Septicemias in cancer patients during parenteral nutrition: contributing factors and detection by weekly blood cultures

Infections constitute the main complication of parenteral nutrition, particularly in cancer patients, but prediction of catheter-related septicemias (CRS) has been little investigated. We have evaluated, in 200 consecutive episodes of parenteral nutrition (PN) in cancer patients, the factors contributing to infectious complications, and the predictive value of weekly blood cultures performed through the nutrition catheter. The median duration of PN was 22 days with a total of 5816 patient-days of PN, neutropenia (neutrophils < 1,000/mul) being present in 872 (15%). Catheters were placed either in a jugular vein (71% single-lumen silicone catheters, 18.5% double-lumen Hickman-Broviac catheters) or in a femoral vein (10.5%). We observed 62 episodes of septicemia of which 22 were CRS (11% incidence for the 200 cycles) and 40 were non-CRS (20% incidence); CRS were mostly due to Staphylococcus epidermidis (14 22 ). Neutropenic patients as a group did not suffer more CRS than non-neutropenic patients, but the risk of CRS was slightly increased when expressed per day of neutropenia (8 CRS/872 days vs 14 CRS/4942 days without neutropenia, P < 0.05). On the other hand, a femoral insertion site was associated with a much higher incidence of CRS (9 CRS/21 femoral catheters vs 13 CRS/179 jugular catheters, P < 0.0001). It was possible to evaluate 20 episodes of CRS for their predictability by weekly blood cultures: the sensitivity for detecting CRS due to Staphylococcus epidermidis was 67%, the specificity 92%, the negative predictive value 98% and the positive predictive value 36%. The simple and widely available procedure of routine surveillance blood cultures performed through the PN catheter should be further investigated, because it could help the clinician to determine the origin of recent fever, particularly to exclude CRS and avoid unnecessary removal of PN catheters.     

Low catheter sepsis rate in a hospital-wide nutrition support service

Four hundred and seventy-nine catheters were inserted into 471 patients over a 6 year period for the administration of total parenteral nutrition. Catheter insertion was carried out only by surgical members of the nutrition support service. Complications were recorded prospectively and stored, with all other details of treatment, on a microcomputer. The mechanical complication rate was 6.4% of catheters used and the incidence of catheter related sepsis (CRS) 2.9%. Catheters which grew organisms, but were not associated with CRS, occurred in 3.7% of catheters used. Catheter care was performed by nurses throughout the hospital under the supervision of the nutrition nurse. The results of our work indicate that restriction of catheter care to specialised nurses is unnecessary providing there is staff education and support. In addition, the value of routine catheter tip culture in patients, not suspected of having infection, is questionable.     

Does antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of catheter insertion reduce the incidence of catheter-related sepsis in intravenous nutrition?

Fifty-five patients referred for intravenous nutrition were randomised to receive either vancomycin (500 mg) or no vancomycin immediately before catheter insertion. Catheter insertion and management were standard in all patients. The mean duration of intravenous feeding was similar in both groups (vancomycin: 17.7 +/- 9.6 days; no vancomycin: 16.5 +/- 8.8 days). Overall, the bacteriologically confirmed catheter-related sepsis was 25% and was not reduced by the prophylactic administration of vancomycin.     

Guidewire catheter exchange with triple culture technique in the management of catheter sepsis

We report 70 total parenteral nutrition (TPN) patients who received guidewire catheter exchange for suspected sepsis during their hospitalization. To diagnose catheter-related sepsis (CRS) and catheter infection (CI), we used a system of pre- and postexchange catheter blood cultures and a catheter tip culture. There were 27 catheter exchanges with positive cultures. The rate of definite CRS/CI (eight instances) was 6.8% of catheters exchanged and 3.5% of all catheters at risk. Probable CRS/CI (11 instances) was seen in 9% of exchanged catheters and 5% of at risk catheters. Thus, 19/27 positive cultures were presumed to represent definite or probable CRS/CI. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (SCN) was the most frequently isolated organism. Simple catheter exchange was usually effective treatment of CRS/CI when SCN was the offending organism. The salvage rate of catheters exchanged for suspected sepsis or after a positive blood culture was 84%. Only 7% of exchanged catheters had to be removed. Guidewire exchange with triple culture technique was without mechanical complications. We recommend this technique to monitor central venous catheters in patients receiving TPN since it is simple, essentially painless to perform, and easily interpreted.     

