Comparative Effectiveness of Two Catheter Locking Solutions to Reduce Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and objectives

Infection is the second leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. Catheter-related bloodstream infection and infection-related mortality have not improved in this population over the past two decades. This study evaluated the impact of a prophylactic antibiotic lock solution on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection and mortality.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study compared the effectiveness of two catheter locking solutions (gentamicin/citrate versus heparin) in 555 hemodialysis patients dialyzing with a tunneled cuffed catheter between 2008 and 2011. The groups were not mutually exclusive. Rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection and mortality hazards were compared between groups.

Results

The study population (n=555 and 1350 catheters) had a median age of 62 years (interquartile range=41–83 years), with 50% men and 71% black. There were 427 patients evaluable in the heparin period (84,326 days) and 322 patients evaluable in the antibiotic lock period (71,192 days). Catheter-related bloodstream infection in the antibiotic lock period (0.45/1000 catheter days) was 73% lower than the heparin period (1.68/1000 catheter days; P=0.001). Antibiotic lock use was associated with a decreased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection compared with heparin (risk ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.13 to 0.38 after multivariate adjustment). Cox proportional hazards modeling found that antibiotic lock was associated with a reduction in mortality (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.22 to 0.58 in unadjusted analyses; hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.75 after multivariate adjustment). The rate of gentamicin-resistant organisms decreased (0.40/1000 person-years to 0.22/1000 person-years) in the antibiotic lock period (P=0.01).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the use of a prophylactic, gentamicin/citrate lock was associated with a substantial reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infection and is the first to report a survival advantage of antibiotic lock in a population at high risk of infection-related morbidity and mortality.     

The Spectrum of Infections in Catheter-Dependent Hemodialysis Patients

Summary

Background and objectives

Catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients may develop access-related and nonaccess-related infections that may be managed in the outpatient arena or in the hospital. The goal of this study was to quantify infections in such patients, to characterize their clinical presentations, and to evaluate factors determining need for hospitalization.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We collected prospective data on the clinical management of catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients with suspected infection at a large dialysis center. We documented the presenting symptoms, type of infection, pathogen, and whether hospitalization occurred.

Results

An infection was suspected in 305 separate cases and confirmed in 88%. The 268 diagnosed infections included catheter-related bacteremia (69%), another access-related infection (19%), and nonaccess-related infection (12%). The overall frequency of infection was 4.62 per 1000 catheter-days. Hospitalization occurred in 37% of all infections, but it varied greatly (72% for nonaccess-related infection, 34% for catheter-related bacteremia, and 4% for exit-site infection). Among patients with catheter-related bacteremia, the likelihood of hospitalization varied by pathogen, being 53% for Staphylococcus aureus, 30% for Enterococcus, 23% for Staphylococcus epidermidis, and 17% for gram-negative rods (P < 0.001). The likelihood of hospitalization was not associated with age, gender, or diabetes. Fever was a presenting symptom in only 47% of cases of catheter-related bacteremia.

Conclusions

Catheter-dependent patients have a high burden of infection. It is important to evaluate patients with suspected infection for various access-related and nonaccess-related infections. A low threshold is indicated for suspecting catheter-related bacteremia because the patients frequently present without fever.     

Does Heparin Coating Improve Patency or Reduce Infection of Tunneled Dialysis Catheters?

