Life on the line - Incidence and management of central venous catheter complications in intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Loss of venous access is threatening for patients with intestinal failure (IF) under long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). We aimed to identify the incidence of central venous catheter (CVC) complications, compare different devices, and analyze interventional recanalizing procedures to restore the patency of occluded CVCs. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, patient data from a prospective IF database spanning 16 years was analyzed at a tertiary referral center. Catheter dwell times (CDTs) were distinguished by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and subgroup analyses were performed for different CVC types (tunneled/port catheters). Specific complications (occlusion, catheter-related infection (CRI), displacement, and material defect) were analyzed. Explantation rates and CDTs were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 193 CVCs in 77 patients with IF under PN could be enrolled (62.524 "CVC-days"). Broviac type "B" was found to be significantly superior to type "A" regarding occlusion, CRI, and material defects (log-rank test: p = 0.05; p = 0.026; p = 0.005 respectively). Port catheters were displaying the highest incidence of CRI (2.13 events/1000 catheter days). Interventional catheter recanalization was performed 91 times and significantly increased the CDT from a median of 131 days (IQR: 62; 258) to 389 days (IQR: 262; 731) (Mann-Whitney-U-test: p= <0.001) without increasing complications. CONCLUSIONS: Different complication rates and CDT were seen depending on CVC type. Tunneled catheters were significantly superior concerning CRI. Interventional catheter recanalization is a viable alternative to fibrinolytics to restore CVC patency, but long-term patency data is scarce.

Repair of central venous access devices in intestinal failure patients is safe and cost-effective: A retrospective single centre cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic intestinal failure (IF) require home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Central venous access is needed for prolonged use of PN, usually via a long term central venous access device (CVAD). Post insertion there may be mechanical complications with a CVAD such as catheter rupture or tear. Repair of damaged CVADs is possible to avoid risks associated with catheter replacement in patients with IF. However, catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) are a concern when CVAD's are accessed or manipulated. AIMS: To investigate the success of repair of CVADs in patients with IF on HPN, related to repair longevity and incidence of CRBSI following repair. METHOD: Nutrition team records of CVAD repairs carried out in patients with IF were reviewed retrospectively for the period April 2015 to March 2019. RESULTS: Nutrition Clinical Nurse Specialists carried out 38 repairs in 27 patients. Male n = 5, female n = 22; mean age 55 years. Catheter longevity before first repair (n = 27): median 851 days, IQR 137-1484 days. 30/38 (78.9%) of repairs were successful lasting ≥30days. Hospital admission was avoided in 76% of cases. 4 patients in the failed repair group underwent catheter re-insertion where 4 had a further, subsequently successful, repair, an overall success rate of 89.4% (34/38). 30-day CRBSI rate was 0.09/1000 catheter days in repaired catheters. In comparing costs, there is a potential cost saving of 2766GBP for repair compared to replacement of damaged CVADs. CONCLUSION: Repair of tunnelled CVADs in patients with IF is successful and safe with no increased risk of CRBSI. Significant cost savings may be made.

Estrategias de prevención de la obstrucción en catéteres centrales totalmente implantados en pacientes oncológicos / Estratégias de prevenção da obstrução em cateteres centrais totalmente implantados em pacientes oncológicos / Strategies for preventing obstruction in central catheters fully implanted in oncological patients

OBJETIVO: Analizar las producciones científicas que abordan las estrategias de prevención y atención en la obstrucción de los catéteres venosos centrales totalmente implantados en pacientes con cáncer. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Esta es una revisión bibliográfica integradora, que se realizó en las bases de datos MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL y EMBASE, del 20 de julio de 2019 al 31 de julio de 2019, utilizando los siguientes descriptores: Cateterización venosa central; Obstrucción del catéter y oncología, más el uso de términos libres: catéter completamente implantado y neoplasia. RESULTADOS: En total, se seleccionaron e incluyeron 10 estudios. Después del análisis, surgieron las siguientes categorías de análisis: Estrategias para prevenir la obstrucción en CVC-TI y Atención establecidas en el despacho de CVC-TI; teniendo como principales temas abordados: la comparación entre la eficacia en el uso de heparina y solución salina para el mantenimiento y el intervalo de tiempo entre ellos; métodos de despacho y evaluación de permeabilidad CVC-IT. CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar de la aparición de nuevas formas posibles de prevención de obstrucciones y estrategias de atención en la eliminación de CVC-IT, la literatura no presenta consenso sobre el uso de soluciones con o sin heparina y el intervalo de tiempo entre el mantenimiento para la efectividad de permeabilidad de estos dispositivos en pacientes con cáncer