Use of triple-lumen subclavian catheters for administration of total parenteral nutrition.

This study evaluated the safety of triple vs single-lumen catheters in intravenous nutrition. Patients who were judged likely to benefit from a triple-lumen catheter were randomized to receive either a single-lumen catheter, with additional peripheral or central venous access as needed, or a triple-lumen catheter. All patients were at increased risk of catheter-related infection because of one or more of the following conditions: > 60 years of age, breakdown of skin integrity, severe underlying illness, diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, recent head or neck surgery, or presence of a preexisting infection. Patients were excluded who had neutropenia, were immunosuppressed, had body burns > 40%, or had contaminated wounds in the subclavicular area. Of 204 patients entered between June 1989 and November 1991, 177 completed the required > or = 7 days of therapy. Seventy-eight of these patients were randomized to a single-lumen catheter and 99 to a triple-lumen catheter. Catheters were inserted and maintained by the Nutrition Support Team. Dressings were monitored daily and changed weekly using a bio-occlusive dressing. When parameters were met for a possible septic episode, simultaneous peripheral and central catheter blood cultures were obtained using the Isolator method. Catheter-related sepsis was considered present if the colony count from a central catheter lumen was > or = 5 times that of the peripheral blood. The incidence of catheter-related sepsis for single-lumen catheters was 2.6% (2 of 78) compared with 13.1% for triple-lumen catheters (13 of 99) (p < .01). No correlation was found with the number of insertion attempts, catheter days, or patient's age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Conventional and nonconventional modes of vancomycin administration to decontaminate the internal surface of catheters colonized with coagulase-negative staphylococci

Using a quantitative in vitro model simulating clinical conditions, we studied the efficacy of conventional and nonconventional 3-day therapies involving vancomycin for treating the internal surface of catheters colonized with a slime-producing strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. When infused for 1 hr every 8 hr through the catheter at the daily dose recommended for a 10-kg child (450 mg), vancomycin alone reduced bacterial colonization but failed to sterilize the inserts. Vancomycin was more active in combination with netilmicin (25 mg for 1 hr every 8 hr), rifampin (150 mg for 90 min every 12 hr), or fosfomycin (500 mg for 4 hr every 6 hr), but the catheters were inconsistently decontaminated after 3 days of treatment. Two nonconventional modes of antibiotic administration were tested for their capacity to ensure high levels of vancomycin in the catheter lumen over a prolonged time. Vancomycin infused continuously through the catheter at a daily dose of 450 mg had the same poor sterilizing effect as vancomycin administered intermittently. On the contrary, catheters were totally decontaminated when 2.5 mg of vancomycin in a volume of 0.5 ml were injected twice daily into noninfused catheters, confirming that the antibiotic-lock technique is an approach of great interest to sterilize the internal surface of catheters colonized with staphylococci.     

Catheter related sepsis during long-term parenteral nutrition in paediatric gastroenterology patients: a study of 185 consecutive central venous catheters

We report the results of a prospective study of catheter-related sepsis (CRS) in 154 gastroenterology paediatric patients treated for medical (n = 102) or surgical (n = 52) disorders. Over 2 years, 185 central venous catheters (CVC) were placed, including 155 Broviac and 30 Jonathan Shaw CVC. CVC remained in place 13,331 days (6,539 days of cyclic parenteral nutrition), with a mean catheter life of 72 days. Forty-eight episodes of CRS occurred, most of them due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 29) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 17). CRS rate was 0.26, with an overall incidence of 1 infection per 278 days of parenteral nutrition (PN). Factors significantly associated with CRS were: age 1-5 years (p < 0.01), a medical indication for treatment (p < 0.001) and summer months of PN (p < 0.01). Interestingly, CRS occurred predominantly (65%) within the first 2 months following CVC placement and the risk of infection correlated with local haemorrhage at the time of insertion (p < 0.01). Appropriate systemic therapy, without removing the catheter, permitted resolution of 90.9% (40 44 ) of all CRS and 100% (28 28 ) of CRS due to coagulase-negative staphylococci.     