Background and objectives: Tunneled dialysis catheters are prone to frequent malfunction and infection. Catheter thrombosis occurs despite prophylactic anticoagulant locks. Catheter thrombi may also serve as a nidus for catheter infection, thereby increasing the risk of bacteremia. Thus, heparin coating of catheters may reduce thrombosis and infection. This study evaluated whether heparin-coated hemodialysis catheters have fewer infections or greater cumulative survival than noncoated catheters.Design, setting, participants, & measurements: We retrospectively queried a prospective access database to analyze the outcomes of 175 tunneled dialysis catheters placed in the internal jugular vein, including 89 heparin-coated catheters and 86 noncoated catheters. The primary outcome was cumulative catheter survival, and the secondary outcome was infection-free catheter survival.Results: The two patient groups were similar in demographics and clinical and catheter features. Catheter-related bacteremia occurred less frequently with heparin-coated catheters than with noncoated catheters (34 versus 60%, P < 0.001). Cumulative catheter survival was similar in heparin-coated and noncoated catheters (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.55 to 1.36; P = 0.53). On multiple variable survival analysis including catheter type, age, sex, diabetes, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, catheter location, and previous catheter, only catheter location predicted cumulative catheter survival (hazard ratio, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.25, with the right internal jugular location being the reference group, P = 0.003). The frequency of thrombolytic instillation was 1.8 per 1000 catheter-days in both groups.Conclusions: Heparin coating decreases the frequency of catheter-related bacteremia but does not reduce the frequency of catheter malfunction.The two major complications of hemodialysis catheters are thrombosis and infection (1). To prevent catheter thrombosis, an anticoagulant (heparin or citrate) is instilled into both catheter lumens at the end of each dialysis session (2). When a catheter clots despite the anticoagulant lock, a thrombolytic agent [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase] is instilled into the catheter lumens. If the thrombolytic agent is unable to restore catheter patency, the catheter is exchanged over a guidewire.Because catheter thrombosis occurs despite instillation of an anticoagulant lock solution, an alternative approach is to coat the surface of the catheter with heparin. Preliminary short-term observations suggest that heparin-coated catheters are less thrombogenic than noncoated catheters (3). However, there are no published clinical studies comparing the long-term patency of heparin-coated and noncoated catheters in hemodialysis patients.Bacteremia is the second major complication of dialysis catheters. It arises from the bacterial biofilm that forms on the inner surface of the catheter after its insertion in the central vein (4). Catheter-related bacteremia is treated with systemic antibiotics in conjunction with catheter removal, guidewire catheter exchange, or instillation of an antibiotic lock into the catheter lumen after each dialysis session (1). The intraluminal thrombus acts as a nidus for the catheter biofilm, and in vitro studies have shown decreased adherence of bacteria to heparin-coated catheters compared with noncoated catheters (5). Moreover, two randomized clinical trials in hospitalized patients with short-term, nontunneled central vein catheters found a lower risk of catheter-related bacteremia in patients with heparin-coated catheters (5,6).The goal of this study was to determine whether heparin-coated dialysis catheters reduce the risk of catheter dysfunction and infection compared with noncoated catheters.     

Early Failure of Dialysis Access among the Elderly in the Era of Fistula First

Background and objectives

Recent evidence indicates that fistula maturation and patency may be compromised in the elderly dialysis population compared with younger patients. The objective of this study was to characterize the short-term outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis access in the Medicare population.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This was a retrospective cohort study performed using Medicare Part A and B claims data from 2006 through 2011. The study population included 16,464 dialysis-dependent patients age ≥66 years undergoing arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft creation. The primary outcome measure was incidence of repeat fistula/graft creation and tunneled catheter placements in the 12 months after arteriovenous fistula and graft creation.

Results

In the 12 months postindex fistula/graft, the mortality in the fistula group was 28.2% versus 29.9% in the graft group (P=0.03). A repeat fistula/graft creation was required in 26.9% of patients in the fistula group and 16.7% in the graft group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who required a tunneled hemodialysis catheter in the 12 months after an index fistula creation (fistula 28.4% versus graft 27.3%, P=0.19). In the index fistula group, 44.4% of patients required a repeat fistula/graft creation and/or a tunneled catheter, compared with 33.7% in the graft group (P<0.001). At 365 days after the index fistula/graft, the repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival was 39.7% in the fistula group versus 46.0% in the graft group (P<0.001). Index fistula was associated with a higher risk of loss of repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival with an odds ratio of 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.24).

Conclusions

Fistulas were associated with a somewhat lower mortality than grafts in the first 12 months after creation. However, the incidence of repeat fistula/graft creation and tunneled catheter placement is substantially higher in the first 12 months after fistula creation compared with grafts. One-year repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival is lower after fistula creation than grafts.     

Mobility therapy and central or peripheral catheter-related adverse events in an ICU in Brazil

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether mobility therapy is associated with central or peripheral catheter-related adverse events in critically ill patients in an ICU in Brazil.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of the daily medical records of patients admitted to the Clinical Emergency ICU of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas Central Institute between December of 2009 and April of 2011. In addition to the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, we collected data related to central venous catheters (CVCs), hemodialysis (HD) catheters and indwelling arterial catheters (IACs): insertion site; number of catheter days; and types of adverse events. We also characterized the mobility therapy provided.