OBJETIVO: Analisar produções científicas que abordem a prevenção e estratégias de cuidado na obstrução de cateteres venosos centrais totalmente implantados em pacientes oncológicos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, que ocorreu nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL e EMBASE, no período 20 de Julho de 2019 a 31 de Julho de 2019, utilizando-se como descritores: Cateterismo venoso central; Obstrução de cateter e Oncologia, além do uso dos termos livres: Cateter totalmente implantado e Neoplasia. RESULTADOS: Ao total, 10 estudos foram selecionados e incluídos. Após a análise, emergiram as seguintes categorias de análise: Estratégias de prevenção da obstrução em CVC-TI e Cuidados estabelecidos na desobstrução do CVC-TI; tendo então como principais assuntos abordados: a comparação entre a eficácia no uso da heparina e solução salina para manutenções e tempo de intervalo entre as mesmas; métodos de desobstrução e avaliação de permeabilidade dos CVC-TI. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do surgimento de novas formas possíveis de prevenção de obstrução e estratégias de cuidado na desobstrução dos CVC-TI, a literatura não apresenta consenso sobre o uso de soluções com ou sem heparina e o tempo de intervalo entre as manutenções para a efetividade da permeabilidade desses dispositivos em pacientes oncológicos

OBJECTIVE: To analyze scientific productions that address prevention and care strategies in the obstruction of central venous catheters that are fully implanted in cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is an integrative literature review, which took place on the MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL and EMBASE databases, from 20 July 2019 to 31 July 2019, using as descriptors: Central venous catheterization; Catheter obstruction and Oncology, in addition to the use of free terms: Catheter fully implanted and Neoplasia. RESULTS: In total, 10 studies were selected and included. After the analysis, the following analysis categories emerged: Strategies for preventing obstruction in CVC-TI and Care established in clearing the CVC-TI; having as main subjects approached: the comparison between the effectiveness in the use of heparin and saline solution for maintenance and time interval between them; unblocking methods and permeability assessment of CVC-TI. CONCLUSION: Despite the emergence of new possible ways of preventing obstruction and care strategies for clearing CVC-TI, the literature does not have a consensus on the use of solutions with or without heparin and the time interval between maintenance for the effectiveness of the permeability of these devices in cancer patients

Low molecular weight heparin for prevention of central venous catheter-related thrombosis in children.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of children diagnosed with thrombotic events has been increasing in the last decades. The most common thrombosis risk factor in neonates, infants and children is the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC). It is unknown if anticoagulation prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) decreases CVC-related thrombosis in children. This is an update of the Cochrane Review published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of LMWH prophylaxis on the incidence of CVC-related thrombosis and major and minor bleeding complications in children. Further objectives were to determine the effect of LMWH on occlusion of CVCs, number of days of CVC patency, episodes of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), other side effects of LMWH (allergic reactions, abnormal coagulation profile, heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia and osteoporosis) and mortality during therapy. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 7 May 2019. We undertook reference checking of identified trials to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials comparing LMWH to no prophylaxis (placebo or no treatment), or low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) either as continuous infusion or flushes (low-dose UFH aims to ensure the patency of the central line but has no systemic anticoagulation activity), given to prevent CVC-related thrombotic events in children. We selected studies conducted in children aged 0 to 18 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently identified eligible studies, which were assessed for study methodology including bias, and extracted unadjusted data where available. In the data analysis step, all outcomes were analysed as binary or dichotomous outcomes. The effects of interventions were summarised with risk ratios (RR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: One additional study was included for this update bringing the total to two included studies (with 1135 participants). Both studies were open-label RCTs comparing LMWH with low-dose UFH to prevent CVC-related thrombosis in children. We identified no studies comparing LMWH with placebo or no treatment. Meta-analysis found insufficient evidence of an effect of LMWH prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of CVC-related thrombosis in children with CVC, compared to low-dose UFH (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.75; 2 studies; 787 participants; low-certainty evidence). One study (158 participants) reported symptomatic and asymptomatic CVC-related thrombosis separately and detected no evidence of a difference between LMWH and low-dose UFH (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.93; low-certainty evidence; RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.45 to 3.08; low-certainty evidence; for symptomatic and asymptomatic participants respectively). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether LMWH impacts the risk of major bleeding (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.67; 2 studies; 813 participants; low-certainty evidence); or minor bleeding. One study reported minor bleeding in 53.3% of participants in the LMWH arm and in 44.7% of participants in the low-dose UFH arm (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.58; 1 study; 158 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and the other study reported no minor bleeding in either group (RR: not estimable). Mortality during the study period was reported in one study, where two deaths occurred during the study period. Both were unrelated to thrombotic events and occurred in the low-dose UFH arm. The second study did not report mortality during therapy per arm but showed similar 5-year overall survival (low-certainty evidence). No additional adverse effects were reported. Other pre-specified outcomes (including CVC occlusion, patency and CRBSI) were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Pooling data from two RCTs did not provide evidence to support the use of prophylactic LWMH for preventing CVC-related thrombosis in children (low-certainty evidence). Evidence was also insufficient to confirm or exclude a difference in the incidence of major and minor bleeding complications in the LMWH prophylaxis group compared to low-dose UFH (low and very low certainty respectively). No evidence of a clear difference in overall mortality was seen. Studies did not report on the outcomes catheter occlusion, days of catheter patency, episodes of CRBSI and other side effects of LMWH (allergic reactions, abnormal coagulation profile, heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia and osteoporosis). The certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to risk of bias of the included studies, imprecision and inconsistency, preventing conclusions in regards to the efficacy of LMWH prophylaxis to prevent CVC-related thrombosis in children.