Implication of a distant septic focus in parenteral nutrition catheter colonization

During a 4-year period, 244 surgical patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were studied with emphasis on the relationship between TPN catheter colonization and a preexisting distant septic focus (DSF). A colonized catheter was defined as a catheter with a positive semiquantitative culture of the catheter tip (greater than or equal to 15 colonies on the plate). Catheter-related sepsis (CRS) was defined as a catheter with either the same organisms cultured from the catheter tip and from blood or with defervescence following catheter removal. Two hundred sixty-nine catheters were inserted for TPN for a total of 4433 patient days, with a mean length of stay of 16.5 days. Forty-two of the 269 catheters (15.6%) were colonized and more than half (57.1%) of the organisms cultured were Gram-negative bacilli or enterococci. Nineteen of the 42 colonized catheters were associated with CRS with a CRS rate of 7.1% among the 269 catheters. A DSF was present in 165 of the 244 patients or in 188 of the 269 catheters (69.9%). The colonization rate of 19.1% (36/188) in those catheters with DSF was significantly higher than that of 7.4% (6/81) in those without DSF (p less than 0.05). Those patients with DSF or with a colonized catheter were associated with a high mortality (p less than 0.001). Sepsis was responsible for 33 of the 48 patients (68.8%) who died. The data stress the important contribution of DSF to the colonization of TPN catheters and to the mortality of these critically ill surgical patients.     

Central catheter fibrin sleeve--heparin effect

Intravascular abnormalities were well documented with central venous catheters. A prospective randomized study was undertaken to assess the actual incidence of such abnormalities with a silicone catheter and the effect of heparin in small doses on the formation of such abnormalities. Silicone catheters placed via the subclavian route were inserted for intravenous nutritional support. A standard solution of 5% amino acid and 20 to 25% dextrose was utilized and patients were randomized to receive 1000 units of heparin per liter or no heparin. Catheter venograms were performed at the conclusion of therapy. Thirty-four patients were completed with 17 patients in the heparin group and 17 in the control group. There was obvious fibrin sleeve formation in nine of 17 (53%) in the heparin group and 11 of 17 (65%) in the control group. The duration of catheter stay correlates with the incidence of intravascular fibrin sleeve formation. Intravascular reactions to central catheters occur, regardless of catheter compositions, and result in fibrinous material adherent to the venous wall. Low doses of heparin do not eradicate this problem. Although fibrin sleeve formation was a significant problem, there was no incidence of central venous thrombosis when silicone catheters were utilized.     

Randomized multi-centre trial of the effects of a catheter coated with hydrogel and silver salts on the incidence of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections

Catheters coated with hydrogel and silver salts have been proposed to prevent hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI). We carried out a randomized, prospective, double-blind multi-centre trial to compare those catheters with classical urinary tract catheters. We included in the study 199 patients requiring urethral catheterization for more than three days: 109 in group 1 (classical catheter) and 90 in group 2 (catheter coated with hydrogel and silver salts). Urine from the patients was tested for 10 days after the insertion of the catheter (reactive dipsticks each day and diagnostic urinalysis every two days). The UTI associated with catheterization was defined on the basis of bacterial and cytological criteria (>10(5)cfu bacteria per mL and >10 leucocytes per mm(3)). Twenty-two UTIs were recorded: 13 in group 1 and nine in group 2. The cumulative incidence of UTI associated with catheterization was 11.1% overall, 11.9% for group 1 and 10% for group 2; the odds ratio was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.30 to 2. 20); the cumulative incidence for UTI, calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 36.3 overall, 35.2 in group 1 and 36.0 in group 2; the overall incidence density was 19 per thousand days of catheterization, 21 in group 1 and 18 in group 2. The differences between the two groups were not significant. Overall, we feel that there is not enough evidence to conclude that catheters coated with silver salts and hydrogel give greater protection than classical catheters and to recommend widespread use.     