RESULTS:

Among the 275 patients evaluated, CVCs were used in 49%, HD catheters were used in 26%, and IACs were used in 29%. A total of 1,268 mobility therapy sessions were provided to patients while they had a catheter in place. Catheter-related adverse events occurred in 20 patients (a total of 22 adverse events): 32%, infection; 32%, obstruction; and 32%, accidental dislodgement. We found that mobility therapy was not significantly associated with any catheter-related adverse event, regardless of the type of catheter employed: CVC-OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-1.0; p = 0.14; HD catheter-OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89-1.21; p = 0.56; or IAC-OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.94-3.23; p = 0.07.

CONCLUSIONS:

In critically ill patients, mobility therapy is not associated with the incidence of adverse events involving CVCs, HD catheters, or IACs.     

Reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infection rates in a neonatal intensive care unit after implementation of a multidisciplinary evidence-based quality improvement collaborative: A four-year surveillance

BACKGROUND:

The use of central venous catheters has permitted lifesaving treatment for critically ill neonates; however, the attributable mortality rate for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) has been estimated to be between 4% and 20%. In 2006/2007, the authors’ neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had a CLABSI rate that was nearly twofold higher than that reported by other Canadian NICUs.

OBJECTIVE:

To implement a quality improvement collaborative to reduce the incidence of neonatal CLABSI.

METHODS:

A retrospective observational study was performed to compare CLABSI in neonates admitted to the authors’ level III NICU between August 2007 and March 2011. The entire study period was divided into four time periods to evaluate secular trends. A comprehensive catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention initiative was implemented in August 2007. The initiatives included staff education, standardization of skin preparation protocol, introduction of new antiseptic agents, implementation of central catheter insertion and maintenance checklists, reinforcement of the use of maximal sterile barrier precautions, and revision of the central catheter configuration and maintenance protocols.

RESULTS:

The median CLABSI rate of 7.9 per 1000 catheter days at the beginning of the study (period 1 [August 2007 to June 2008]) gradually decreased over the entire study period (P=0.034): period 2 (July 2008 to May 2009), 3.3 per 1000 catheter days; period 3 (June 2009 to April 2010), 2.6 per 1000 catheter days; and period 4 (May 2010 to March 2011), 2.2 per 1000 catheter days.

CONCLUSION:

A multidisciplinary evidence-based quality improvement collaborative resulted in a significant reduction in the CLABSI rate. Continuous quality improvement measures are required to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections among low-birth-weight infants.     

Clinical Outcomes of Dialysis Catheter–Related Candidemia in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and objectives: Candidemia is a rare complication in catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients. As a result, there is uncertainty about its optimal medical management. The goal of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-related candidemia managed with two different strategies: Guidewire exchange of the infected catheter versus removal with delayed replacement.Design, setting, participants, & measurements: We retrospectively queried a prospective, computerized vascular access database to identify 40 hemodialysis patients with catheter-related candidemia. All patients underwent treatment with antifungal medications for 2 wk, in conjunction with guidewire catheter exchange or catheter removal with delayed replacement. The primary outcomes were major complications, recurrent candidemia, and patient survival.Results: Candidemia represented approximately 2% of all cases of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Of the 40 patients with candidemia, 27 underwent guidewire catheter exchange and 13 had prompt catheter removal with delayed replacement. The two treatment groups were similar in demographic, clinical, and catheter characteristics. Only 1 (2.5%) patient developed a serious complication (endophthalmitis). Recurrence of candidemia within 3 mo was observed in 15% of each treatment group. Patient survival at 6 mo was similar in both groups.Conclusions: Catheter-related candidemia is rare in hemodialysis patients and has a low complication rate. Catheter exchange over a guidewire in conjunction with antifungal therapy is an effective and safe treatment regimen.Candidemia is a widely recognized nosocomial infection in non-neutropenic hospitalized patients with intravascular catheters (1,2). It can be complicated by osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, central nervous system candidiasis, and endophthalmitis (3). Systemic antifungal agents do not eradicate the Candida catheter biofilm (4), suggesting that the central vein catheter should be removed in patients with catheter-related candidemia. Several large, prospective studies observed a shorter duration of candidemia, better clinical outcomes, and lower mortality when the central vein catheter was removed or replaced (1,2,5–7). These observations form the basis of the current guidelines, which recommend removing the intravascular catheter to eradicate the source of candidemia (3).Candidemia is a relatively uncommon complication of hemodialysis catheters; therefore, there are no large series describing its frequency, complications, or optimal medical management. Dialysis catheter–related candidemia is typically treated with an antifungal drug in conjunction with catheter removal and delayed placement of a new, tunneled dialysis catheter. This strategy creates hardship in managing the patient''s dialysis, because it requires placement of a temporary dialysis catheter. In patients with dialysis catheter–related bacteremia, exchange of the infected tunneled catheter for a new one over a guidewire can achieve a high cure rate while simplifying access management (8–12). It is unknown whether this strategy is effective and safe for management of dialysis catheter–related candidemia.The goal of this study was to evaluate the frequency and medical complications of dialysis catheter–related candidemia. In addition, we evaluated whether guidewire exchange of the infected tunneled catheter is a viable alternative to catheter removal with delayed replacement.     