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) versus heparin intermittent flushing for the prevention of occlusion in long-term central venous catheters in infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines and clinical practice for the prevention of complications associated with central venous catheters (CVC) around the world vary greatly. Most institutions recommend the use of heparin to prevent occlusion; there is debate, however, regarding the need for heparin and evidence to suggest normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) may be as effective. The use of heparin is not without risk, may be unnecessary and is also associated with increased cost. This is an update of the review published in 2015. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical effects (benefits and harms) of intermittent flushing of normal saline versus heparin to prevent occlusion in long-term central venous catheters in infants and children. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases; World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials register to 9 April 2019. We also undertook reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of intermittent flushing with normal saline versus heparin to prevent occlusion of long-term CVCs in infants and children aged up to 18 years of age. We excluded temporary CVCs and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial inclusion criteria, trial quality and extracted data. We assessed study quality with the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated the rate ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We pooled data using a random-effects model; and we used GRADE to assess the overall certainty of the evidence supporting the outcomes assessed in this review. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one new study for this update, bringing the total number of included studies to four (255 participants). The four trials directly compared the use of normal saline and heparin; the studies all used different protocols for the intervention and control arms, however, and all used different concentrations of heparin. Different frequencies of flushes were also reported between studies. In addition, not all studies reported on all outcomes. The certainty of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low because there was no blinding; heterogeneity and inconsistency between studies was high; and the CIs were wide. CVC occlusion was assessed in all four trials. We were able to pool the results of two trials for the outcomes of CVC occlusion and CVC-associated blood stream infection. The estimated RR for CVC occlusion per 1000 catheter days between the normal saline and heparin groups was 0.75 (95% CI 0.10 to 5.51; 2 studies, 229 participants; very low certainty evidence). The estimated RR for CVC-associated blood stream infection was 1.48 (95% CI 0.24 to 9.37; 2 studies, 231 participants; low-certainty evidence). The duration of catheter placement was reported to be similar for the two study arms in one study (203 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and not reported in the remaining studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review found that there was not enough evidence to determine the effects of intermittent flushing with normal saline versus heparin to prevent occlusion in long-term central venous catheters in infants and children. It remains unclear whether heparin is necessary to prevent occlusion, CVC-associated blood stream infection or effects duration of catheter placement. Lack of agreement between institutions around the world regarding the appropriate care and maintenance of these devices remains.

Ocurrencia de eventos adversos en unidades públicas de hemodiálisis / Ocorrência de eventos adversos em unidades públicas de hemodiálise / Occurrence of adverse events in public hemodialysis units

Objetivo: identificar lo eventos adversos que ocurren en unidades de hemodiálisis de la red pública del Distrito Federal. Métodos: se trata de un estudio descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en Brasilia/DF. Los datos se recopilaron en tres hospitales públicos de la Secretaría de Salud del DF en el año 2017. Esas unidades, en conjunto, realizaron en el año 2017, 1770 sesiones de hemodiálisis en pacientes con Insuficiencia Renal Crónica por mes. Se analizaron 152 historiales de pacientes para el levantamiento de los registros. Los datos fueron organizados en hoja de Excel, y se utilizó la estadística descriptiva para el análisis. Resultados: los acontecimientos adversos con mayor número de registros están relacionados con el acceso vascular para hemodiálisis, son: sangramiento, secreción en catéter doble lumen, flujo sanguíneo inadecuado e infección o señales de infección en el acceso vascular. Respecto al responsable del registro, 76,9%de los registros fueron realizados por los técnicos en enfermería, 16,6% por los enfermeros y 6,5% por otros profesionales del equipo de salud. Conclusión: la hemodiálisis es un sector con un gran potencial de riesgo para la ocurrencia de eventos adversos, esto sucede por diversos motivos tales como, tratarse de un procedimiento complejo, con uso de alta tecnología, la característica de cronicidad de la enfermedad renal crónica, el uso alto de medicamentos. Deben adoptarse estrategias para mejorar el funcionamiento de estos accesos vasculares, pues de ellos depende la calidad de la diálisis y consecuentemente la calidad de vida del paciente con enfermedad renal crónica en tratamiento dialítico

