma score, 6.1) with severe head injuries were enrolled; 1 child was excluded, 18 received IVIg, and 14 received the placebo preparation. Four hundred milligrams per kilogram of IVIg or albumin placebo was administered within 48 hours of admission. IgG levels were obtained before the infusion and then 1 week later. Patients were monitored for evidence of infection for the next 21 days. There was a 66% increase in mean IgG levels in the treatment group compared with 45% in the control group (P = .057). One death occurred in the IVIg group and two in the placebo group. No significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia, sepsis, presumed sepsis, or any other type of infection was noted. There was no difference in the number of days on mechanical ventilation or in number of hospital days. There were no side effects. It is concluded that prophylactic administration of commercial IVIg at a dose of 400 mg/kg, although safe, had no effect on the incidence of secondary infections in children with severe head injuries.     

A randomized controlled trial for maintaining peripheral intravenous lock in children

The most effective and safe method of maintaining peripheral intravenous lock in children is an important clinical question that has been identified by the researchers. The results of recent studies comparing saline versus 10 units/ml of heparin saline flush using a 24-gauge catheter in neonatal and pediatric populations are conflicting and inconclusive. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of three flush solutions: normal saline, 1 unit/ml of heparin saline and 10 units/ml of heparin saline for maintaining peripheral intravenous locks in children, and to establish a research-based practice in the study hospital. In a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blind trial, one hundred and twenty-three subjects ranging in age from 1-10 years with 123 intravenous locks were randomly chosen to receive 1 unit/ml of heparin saline, 10 units/ml of heparin saline and normal saline to evaluate length of catheter use, survival rate and incidence of intravenous complications. The study found no statistically significant differences in length of catheter use, estimated catheter survival and the incidence of intravenous complications among the three groups. The group that received 1 unit/ml of heparin saline demonstrated the highest rate of survival. The mean length of catheter use of the group that received 1 unit/ml of heparin saline (49.8 hours) was 17 hours longer than the group that received normal saline (32.5 hours). There are no significant differences among the three types of flushing solution in terms of the catheter longevity and incidence of intravenous complications.     

Endogenous glutamine production in critically ill patients: the effect of exogenous glutamine supplementation

Introduction

Glutamine rate of appearance (R_a) may be used as an estimate of endogenous glutamine production. Recently a technique employing a bolus injection of isotopically labeled glutamine was introduced, with the potential to allow for multiple assessments of the glutamine R_a over time in critically ill patients, who may not be as metabolically stable as healthy individuals. Here the technique was used to evaluate the endogenous glutamine production in critically ill patients in the fed state with and without exogenous glutamine supplementation intravenously.

Methods

Mechanically ventilated patients (n = 11) in the intensive care unit (ICU) were studied on two consecutive days during continuous parenteral feeding. To allow the patients to be used as their own controls, they were randomized for the reference measurement during basal feeding without supplementation, before or after the supplementation period. Glutamine R_a was determined by a bolus injection of ¹³C-glutamine followed by a period of frequent sampling to establish the decay-curve for the glutamine tracer. Exogenous glutamine supplementation was given by intravenous infusion of a glutamine containing dipeptide, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, 0.28 g/kg during 20 hours.

Results

A 14% increase of endogenous glutamine R_a was seen at the end of the intravenous supplementation period as compared to the basal measurements (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The bolus injection technique to measure glutamine R_a to estimate the endogenous production of glutamine in critically ill patients was demonstrated to be useful for repetitive measurements. The hypothesized attenuation of endogenous glutamine production during L-alanyl-L-glutamine infusion given as a part of full nutrition was not seen.     