Peripheral Teflon catheters: factors determining incidence of phlebitis and duration of cannulation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related phlebitis is a frequent problem in the clinical setting. Risk factors for catheter-related phlebitis were assessed at a single tertiary-care institution where no routine change policy for peripheral intravenous catheters is in place. METHODS: In a nonrandomized, observational trial, peripheral intravenous Teflon catheters were inserted in patients with a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumor, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, other serious infection, or autoimmune disorder. Underlying disease, age, white blood cell count at the time of insertion, physician placing the catheter, catheter bore, duration of cannulation, reason for removal of the catheter, and visual inspection of the insertion site were recorded. RESULTS: Four hundred twelve catheters were inserted in 175 patients. The number of catheterizations per episode varied between 1 and 7. Three hundred sixty-four (88.3%) catheter placements were evaluable. The mean duration of cannulation was 4.2 days. The overall incidence of phlebitis was 12.9%. Catheters in leukopenic patients showed a longer duration of cannulation compared with catheters in nonleukopenic patients, but no difference regarding the phlebitis rate. CONCLUSION: Findings in this study partly contrast with data reported in the literature. In particular, leukopenia, female gender, prolonged duration of cannulation, antibiotics, and choice of insertion site could not be shown to be risk factors.     

直肠癌Miles手术留置尿管拔除后快速排尿方法的探讨

目的:探讨直肠癌Miles手术后硫酸庆大霉素膀胱冲洗预防尿潴留,促进快速排尿的护理干预效果。方法:将60例直肠癌行Miles手术患者随机分为实验组30例和对照组30例,拔除尿管前实验组行0.9%生理盐水+硫酸庆大霉素膀胱冲洗,对照组行常规夹闭尿管,患者形成尿意后拔管,观察并比较两组拔尿管后首次排尿时间及拔管后尿路刺激情况。结果:实验组拔管后有尿路刺激症状的例数明显少于对照组(P<0.01);首次排尿时间在30 min以内的,实验组26例,对照组2例,两组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论:直肠癌Miles手术后拔除尿管前,先行35℃~37℃的0.9%生理盐水500ml加硫酸庆大霉素膀胱冲洗,可促进拔管后快速排尿,有效预防尿潴留的发生,同时避免再次插尿管给病人带来痛苦。     

Vascular catheter-related sepsis: diagnosis and prevention.

Although catheter-related sepsis (CRS) is an important cause of nosocomial infection and the major complication of intravenous catheter use, there is, as yet, no consensus concerning either a useful definition of CRS or the optimal method of catheter management and prevention of infection. Semiquantitative culture of catheter tips is a useful method of diagnosis of CRS but other techniques such as quantitative catheter blood cultures and Gram staining of the catheter have roles in selected patients. The most significant impact on the prevention of CRS is made by the introduction of an intravenous therapy team. The site and method of catheter insertion, type of dressing and antisepsis, catheter flushing and use of prophylactic antibiotics are also important issues. Techniques such as guide-wire exchange and catheters such as triple lumen and total implantable venous access devices have their own infection problems. Many new and interesting approaches to the prevention of CRS are being formulated. To facilitate further progress, a standardized definition for diagnosis, and revised recommendations for prevention of CRS would be helpful.     

Complications and cost associated with parenteral nutrition delivered to hospitalized patients through either subclavian or peripherally-inserted central catheters