Objetivo: identificar os eventos adversos que ocorrem em unidades de hemodiálise da rede pública do Distrito Federal. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em Brasília/DF. Os dados foram coletados em três hospitais públicos da Secretaria de Saúde do DF no ano de 2017. Essas unidades, em conjunto, realizaram no ano de 2017, 1770 sessões de hemodiálise em pacientes com DRC por mês. Foram analisados 152 prontuários de pacientes para levantamento dos registros de eventos adversos. Os dados foram organizados em planilha do Excel, e utilizado estatística descritiva para a análise. Resultados: os eventos adversos com maior número de registros estão relacionados ao acesso vascular para hemodiálise, são eles: sangramento, secreção em cateter duplo lumen, fluxo sanguíneo inadequado e infecção ou sinais de infecção no acesso vascular. Quanto ao responsável pelo registro, 76,9% dos registros foram realizados pelos técnicos de enfermagem, 16,6% pelos enfermeiros e 6,5% por outros profissionais da equipe de saúde. Conclusão: conclui-se com este estudo que a hemodiálise é um setor hospitalar com um grande potencial de risco para a ocorrência de eventos adversos, isso ocorre por diversos motivos tais como, se tratar de um procedimento complexo, com uso de alta tecnologia, a característica de cronicidade da doença renal crônica, o alto uso de medicamentos. Estratégias precisam ser tomadas de forma a otimizar o funcionamento desses acessos vasculares, pois deles depende a qualidade da diálise, consequentemente a qualidade de vida do paciente com doença rena crônica em tratamento dialítico

Objective: identify the adverse events occurring in hemodialysis units of the Federal District public network. Methods: this is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, carried out in Brasília / DF. Data were collected in three public hospitals of the Health's Secretary of the Federal District in the year 2017. These units, together, performed in the year 2017, 1770 hemodialysis sessions in patients with CKD per month. A total of 152 patient charts were analyzed to record adverse events. The data were organized in an Excel spreadsheet, and descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. Results: adverse events with the highest number of records are related to vascular access to hemodialysis, they are: bleeding, double-catheter secretion lumen, inadequate blood flow, and infection or signs of vascular access infection. As for the person responsible for the registration, 76.9% of the records were made by nursing technicians, 16.6% by nurses and 6.5% by other health team professionals. Conclusion: it is concluded in this study that hemodialysis is a hospital sector with a great risk potential for the occurrence of adverse events, this occurs for several reasons such as: it is a complex procedure, using high technology, chronicity characteristic of chronic renal disease, the high use of medications. Strategies need to be taken in order to optimize the functioning of these vascular accesses, because the quality of dialysis depends on them, consequently the quality of life of the patient with chronic renal disease in dialysis treatment

Factors associated with early peritoneal dialysis catheter malfunction.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter obstruction often leads to surgical revision and may require transition to hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors (including omentectomy) associated with early PD catheter obstruction (<6 months from insertion). METHODS: A retrospective review of all PD catheters inserted at a single high-volume referral center (2005-2018) was performed. 185 PD catheters were placed in 123 patients (45 female). Potential risk factors for early catheter obstruction were analyzed using Chi-square analysis (p < 0.05 considered statistically significant). RESULTS: Median age at catheter insertion was 3.42 years (3 days-39 years). Early catheter obstruction occurred in 42 cases (22.7%). Median time to early obstruction was 24 days (3-118 days). Previous PD catheter placement (p = 0.9) or prior abdominal surgery (p = 0.89) was not associated with obstruction. Weight ≥ 10 kg (p = 0.011) and age ≥ 1 year (p = 0.048) were associated with a significantly higher incidence of obstruction. Overall, omentectomy was associated with a trend in reduction of early obstruction in patients with weight ≥ 10 kg (p = 0.08) and significantly in patients ≥1 year (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Early PD catheter obstruction appears to occur more often in older patients with a higher weight. Concomitant omentectomy seems beneficial at reducing early catheter obstruction events in those patients. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is home parenteral nutrition safe for cancer patients? Positive effects and potential catheter-related complications: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Total Parenteral Nutrition began to be applied frequently in the houses of patients starting from the 1990s and is stated in literature as Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN). The purpose of this review is to answer the question of whether or not HPN is safe for cancer patients. METHODS: Searches were conducted in Cochrane, CINAHL, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases. RESULTS: The 1,949 articles were accessed in the total, and 20 articles have been included in the review. In the studies being evaluated, it can be determined that HPN has influenced the quality of life, performance status, and the nutrition level of cancer patients positively. Most frequently seen complications were infections relating to the catheter, the mechanical obstruction in the catheter and venous thrombosis. For each 1,000 days with HPN or a catheter, infections in the interval of 0.05 and 3.08, mechanical problems in the interval of 0.07 and 2.13, and thrombosis in the interval of 0.05 and 0.20 were determined. CONCLUSIONS: While HPN influenced quality of life, nutrition, and the personal performance of cancer patients positively, the rate of complications is at a level that can be managed at home.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in the ICU: A Retrospective Study of Adult Medical Patients in 52 Hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify variation in use and complications from peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU versus peripherally inserted central catheters placed on the general ward. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Fifty-two hospital Michigan quality collaborative. PATIENTS: Twenty-seven-thousand two-hundred eighty-nine patients with peripherally inserted central catheters placed during hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient, provider, and device characteristics. Bivariate tests were used to assess differences between peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU versus peripherally inserted central catheters placed on the ward. Multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear models adjusting for patient and device factors with a logit link clustered by hospital were used to examine the association between peripherally inserted central catheter complications and location of peripherally inserted central catheter placement. Variation in ICU peripherally inserted central catheter use, rates of complications, and appropriateness of use across hospitals was also examined. Eight-thousand two-hundred eighty patients (30.3%) received peripherally inserted central catheters in the ICU versus 19,009 (69.7%) on the general ward. The commonest indication for peripherally inserted central catheter use in the ICU was difficult IV access (35.1%) versus antibiotic therapy (53.3%) on wards. Compared with peripherally inserted central catheters placed in wards, peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU were more often multilumen (59.5% vs 39.3; p < 0.001) and more often associated with a complication (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18-1.43; p < 0.001). Substantial variation in ICU peripherally inserted central catheter use and outcomes across hospitals was observed, with median peripherally inserted central catheter dwell time ranging from 3 to 38.5 days (p < 0.001) and complications from 0% to 40.2% (p < 0.001). Importantly, 87% (n = 45) of ICUs reported median peripherally inserted central catheter dwell times less than or equal to 14 days, a duration where traditional central venous catheters, not peripherally inserted central catheters, are considered appropriate by published criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Peripherally inserted central catheter use in the ICU is highly variable, associated with complications and often not appropriate. Further study of vascular access decision-making in the ICU appears necessary.