A randomized controlled trial of adding intravenous corticosteroids to H1 antihistamines in patients with acute urticaria

BackgroundAcute urticaria is a common dermatological condition in emergency departments (EDs). The main therapy involves controlling pruritus with antihistamines. Although guidelines have promoted the use of corticosteroids in addition to H1 antihistamines, well-designed clinical trials evaluating this approach are scarce.MethodsAdult ED patients with acute urticaria and a pruritus score > 5 on a visual analog scale (VAS) were randomized into three groups: (i) IV chlorpheniramine (CPM) treatment, (ii) IV CPM and IV dexamethasone (CPM/Dex) and (iii) IV CPM and IV dexamethasone with oral prednisolone as discharge medication for 5 days (CPM/Dex/Pred). The primary outcomes were self-reported pruritus VAS scores at 60 min after treatment. We also evaluated 1-week and 1-month urticaria activity scores for 7 days and adverse events.ResultsSeventy-five patients (25 per group) were enrolled. The VAS scores of all groups decreased, but no significant difference was found in the VAS scores at 60 min after treatment between patients in the CPM group (n = 25) and those who received both CPM and dexamethasone (n = 50). At the 1-week and 1-month follow-ups, active urticaria (indicated by the urticaria activity score at 7 days) was more prevalent in the CPM/Dex/Pred group (n = 25) than in the control group.ConclusionsThe present study did not find evidence that adding IV dexamethasone improves the treatment of severe pruritus from uncomplicated acute urticaria. Oral corticosteroid therapy may be associated with persistent urticaria activity. Due to the lack of clinical benefits and the potential for side effects, using corticosteroids as an adjunctive treatment is discouraged.     

Active warming of critically ill trauma patients during intrahospital transfer: A prospective, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: Hypothermia in trauma victims is a frequently observed phenomenon in acute care. Known complications of hypothermia are impaired wound healing, cardiac complications, hemodynamic instability, impaired immune function and increased blood loss. We compared active warming versus passive warming in hypothermia in critical-care patients undergoing intrahospital transfer from ICU to computer tomography (CT). METHODS: Thirty critically ill patients were randomized either to an actively warmed group, covered with a carbon-fiber heating blanket (set to 42 degrees C) during the entire transport including the time spent in the CT, or to a passively warmed group, covered with a carbon-fiber heating blanket (switched off) during the entire transport and in the CT. The carbon-fiber blanket was covered with a conventional wool blanket in both groups. Vital parameters and core temperatures were recorded. RESULTS: Patients' characteristics and vital parameters were similar in each treatment group. Initial average core temperature in group A was 36.4 degrees C +/- 0.2 degrees C and remained stable at 36.4 degrees C +/- 0.1 degrees C; core temperature in group B started at 36.4 degrees C +/- 0.2 degrees C but decreased to 34.7 degrees C +/- 0.6 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia is common when critically ill trauma patients require intrahospital transport for diagnostic procedures. Resistive heating during intrahospital transport kept the core temperature stable and assured normothermia in all actively warmed patients. We therefore recommend active warming for critically ill trauma patients during intrahospital transport.     

A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of immediate total-body CT scanning in trauma patients (REACT-2)

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scanning has become essential in the early diagnostic phase of trauma care because of its high diagnostic accuracy. The introduction of multi-slice CT scanners and infrastructural improvements made total-body CT scanning technically feasible and its usage is currently becoming common practice in several trauma centers. However, literature provides limited evidence whether immediate total-body CT leads to better clinical outcome then conventional radiographic imaging supplemented with selective CT scanning in trauma patients. The aim of the REACT-2 trial is to determine the value of immediate total-body CT scanning in trauma patients.

Methods/design

The REACT-2 trial is an international, multicenter randomized clinical trial. All participating trauma centers have a multi-slice CT scanner located in the trauma room or at the Emergency Department (ED). All adult, non-pregnant, severely injured trauma patients according to predefined criteria will be included. Patients in whom direct scanning will hamper necessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation or who require an immediate operation because of imminent death (both as judged by the trauma team leader) are excluded. Randomization will be computer assisted. The intervention group will receive a contrast-enhanced total-body CT scan (head to pelvis) during the primary survey. The control group will be evaluated according to local conventional trauma imaging protocols (based on ATLS guidelines) supplemented with selective CT scanning. Primary outcome will be in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes are differences in mortality and morbidity during the first year post trauma, several trauma work-up time intervals, radiation exposure, general health and quality of life at 6 and 12 months post trauma and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion

The REACT-2 trial is a multicenter randomized clinical trial that will provide evidence on the value of immediate total-body CT scanning during the primary survey of severely injured trauma patients. If immediate total-body CT scanning is found to be the best imaging strategy in severely injured trauma patients it could replace conventional imaging supplemented with CT in this specific group.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: (NCT01523626).     