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is typically delivered through catheters inserted into the superior vena cava (SVC) via a subclavian or internal jugular vein approach. A peripherally-inserted central venous catheter (PICC), utilizing a cephalic or basilic venous approach, may provide a safe alternative to the standard catheter approach and, because non-physician providers can insert the PICC, may introduce a potential cost-savings to health care institutions. We sought to determine if PICC lines are safer and more cost-effective than the standard central venous catheter approach for hospitalized patients who require TPN. METHODS: One hundred and two hospitalized patients (age range, 18-88 years) who required TPN were prospectively randomized to receive therapy via a centrally-inserted subclavian catheter (n=51) or a peripherally-inserted PICC line (n=51). The primary end-point was the development of a complication requiring catheter removal. Other end-points included catheter infection and thrombophlebitis. Cost associated with insertion and maintenance of each catheter was also studied. RESULTS: Complication-free delivery rate (without the need to remove or replace the catheter) was 67% for subclavian catheters and 46% for PICC lines (P<0.05). The overall infection rate was 4.9 per 1000 catheter days and was similar for each catheter type (P=0.68). PICC lines were associated with higher rates of clinically-evident thrombophlebitis (P<0.01), difficult insertion attempts (P<0.05), and malposition on insertion (P<0.05). No catheter complications resulted in significant long-term morbity or mortality. No significant difference was noted between the two catheter types in terms of aborted insertion attempts (P=0.18), dislodgement (P=0.12), or line occlusion (P=0.25). After standardizing costs for each hospital, the direct institutional costs for insertion and maintenance of PICC lines (US$22.32+/-2.74 per day) was greater than that for subclavian lines (US$16.20+/-2.96 per day;P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PICC catheters have higher thrombophlebitis rates and are more difficult to insert into certain patients when compared to the standard subclavian approach for central venous access in hospitalized patients who require TPN. Because of this, PICCs may be less cost-effective than currently believed because of the difficulty in inserting and maintaining the catheter.     

A randomized, controlled trial of a new vascular catheter flush solution (minocycline-EDTA) in temporary hemodialysis access.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We previously demonstrated that minocycline-EDTA was efficacious at preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) in three patients with recurrent infections. This study compared heparin with minocycline-EDTA as flush solutions used among dialysis patients with central venous catheters, a high-risk group for catheter-related BSI. METHODS: Patients were enrolled within 72 hours of catheter insertion and randomized to receive heparin or minocycline-EDTA as a flush after each dialysis session. Each syringe containing flush solution was wrapped in orange plastic to conceal the type of solution it contained. Patients were observed for evidence of infection and catheter thrombosis. After catheters were removed, cultures were performed to determine whether microbial colonization had occurred. RESULTS: During a 14-month period, 60 patients were enrolled (30 in each group). The two groups had similar demographics and underlying diseases. Catheter survival at 90 days was 83% for the minocycline-EDTA group versus 66% for the heparin group (P = .07). Significant catheter colonization, a surrogate measure of catheter-related infection, was significantly more frequent in the heparin group (9 of 14 vs 1 of 11; P = .005). There was only one catheter-related bacteremia and it occurred in the heparin group. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with heparin, minocycline-EDTA had a better 90-day catheter survival (P = .07) and a decreased rate of catheter colonization. This pilot study warrants a larger prospective, randomized trial.     

Efficacy of antiseptic-impregnated catheters on catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients in an intensive care unit

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of central venous catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulphadiazine on the incidence of colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients. One hundred and thirty-three patients requiring central venous catheterization were chosen at random to receive either an antiseptic-impregnated triple-lumen catheter (N=64) or a standard triple-lumen catheter (N=69). The mean (SD) durations of catheterization for the antiseptic and standard catheters were 11.7 (5.8) days (median 10; range 3-29) and 8.9 (4.6) days (median 8.0; range 3-20), respectively (P=0.006). Fourteen (21.9%) of the antiseptic catheters and 14 (20.3%) of the standard catheters had been colonized at the time of removal (P=0.834). Four cases (6.3%) of catheter-related bloodstream infection were associated with antiseptic catheters and one case (1.4%) was associated with a standard catheter (P=0.195). The catheter colonization rates were 18.7/1000 catheter-days for the antiseptic catheter group and 22.6/1000 catheter-days for the standard catheter group (P=0.640). The catheter-related bloodstream infection rates were 5.3/1000 catheter-days for the antiseptic catheter group and 1.6/1000 catheter-days for the standard catheter group (P=0.452). In conclusion, our results indicate that the use of antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters has no effect on the incidence of either catheter colonization or catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients.     