Prevention of hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection using an antimicrobial lock.

Among currently available vascular access options for hemodialysis, central venous catheters show the poorest reliability, with frequent complications of thrombosis and stenosis impairing patency. The most serious problem, however, is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI), which is typically a cause for removal of the catheter and protracted systemic antibiotic therapy. In our experience, a totally implanted device (Dialock, Biolink Corp.) seems to confer a better global protection against catheter-related infections than standard tunneled catheters, accounting for 0.97 vs. 4.75 infection episodes/1,000 catheter-days, respectively (p < 0.001). Bloodstream infection rates, however, are not statistically different in the two groups (0.85 vs. 0.81 per 1,000 catheter-days; p = n.s.), indicating that the improvement is mainly related to local cutaneous infections. On the other hand, in the Sodemann experience, a new taurolidine-based lock solution (Neutrolin, Biolink Corp.) greatly reduced CRBI rates with both subcutaneous ports and tunneled catheters to 0.29 and 0.20 episodes/1,000 catheter-days, respectively. These promising results await further confirmation from ongoing clinical trials.     

Initial Vascular Access Type in Patients with a Failed Renal Transplant

Background and objectives

Permanent hemodialysis vascular access is crucial for RRT in ESRD patients and patients with failed renal transplants, because central venous catheters are associated with greater risk of infection and mortality than arteriovenous fistulae or arteriovenous grafts. The objective of this study was to determine the types of vascular access used by patients initiating hemodialysis after a failed renal transplant.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data from the US Renal Data System database on 16,728 patients with a failed renal transplant and 509,643 patients with native kidney failure who initiated dialysis between January 1, 2006, and September 30, 2011 were examined.

Results

At initiation of dialysis, of patients with a failed transplant, 27.7% (n=4636) used an arteriovenous fistula, 6.9% (n=1146) used an arteriovenous graft, and 65.4% (n=10,946) used a central venous catheter. Conversely, 80.8% (n=411,997) of patients with native kidney failure initiated dialysis with a central venous catheter (P<0.001). Among patients with a failed transplant, predictors of central venous catheter use included women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.63 to 1.87), lack of referral to a nephrologist (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.72 to 2.33), diabetes (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.22), peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 1.48), and being institutionalized (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.89). Factors associated with lower odds of central venous catheter use included older age (odds ratio, 0.85 per 10 years; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 0.87), public insurance (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 0.80), and current employment (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.80 to 0.95).

Conclusions

Central venous catheters are used in nearly two thirds of failed renal transplant patients. These patients are usually followed closely by transplant physicians before developing ESRD after a failed transplant, but the relatively low prevalence of arteriovenous fistulae/arteriovenous grafts in this group at initiation of dialysis needs to be investigated more thoroughly.     

经皮颈内静脉长期导管在老年维持性血液透析患者中的临床应用

目的：探讨经皮颈内静脉长期导管在老年维持性血液透析患者中的应用及其常见并发症的防治。方法对2009年12月至2012年12月在中南大学湘雅医院行经皮颈内静脉长期置管的15例维持性血液透析老年患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,观察置管术后情况、导管的使用情况、常见并发症的防治、透析充分性评价等。结果（1）实施颈内静脉长期置管18例次,其中3例为重新置管,置管成功率100%。（2）导管相关并发症：2例患者术后1周内出现置管处局部渗血;1例出现导管出口感染,2例发生导管相关性血流感染;3例患者出现导管血栓形成;2例诊断导管纤维鞘形成;1例因人为损坏出现导管破裂。经过相应处理后均使问题得到解决。（3）导管使用期限：本组患者长期导管使用时间为4～41个月,除1例死亡（原因为脑出血）,3例为重新置管,余患者仍继续使用。（4）透析充分性评价：15例患者平均尿素下降率为72%,平均尿素清除指数达1.54。结论对于血管条件差无法建立动静脉内瘘的老年血透患者,使用颈内静脉长期导管行血液透析可以达到充分透析;提高置管及导管护理技术、加强健康宣教,能延长导管使用年限,减少导管并发症。     