Late complications of totally implantable venous access ports in patients with cancer: Risk factors and related nursing strategies.

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate and the risk factors for late complications associated with use of central totally implanted venous access devices (TIVAPs) in patients with cancer, and to devise nursing strategies to minimize late complications.This retrospective study included 500 patients with TIVAPs from 2012 to 2015. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of sex, age, primary diagnosis, duration of surgery, and the length of hospital stay on the incidence of late complications of TIVAP.The cumulative maintenance period of TIVAP was 159,605 days. Late complications included catheter-related obstruction (n = 14; 2.8%), infection (n = 3; 0.6%), drug extravasation (n = 1; 0.2%), and catheter exposure (n = 1; 0.2%). Multivariate analyses revealed that age, breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastric cancer were risk factors for the late complications associated with TIVAP.There was a low incidence of late complications with TIVAP use. Catheter-related obstruction is the most frequent late complication of TIVAP. Risk factors for TIVAP-associated late complications include age and certain cancers, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastric cancer.

Heparin versus 0.9% sodium chloride locking for prevention of occlusion in central venous catheters in adults.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent locking of central venous catheters (CVCs) is undertaken to help maintain their patency. There are systematic variations in care: some practitioners use heparin (at different concentrations), whilst others use 0.9% NaCl (normal saline). This review looks at the effectiveness and safety of intermittent locking with heparin compared to 0.9% NaCl to see if the evidence establishes whether one is better than the other. This work is an update of a review first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of intermittent locking of CVCs with heparin versus normal saline (NS) in adults to prevent occlusion. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist (CIS) searched the Specialised Register (last searched 11 June 2018) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 5). Searches were also carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and clinical trials databases (11 June 2018). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials in adults ≥ 18 years of age with a CVC that compared intermittent locking with heparin at any concentration versus NS. We applied no restriction on language. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed quality, and extracted data. We contacted trial authors to retrieve additional information, when necessary. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager 5 and assessed the overall quality of the evidence supporting assessed outcomes using GRADE. We carried out prespecified subgroup analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We identified five new studies for this update (six prior studies were included in the original review), bringing the number of eligible studies to 11, with a total of 2392 participants. We noted differences in methods used by the included studies and variation in heparin concentrations (10 to 5000 IU/mL), time to follow-up (1 to 251.8 days), and the unit of analysis used (participant, catheter, line access).Combined results from these studies showed fewer occlusions with heparin than with NS (risk ratio (RR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 0.95; P = 0.02; 1672 participants; 1025 catheters from 10 studies; I² = 14%) and provided very low-quality evidence.We carried out subgroup analysis by unit of analysis (testing for subgroup differences (P = 0.23; I² = 30.3%). When the unit of analysis was the participant, results show no clear differences in all occlusions between heparin and NS (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.08; P = 0.15; 1672 participants; seven studies). Subgroup analysis using the catheter as the unit of analysis shows fewer occlusions with heparin use (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.95; P = 0.03; 1025 catheters; three studies). When the unit of analysis was line access, results show no clear differences in occlusions between heparin and NS (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.40; 770 line accesses; one study).We found no clear differences in the duration of catheter patency (mean difference (MD) 0.44 days, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.99; P = 0.11; 1036 participants; 752 catheters; six studies; low-quality evidence).We found no clear evidence of a difference in the following: CVC-related sepsis (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.03 to 19.54; P = 0.86; 1097 participants; two studies; low-quality evidence); mortality (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.31; P = 0.33; 1100 participants; three studies; low-quality evidence); haemorrhage at any site (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.57 to 3.07; P = 0.52; 1245 participants; four studies; moderate-quality evidence); or heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.27; P = 0.31; 443 participants; three studies; low-quality evidence).The main reasons for downgrading the quality of evidence were unclear allocation concealment, imprecision, and suspicion of publication bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the very low quality of the evidence, we are uncertain whether intermittent locking with heparin results in fewer occlusions than intermittent locking with NS. Low-quality evidence suggests that heparin may have little or no effect on catheter patency. Although we found no evidence of differences in safety (sepsis, mortality, or haemorrhage), the combined trials are not powered to detect rare adverse events such as heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia.

Obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter is associated with catheter type and independent of omentectomy: A comparative data analysis from a transplant surgical and a pediatric surgical department.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter occlusion is a common complication with up to 36% of catheter obstructions described in the literature. We present a comparison of complications and outcome after implantation of PD catheters in a transplant surgical and a pediatric surgical department. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 154 PD catheters, which were implanted during 2009-2015 by transplant surgeons (TS, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, n=85 catheters) and pediatric surgeons (PS, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany, n=69 catheters) in 122 children (median (range) age 3.0 (0.01-17.1) years) for acute (n=65) or chronic (n=89) renal failure. All catheters were one-cuffed or double-cuffed curled catheters, except that straight catheters were implanted into smaller children (n=19) by TS in Hamburg. RESULTS: Patient characteristics and operation technique did not differ between the departments. Peritonitis was the most common complication (33 catheters, 21.4%). Leakage (n=18 catheters, 11.7%) occurred more often in children weighing <10kg (p<0.001). The incidence of obstruction and dysfunction was significantly higher in catheters used in PS than catheters used in TS (30.4% vs. 11.8%, p=0.004). Omentectomy did not reduce the incidence of catheter obstruction (p=1.0). Perforation at the catheter tips was larger and appeared to be rougher in catheters used in PS than the catheters in TS. CONCLUSIONS: The type of catheter and presumably the type of perforation at the catheter tip may influence the incidence of peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction.

Nutrição enteral em pacientes oncológicos: diferenças entre o que é prescrito e administrado / Enteral nutrition in cancer patients: differences between what is prescribed and administered

Introdução: A terapia nutricional enteral é uma terapêutica essencial para a recuperação e/ou manutenção do estado nutricional. Esta pode ser interrompida por inúmeros fatores que comprometem a sua infusão. Objetivo: Analisar a adequação da terapia nutricional enteral, comparando volume, calorias e proteínas prescritas e infundidas até o sétimo dia de terapia e correlacionar com as complicações gastrointestinais e intercorrências relatadas. Métodos: Estudo clínico retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes admitidos no período de setembro de 2016 a abril de 2017 em um hospital oncológico público e privado do município de Juiz de Fora - MG. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do software SPSS Statistics 17. Resultados: 68,75% dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino, 54,16% idosos, 65,2% receberam a terapia de forma precoce, 95,8% receberam dieta normocalórica normoproteica com fibras, 70,8% apresentavam a via de acesso por sonda nasoentérica e 100% dos pacientes não atingiram em sete dias de terapia nutricional enteral o volume, calorias e proteínas prescritas, apresentando diferença significativa entre valores prescritos e infundidos. Dentre as complicações gastrointestinais e intercorrências, náusea e obstrução da sonda foram as mais frequentes, 29,2% e 11,5%. O tempo médio de uso da terapia nutricional enteral foi de 34,66 ± 22 dias e 42,7% dos pacientes foram a óbito. Discussão: A maior prevalência de câncer em homens e idosos também é relatada por outros estudos, assim como a inadequação de dieta enteral prescrita e administrada, o que pode interferir negativamente no estado nutricional e evolução do paciente, sendo óbito frequentemente relatado. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes não receberam os volumes, calorias e proteínas prescritas, supostamente por influência das interrupções da terapia e a ocorrência de complicações gastrointestinais e intercorrências