Bloodstream infections among patients using central venous catheters in intensive care units

Central Venous Catheters (CVC), widely used in Intensive Care Units (ICU) are important sources of bloodstream infections (BSI). This prospective cohort epidemiological analytical study, aimed to infer the incidence of BSI, the risk factors associated and evaluate the care actions related to the use of these catheters in seven ICU in the Federal District--Brasília, Brazil. From the 630 patients using CVC, 6.4% developed BSI (1.5% directly related to the catheter and 4.9% clinic BSI). The hospitalization term was 3.5 times greater among these patients. Different modalities of catheter insertion and antiseptic substances use were observed. Time of CVC permanence was significantly associated to infection incidence (p<1x10(-8)) as well as the right subclavian access and double-lumen catheters. Patients with neurological disorders and those submitted to tracheotomy were the most affected. We suggest the organization of a "catheter group" aiming to standardize procedures related to the use of catheters in order to reduce the hospitalization term and hospital costs.     

Multipurpose central venous access in the immunocompromised pediatric patient

During a 21-month period, 50 consecutive pediatric oncology patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation and/or cytoreductive chemotherapy had 61 silastic central venous catheters placed to facilitate their therapy. All catheters were used for medications, routine blood sampling, and transfusions, with 45% also used for hyperalimentation and 57% used for bone marrow transplantation. Catheters were utilized during both inpatient and outpatient therapy periods. Total catheter days numbered 8455, an average of 139 days per catheter. Forty-seven catheters (77%) were removed electively or were in place at time of patient death. Seven were removed for mechanical complications (1/1409 catheter days). Four additional episodes of presumed catheter sepsis were managed with antibiotics and did not require catheter removal (40% of septic episodes). One catheter is still in place after 585 days. Complication rates were not influenced by this multiple use protocol. With standardized catheter care and surveillance, multipurpose, long-term central venous access can be safely utilized in the immunosuppressed pediatric patient.     

Catheter-related infection in patients on home parenteral nutrition: results of a prospective survey

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is the most frequent complication during home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We prospectively assessed incidence and catheter-related sepsis (CRS)-associated factors in the 42 adult patients enrolled in our HPN centre since its opening. METHODS: Age, frequency of infusions, CVC type, autonomy or nurse/family aid, underlying disease, involved infectious organism(s), hospital stay, efficacy of antibiotic-lock and other infectious complications, were studied. RESULTS: CRS occurred 39 times (3/1000 days of HPN). In 37/39 cases, it was proven by both peripheral and central blood cultures. In 56% of patients, clinical signs were discrete, delaying diagnosis. Individual factors like learning potency, underlying disease (especially chronic intestinal obstruction with bacterial overgrowth), and length of remaining colon and small intestine, were slightly associated with higher CRS incidence. Usually, one organism (S. epidermidis; 51%) was detected. A total of 14 CVC were immediately removed. In the others, antibiotic-lock was more effective in patients having tunnelled catheters (TC, 50%) than implanted devices (25%; P<0.05). Mean hospital stay was 22+/-15 days, which was influenced by 3 patients presenting associated osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: CRS incidence was 3/1000 days of HPN. Clinical symptoms were often discrete, suggesting importance of rigorous survey. Individual apprenticeship and risk for higher bacterial translocation seem associated to higher CRS incidence. CVC sterilization was more frequent in patients with TC.     

Ethanol flush for the prevention of catheter occlusion

Catheter occlusion by lipid material has been associated with the use of compounded nutrient solutions containing lipid. We have studied the incidence of catheter occlusion when either a saline or an ethanol flush has been used prior to the application of a heparin lock following an overnight infusion of such nutrients. Lipid occlusion occured in 13 of 23 catheters when a saline flush preceeded the application of a heparin lock, whereas the use of a 20% ethanol solution before the application of the heparin lock resulted in only 2 occlusoins in 28 catheters (p < 0.001). In addition there was significantly longer catheter survival in the ethanol group (p < 0.01). It is concluded that an ethanol flush may significantly reduce the incidence of catheter occlusion during the use of lipid mixes.