Duration of antibiotic therapy for critically ill patients with bloodstream infections: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND:

The optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for bloodstream infections is unknown and understudied.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients with bloodstream infections diagnosed in a tertiary care hospital between March 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 was undertaken. The impact of patient, pathogen and infectious syndrome characteristics on selection of shorter (≤10 days) or longer (>10 days) treatment duration, and on the number of antibiotic-free days, was examined. The time profile of clinical response was evaluated over the first 14 days of treatment. Relapse, secondary infection and mortality rates were compared between those receiving shorter or longer treatment.

RESULTS:

Among 100 critically ill patients with bloodstream infection, the median duration of antibiotic treatment was 11 days, but was highly variable (interquartile range 4.5 to 17 days). Predictors of longer treatment (fewer antibiotic-free days) included foci with established requirements for prolonged treatment, underlying respiratory tract focus, and infection with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas species. Predictors of shorter treatment (more antibiotic-free days) included vascular catheter source and bacteremia with coagulase-negative staphylococci. Temperature improvements plateaued after the first week; white blood cell counts, multiple organ dysfunction scores and vasopressor dependence continued to decline into the second week. Among 72 patients who survived to 10 days, clinical outcomes were similar between those receiving shorter and longer treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Antibiotic treatment durations for patients with bloodstream infection are highly variable and often prolonged. A randomized trial is needed to determine the duration of treatment that will maximize cure while minimizing adverse consequences of antibiotics.     

Dialysis Modality and Mortality in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives

Identifying the appropriate choice between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an unresolved issue in elderly patients with ESRD, who are at high risk for death but have a low chance of receiving kidney transplantation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data on 13,065 incident dialysis Korean patients (age≥65 years) receiving HD (n=10,675) or PD (n=2390) were obtained from the Korean Health Insurance dataset. Multiple statistical approaches, including the multivariate Cox model, were used to compare mortality between Korean patients receiving PD and those receiving HD. Subsequently, meta-analysis of previous comparison studies (published since the year 2000; population-based studies) and the Korean dataset was performed.

Results

During a mean duration of 1.8±1.3 years (maximum of 5 years), the Korean PD group had a higher mortality rate than the Korean HD group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.13 to 1.28]; P<0.001 by multivariate Cox model). The discrepancy between the two modalities was greater in the presence of certain conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or longer dialysis duration. In the meta-analysis, 15 studies involving >631,421 elderly patients were reviewed. Compared with HD, the pooled HR with PD was 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20). When the meta-analysis was stratified by confounding factors, the survival benefit from HD was particularly strong in subgroups that had diabetes mellitus, had long dialysis duration (>1 year), or contained cohorts starting dialysis in the 1990s.

Conclusions

A meta-analysis that included results in Korean patients suggests a higher risk for death in elderly patients receiving PD than in those receiving HD.     

Use of tunneled femoral catheters to prevent catheter-related infection. A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The risk for catheter-related infection seems higher with femoral catheters than with catheters inserted at other sites. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of catheter tunneling on femoral catheter-related infection in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Three intensive care units at academic hospitals in Paris, France. PATIENTS: 345 adult patients requiring a femoral venous catheter for more than 48 hours. INTERVENTION: Tunneled or nontunneled femoral catheters. MEASUREMENTS: Time to occurrence of systemic catheter-related sepsis, catheter-related bloodstream infection, and quantitative catheter tip culture with a cutoff of 10(3) colony-forming units/mL. RESULTS: Of 345 randomly assigned patients, 336 were evaluable. Probable systemic catheter-related sepsis occurred in 15 of 168 patients who received a nontunneled femoral catheter (controls) and in 5 of 168 patients who received a tunneled femoral catheter (estimated absolute risk reduction, 6% [95% CI, 0.9% to 11%]). Time to occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was not significantly modified (relative risk, 0.28 [CI, 0.03 to 1.92]; P = 0.18); 3 events occurred in the control group and 1 event occurred in the tunneled-catheter group. After stratification by treatment center and adjustment for variables that were prognostic (use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents at catheter insertion) or imbalanced between both groups (mechanical ventilation at insertion), tunnelized catheterization reduced the proportion of patients who developed systemic catheter-related sepsis (relative risk, 0.25 [CI, 0.09 to 0.72]; P = 0.005) and positive quantitative culture of the catheter tip (relative risk, 0.48 [CI, 0.23 to 0.99]; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The incidence of femoral catheter-related infections in critically ill patients can be reduced by using subcutaneous tunneling.     