Introduction: Enteral nutritional therapy is an essential therapy for recovery and/or maintenance of nutritional status. This can be interrupted by numerous factors that compromise your infusion. Objective: To analyze the adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy by comparing volume, calories and proteins prescribed and infused up to the seventh day of therapy and correlate with gastrointestinal complications and reported complications. Methods: Retrospective clinical study with review of electronic medical records of patients admitted from September 2016 to April 2017 at a public and private oncology hospital in the city of Juiz de Fora - MG. Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSS Statistics 17. Results: 68.75% of the patients were male, 54.16% were elderly, 65.2% were treated early, 95.8% received a normocaloric diet 70.8% presented nasoenteric catheter access and 100% of the patients did not reach the volume, calories and proteins prescribed in seven days of enteral nutritional therapy, presenting a significant difference between prescribed and infused values. Among the gastrointestinal complications and intercurrences, nausea and obstruction of the catheter were the most frequent, 29.2% and 11.5%. The mean time of use of enteral nutritional therapy was 34.66 ± 22 days and 42.7% of the patients died. Discussion: The higher prevalence of cancer in men and the elderly is also reported by other studies, as well as the inadequacy of prescribed and administered enteral diet, which may negatively interfere with the nutritional status and evolution of the patient, and death is frequently reported. Conclusion: Most of the patients did not receive the prescribed volumes, calories and proteins, supposedly due to the influence of the interruptions of the therapy and the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications and intercurrences

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Heparinized saline versus normal saline for maintaining peripheral venous catheter patency in China: An open-label, randomized controlled study.

Objective To evaluate the effects of heparin saline versus normal saline as locking solution for maintaining patency in peripheral venous catheters in Chinese patients. Methods This open-label, randomized controlled study was conducted in two hepatobiliary surgery wards, where patients received identical treatments, at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients were randomly divided into a normal saline group (NS, 3 ml) or a heparin saline group (HS, 50 IU/ml, 3 ml) for catheter sealing. Results The study enrolled 286 patients and 609 peripheral venous catheters were included in the analysis. The patients in the two groups had no local infections or catheter-related bloodstream infections. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the rate of catheter obstruction, duration time, or the rates of phlebitis, infiltration, and accidental catheter removal. Conclusions No significant differences in the peripheral venous catheter sealing effects were observed between normal saline and heparin saline usage in Chinese patients.

Complication-related removal of totally implantable venous access port systems: Does the interval between placement and first use and the neutropenia-inducing potential of chemotherapy regimens influence their incidence? A four-year prospective study of 4045 patients.

BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access port systems are widely used in oncology, with frequent complications that sometimes necessitate device removal. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the time interval between port placement and initiation of chemotherapy and the neutropenia-inducing potential of the chemotherapy administered upon complication-related port removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2013, 4045 consecutive patients were included in this observational, single-center prospective study. The chemotherapy regimens were classified as having a low (<10%), intermediate (10-20%), or high (>20%) risk for inducing neutropenia. RESULTS: The overall removal rate due to complications was 7.2%. Among them, port-related infection (2.5%) and port expulsion (1%) were the most frequent. The interval between port insertion and its first use was shown to be a predictive factor for complication-related removal rates. A cut-off of 6 days was statistically significant (p = 0.008), as the removal rate for complications was 9.4% when this interval was 0-5 days and 5.7% when it was ≥6 days. Another factor associated with port complication rate was the neutropenia-inducing potential of the chemotherapy regimens used, with removal for complications involved in 5.5% of low-risk regimens versus 9.4% for the intermediate- and high-risk regimens (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: An interval of 6 days between placement and first use of the port reduces the removal rate from complications. The intermediate- and high-risk for neutropenia chemotherapy regimens are related to higher port removal rates from complications than low-risk regimens.

Indicaciones y morbilidad asociada a los catéteres doble J / Indications and morbidity associated with double J catheters

El uso del catéter doble J es habitual en la actividad diaria del urólogo. Su indicación puede dividirse en profiláctica y terapéutica. De forma profiláctica previene las complicaciones derivadas de los procedimientos endourológicos, como lesión ureteral o uropatía obstructiva por restos litiásicos o edema. Terapéuticamente trata la uropatía obstructiva de patologías muy diversas, ya sea con carácter urgente o programado, como litiasis, estenosis, compresión extrínseca de cualquier índole o tumores del aparato urinario, entre otras. Aunque aporta en ambos casos claros beneficios, su uso no está exento de efectos secundarios. Los síntomas que más frecuentemente producen son: urgencia miccional y aumento de la frecuencia urinaria, hematuria macroscópica y dolor suprapúbico y lumbar. El mecanismo fisiopatológico se explica por un efecto mecánico, inflamatorio o por reflujo vesicoureteral según sea el síntoma producido. Esto provoca una alteración en la calidad de vida del paciente que puede variar desde un grado leve hasta muy severo. Por ello, han surgido varias estrategias con el objetivo de disminuir o paliar la intensidad de dichos síntomas: medicación alfa bloqueante, modificación en el diseño y reducción de su uso

The use of double J catheters is usual in urologist's daily practice. The indication can be divided in prophylactic or therapeutic. Prophylactically, they prevent complications derived from endourological procedures, such as ureteral lesion or obstructive uropathy secondary to residual lithiasis or edema. Therapeutically, they treat obstructive uropathy of many different pathologies, either in an emergency setting or scheduled, such as lithiasis, stenosis, extrinsic compression of any nature or urinary tract tumors among others. Although they add clear benefits in both cases, they are not free from side effects. The most frequent symptoms they cause are: voiding urgency and increase in voiding frequency, macroscopic hematuria and suprapubic and lumbar pain. The physiopathological mechanism is explained by a mechanical and inflammatory effect or due to vesicoureteral reflux depending on the symptom. This causes patient's quality of life disturbance that may vary from mild degree to very severe. Thus, several strategies have emerged with the aim of diminishing or palliate the intensity of such symptoms: alpha-blocker drugs, design modifications or reduction of their use