A randomized controlled trial of folate supplementation when treating malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine

Objectives:     

The effectiveness of valerian acupressure on the sleep of ICU patients: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundSeverely ill patients often experience problems with sleep. Either acupressure or valerian aromatherapy are reported as helpful in promoting sleep.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of valerian acupressure on the sleep of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).DesignA randomized clinical trial.SettingA 42-bed adult intensive care unit.ParticipantsForty-one subjects in the experimental group and 44 subjects in the control group.MethodsThe measurement included observation, and actigraphy measures during 10 pm–6 am, and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) measures on the next morning. Experimental groups received valerian acupressure on the Shenmen, Neiguan, and Yongquan acupoints between 7 pm and 10 pm of the second day while control groups received regular treatment. Heart rate was measured for 5 min before and after valerian acupressure present for HR variability analysis to measure relaxation response.ResultsThe results indicated that after receiving valerian acupressure, patients’ sleeping hours increased, wake frequency reduced and SSS grades declined. The HR variability data indicated relaxation response immediately after valerian acupressure.ConclusionThis study supports the hypothesis that valerian acupressure on the Shenmen, Neiguan, and Yongquan acupoints could improve the sleeping time and quality of ICU patients.     

ICU收治严重创伤57例临床分析

目的对入住ICU的严重创伤患者的创伤原因、部位、预后等进行研究。方法对2002年3月～2004年10月ICU收治的57例严重创伤患者进行回顾性分析研究。结果57例患者中车祸32例,占56.14%,为首位创伤原因,其次为坠落伤。创伤类型以骨折多见,其次为颅脑外伤。死亡组血钾、白细胞、血肌酐、APACHEⅡ评分高于存活组,平均动脉压、血小板计数、哥拉斯哥评分低于存活组。结论车祸是创伤的主要原因,常见的损伤部位为骨骼和颅脑损伤,APACHEⅡ评分对评估患者的预后有一定指导意义,患者的常见死亡原因为休克、颅脑损伤、弥散性血管内凝血和急性肾功能衰竭。     

Watchful waiting versus immediate catheter removal in ICU patients with suspected catheter-related infection: a randomized trial

Objective To find a subset of patients with suspected central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection (CRI) in whom CVC removal is not needed.Design Randomized controlled trial.Setting Thirty-three-bed ICU.Patients and participants One hundred and forty four patients with suspected CRI in which a change of CVCs was planned were evaluated for inclusion.Interventions Hemodynamically stable patients without proven bacteremia, no insertion site infection, and no intravascular foreign body were randomized to a standard-of-care group (SOC, all CVCs were changed as planned) or a watchful waiting group (WW, CVCs changed when bacteremia was subsequently confirmed or hemodynamic instability occurred).Measurement and results Study groups were compared for incidence of CVC-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI), resolution of fever, C-reactive protein, SOFA score, duration of ICU stay, and mortality. Of 144 patients with suspected CRI, 80 patients met exclusion criteria. Sixty-four were randomized. Forty-seven of 80 excluded patients were shown to be bacteremic, 20 (25%) of whom had a CR-BSI. Five of 64 (8%) included patients had a CR-BSI during their subsequent ICU stay (two in SOC and three in WW group). All 38 CVCs were changed in the SOC group versus 16 of 42 in the WW group (62% reduction, P<0.01). Resolution of fever, C-reactive protein, SOFA score, duration of ICU stay, and ICU mortality did not differ between SOC and WW group (P>0.1 for all).Conclusions The use of a simple clinical algorithm permits a substantial decrease in the number of unnecessarily removed CVCs without increased morbidity.An editorial regarding this article can be found in the same issue ()