Chlorhexidine-based antiseptic solution vs alcohol-based povidone-iodine for central venous catheter care

BACKGROUND: Although chlorhexidine-based solutions and alcohol-based povidone-iodine have been shown to be more efficient than aqueous povidone-iodine for skin disinfection at catheter insertion sites, their abilities to reduce catheter-related infection have never been compared. METHODS: Consecutively scheduled central venous catheters inserted into jugular or subclavian veins were randomly assigned to be disinfected with 5% povidone-iodine in 70% ethanol or with a combination of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.025% benzalkonium chloride, and 4% benzylic alcohol. Solutions were used for skin disinfection before catheter insertion (2 consecutive 30-second applications separated by a period sufficiently long to allow for dryness) and then as single applications during subsequent dressing changes (every 72 hours, or earlier if soiled or wet). RESULTS: Of 538 catheters randomized, 481 (89.4%) produced evaluable culture results. Compared with povidone-iodine, the chlorhexidine-based solution was associated with a 50% decrease in the incidence of catheter colonization (11.6% vs 22.2% [P = .002]; incidence density, 9.7 vs 18.3 per 1000 catheter-days) and with a trend toward lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (1.7% vs 4.2% [P = .09]; incidence density, 1.4 vs 3.4 per 1000 catheter-days). Independent risk factors for catheter colonization were catheter insertion into the jugular vein (adjusted relative risk, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.24) and use of povidone-iodine (adjusted relative risk, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.96). CONCLUSION: Chlorhexidine-based solutions should be considered as a replacement for povidone-iodine (including alcohol-based) formulations in efforts to prevent catheter-related infection.     

Risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection with peripherally inserted central venous catheters used in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are now widely used for intermediate and long-term access in current-day health care, especially in the inpatient setting, where they are increasingly supplanting conventional central venous catheters (CVCs) placed percutaneously into the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins. Data on the risk of PICC-related bloodstream infection (BSI) with PICCs used in hospitalized patients are limited. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of PICC-related BSI in hospitalized patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study using data from two randomized trials assessing the efficacy of chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge dressing and chlorhexidine for cutaneous antisepsis. METHODS: PICCs inserted into the antecubital vein in two randomized trials during from 1998 to 2000 were prospectively studied; most patients were in an ICU. PICC-related BSI was confirmed in each case by demonstrating concordance between isolates colonizing the PICC at the time of removal and from blood cultures by restriction-fragment DNA subtyping. RESULTS: Overall, 115 patients had 251 PICCs placed. Mean duration of catheterization was 11.3 days (total, 2,832 PICC-days); 42% of the patients were in an ICU at some time, 62% had urinary catheters, and 49% had received mechanical ventilation. Six PICC-related BSIs were identified (2.4%), four with coagulase-negative staphylococcus, one with Staphylococcus aureus, and one with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 catheter-days. CONCLUSION: This prospective study shows that PICCs used in high-risk hospitalized patients are associated with a rate of catheter-related BSI similar to conventional CVCs placed in the internal jugular or subclavian veins (2 to 5 per 1,000 catheter-days), much higher than with PICCs used exclusively in the outpatient setting (approximately 0.4 per 1,000 catheter-days), and higher than with cuffed and tunneled Hickman-like CVCs (approximately 1 per 1,000 catheter-days). A randomized trial of PICCs and conventional CVCs in hospitalized patients requiring central access is needed. Our data raise the question of whether the growing trend in many hospital hematology and oncology services to switch from use of cuffed and tunneled CVCs to PICCs is justified, particularly since PICCs are more vulnerable to thrombosis and dislodgment, and are less useful for drawing blood specimens. Moreover, PICCs are not advisable in patients with renal failure and impending need for dialysis, in whom preservation of upper-extremity veins is needed for fistula or graft implantation.     

Comparison of Early versus Late Use of Antibiotic Locks in the Treatment of Catheter-Related Bacteremia

Background and objectives: This retrospective study compared the effectiveness of the timing of the antibiotic locks to clear catheter-related bacteremia in children on chronic hemodialysis.Design, setting, participants, & measurements: The early antibiotic lock group received antibiotic locks along with systemic antibiotics from the very beginning of catheter-related bacteremia. The late antibiotic lock group was given only systemic antibiotics initially, and antibiotic locks were used late in the infection if the catheter-related bacteremia could not be cleared after resolution of symptoms.Results: There were 264 catheter-related bacteremias in 79 children during 6 yr of observation. Early antibiotic locks were able to clear catheter-related bacteremia and resolve the symptoms more effectively without the need for catheter exchange when compared with late antibiotic locks. A total of 84 catheter-related bacteremias required wire-guided exchange of the catheters. Late antibiotic locks required wire-guided catheter exchange more frequently than the early antibiotic locks. The post–catheter-related bacteremia infection–free survival of the catheters after wire-guided exchange were significantly longer than those of both antibiotic lock groups. Recurrence of catheter-related bacteremia within 45 d after wire-guided exchange occurred at similar rates compared with the antibiotic lock groups.Conclusion: Antibiotic locks are significantly more effective in clearing catheter-related bacteremia when used early in infection, diminishing the need for catheter exchange. Wire-guided exchange has a late-onset advantage for infection-free survival compared with catheter in situ treatment. The recurrence rates in the first 45 d after catheter-related bacteremia are similar regardless of the treatment strategy.Antibiotic lock solutions (ABL) are high concentration of antibiotic with or without anticoagulant agent that is dwelled (locked) in the catheter lumen, exposing the internal lumen of the catheter to persistent antibacterial action. Biofilms that harbor microorganisms are demonstrated on external and internal surfaces of the indwelling catheters within as early as 24 h after their placement (1,2). The fibrinous-proteinous ultrastructure of the biofilm gives both protection and antimicrobial resistance to the microorganisms. Because the intraluminal concentrations of the systemic antibiotics never reach high enough concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentration, treatment failure as well as the loss of the catheter becomes inevitable during treatment of catheter-related bacteremias (CRB). Clinical series involving tunneled-cuffed catheters used for hemodialysis or nutrition reported 44 to 100% success rates for clearing CRB with ABL along with systemic antibiotics (3–9). The success of these studies has led to the recommendation of the use of ABL for the management of uncomplicated catheter-related bacteremias from a consensus panel (10).Despite the current recommendations for long-term vascular access in hemodialysis patients being arteriovenous (AV) fistula or AV graft, still in 60% of the newly diagnosed and 30% of the prevalent hemodialysis patients, tunneled cuffed long-term central venous catheters are used as vascular access because of the difficulties in creating and maintaining AV fistulas and grafts (11–17). This is even more prominent for the pediatric ESRD population (18–20). CRB that lead to septic shock and metastatic infections are the most feared complications of long-term catheter use, and systemic antibiotics cannot satisfactorily clear the infected catheters, requiring early catheter exchange, as recommended in the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines (11).The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of timing of the use of ABL along with systemic antibiotics for CRB treatment on children who were receiving long-term hemodialysis. The tested hypothesis was that ABL would act synergistically with the systemic antibiotics in eradicating the CRB when used early in the course of CRB rather than when systemic antibiotics fail to control CRB initially. The infection-free outcomes of the two ABL groups were compared with the outcomes of the catheters that were submitted to wire-guided exchange (WGE) as a result of CRB. The WGE catheters did not receive any ABL but only systemic antibiotics. These new catheters had no reason to have intraluminal biofilm formation. The second tested hypothesis was that ABL can successfully clear the intraluminal space of an infected catheter. If so, then post-CRB infection–free survival of the catheters treated in situ should be similar to WGE catheters as a result of CRB. The study was designed as a retrospective chart review protocol.     

Clinical Practices and Outcomes in Elderly Hemodialysis Patients: Results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS)

Summary

Background and objectives

Demand for hemodialysis among elderly patients is increasing worldwide. Although clinical care of this high-risk group is complex and challenging, no guidelines exist to inform hemodialysis practices. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) provides a unique opportunity to assess dialysis practices and associated outcomes among elderly versus younger patients on chronic in-center hemodialysis in 12 countries.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Clinical characteristics, dialysis practices, and outcomes of elderly versus younger patients were compared among participants in four DOPPS regions in 2005 through 2007.

Results

Although participant mean age increased over time in all DOPPS countries, the percentage of elderly varied widely. Overall, comorbidities and malnutrition were more common in the elderly. Fistulae were used less frequently among elderly versus younger patients in Europe and North America but not in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. No difference in treatment time was observed between elderly and younger patients after normalizing for body weight. In all regions, ultrafiltration rates were lower among elderly patients. Elderly patients reported poorer quality of life with respect to the physical but not mental component scores. Mortality risk was three- to sixfold higher in the elderly group, whereas causes of death overall were similar for elderly and younger patients.

Conclusions

Elderly patients represent a different proportion of DOPPS participants across countries, possibly reflecting differences in policies and clinical practices. In general, hemodialysis practices in the elderly reflected each region''s clinical patterns, with some variation by age group depending upon the practice.     

Successful tigecycline lock therapy in a Lactobacillus rhamnosus catheter-related bloodstream infection

Introduction

Catheter-related bloodstream infections very often involve the premature removal of long-term intravascular devices (LTID). The antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) represents a conservative approach to the treatment of uncomplicated infections of tunneled LTID when catheter removal is not a feasible option.

Case report

We present here the first reported case of tunneled LTID bloodstream infection due to a multidrug resistant Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The patient, who had large granular lymphocytic leukemia, was successfully treated with systemic tigecycline therapy and lock therapy.

Conclusion

Our results confirm ALT as a valid catheter-salvage strategy for the treatment of CRBSIs in clinically stable patients when catheter removal is not a feasible option, tigecycline appear to be a good option.     

重症监护室老年患者中心静脉导管相关血流感染的危险因素

目的探讨重症监护室（ICU）老年患者导管相关血流感染（CRBSI）的危险因素。方法ICU90例老年住院患者接受中心静脉置管,分为导管相关性血流感染（CRBSI）组和无感染（对照）组。CRBSI组患者为ICU住院的行深静脉置管伴CRBSI的病例（n=45）,而对照组为同期ICU住院的行深静脉置管但无CRBSI的病例（17=45）,采用回顾性和病例对照的研究方法,对两组患者进行风险困素分析。结果两组患者基础疾病构成、年龄、性别、感染前导管留鼍时间、机械通气、完全肠外营养、尿管留置等的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。与对照组比较,CRBSI组使用碳青霉烯类抗生素、操作熟练程度、置管部位、低白蛋白血症、贫血、APACHEII评分差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01、P〈0．05）。使用碳青霉烯类抗生素、操作者、低A蛋白血症、APACHEII评分是CRBSI独立危险因素。结论碳青霉烯类抗生素使用、操作者人员熟练程度、低白蛋A血症及APACHEII评分是ICU老年患者CRBSI的独立危险因素。     

Risk Factors of HCV Seroconversion in Hemodialysis Patients in Tabriz,Iran

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant health concern in patients with end-stage renal disease under dialysis. Epidemiological studies have reported a prevalence rate of 5.5-55.9% for this condition in Iran.

Objectives:

We evaluated the risk factors for HCV infection and seroconversion in hemodialysis patients.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 455 hemodialysis patients from each of the five dialysis units in Tabriz, northwest Iran. Possible risk factors for HCV infection and seroconversion were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 37 patients were HCV positive (8.1% of the study population) and seroconversion occurred in 18 of them during the dialysis treatment (3.95% of the study population). History of renal transplantation (44.4%, P < 0.0001), surgical intervention (except for renal transplantation and AV fistula placement) (94.4%, P = 0.03), and mean duration of dialysis (106.06 ± 55.519, P < 0.0001) had strong statistically significant associations with the seroconversion.

Conclusions:

The current study indicates increased risk for HCV infection in patients under dialysis and its relation with the mean duration of hemodialysis, history of renal transplantation and surgical intervention. Considering the immune deficiency in these patients, intense education to both patients and medical staff will be beneficial.