Treprostinil Administered to Treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Using a Fully Implantable Programmable Intravascular Delivery System: Results of the DelIVery for PAH Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of systemic prostanoids in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is often limited by patient/physician dissatisfaction with the delivery methods. Complications associated with external pump-delivered continuous therapy include IV catheter-related bloodstream infections and subcutaneous infusion site pain. We therefore investigated a fully implantable intravascular delivery system for treprostinil infusion. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, single-arm, clinical trial (DelIVery for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) was conducted by using an implantable intravascular delivery system. The implanted pumps were refilled percutaneously at least every 12 weeks. The primary end point was the rate of catheter-related complications using the new model 10642 catheter compared with a predefined objective performance criterion of 2.5 per 1,000 patient-days based on the literature. RESULTS: Patients (n = 60) with severe PAH (World Health Organization group 1) receiving a stable dose of IV treprostinil for at least 4 weeks received an implant device and were followed up for 12.1 ± 4.4 months. Six catheter-related complications occurred, corresponding to a complication rate of 0.27 per 1,000 patient-days. The 97.5% upper one-sided confidence bound of 0.59 was less than the predefined criterion of 2.5 per 1,000 patient-days (P < .0001). Plasma treprostinil levels at 1 week postimplantation were highly correlated with baseline levels (r = 0.91; P < .0001). The delivery system management time as reported by the patients was 2.5 ± 1.7 hours per week preimplantation, and this time decreased to 0.6 ± 0.8 hour per week at 6 months' postimplantation (P < .0001). All patients rated overall satisfaction with the implantable system as good, very good, or excellent at 6 weeks and 6 months. There were no catheter-related bloodstream infections or catheter occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: The implantable intravascular delivery system delivered treprostinil to patients with PAH with a low rate of catheter-related complications and a high rate of patient satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01321073; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Estudio sobre la reducción de eventos adversos en pacientes y problemas de bioseguridad de los profesionales derivados de la aplicación de catéteres vasculares en urgencias / Peripheral venous catheter use in the emergency department: reducing adverse events in patients and biosafety problems for staff

Objetivo: Reducir la tasa de eventos adversos (EA) derivados de catéteres vasculares periféricos (CVP) en pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias (SU), así como accidentes de bioseguridad en profesionales, mediante una estrategia que combine formación, protocolización de la indicación y catéteres de bioseguridad. Método: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, observacional no postautorización en pacientes atendidos en el SU que precisen de CVP. El estudio tiene dos fases: en la primera se procede a formación, protocolización y monitorización mediante ua lista de comprobación, utilizando CVP convencionales. En la segunda fase se introducen CVP de bioseguridad. Se comparan ambas fases y sus resultados en la reducción de EA y bioseguridad. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 520 pacientes: 180 en fase I y 340 en fase II. Se evidencian deficiencias en la técnica relacionadas con la desinfección, mantenimiento del campo estéril y manejo de equipo y apósitos; algunos mejoran significativamente con la progresión del estudio en fase II. Se observaron 86 EA, 34 en Fase I (18,8%) y 52 en fase II (15,4%) (p = ns). Destaca una reducción del 50% de flebitis en fase II. Sobre bioseguridad se detectaron 8 casos (7 salpicaduras, 1 pinchazo accidental) con CVP convencionales (fase I) y 2 salpicaduras con CVP de bioseguridad (fase II), equivalente a una reducción del 36% de accidentes (p = 0,04), especialmente con catéteres de corta duración (p = 0,02). Conclusiones: La combinación de formación, protocolización de la indicación y empleo de CVP de bioseguridad se muestra como una intervención más efectiva para mejorar la seguridad del paciente y del profesional (AU)

Objectives: To test a strategy to reduce the rate of adverse events in patients and safety problems for emergency department staff who insert peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). The strategy consisted of training, implementing a protocol, and introducing safety-engineered PVCs. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, observational, preauthorization study in patients requiring PVC placement in an emergency department. The study had 2 phases. The first consisted of training, implementing a protocol for using conventional PVCs, and monitoring practice. The second phase introduced safety-engineered PVC sets. The number of adverse events in patients and threats to safety for staff were compared between the 2 phases. Results: A total of 520 patients were included, 180 in the first phase and 340 in the second. We detected breaches in aseptic technique, failure to maintain a sterile field, and improper management of safety equipment and devices. Some practices improved significantly during the second phase. Eighty-six adverse events occurred in the first phase and 52 (15.4%) in the second; the between-phase difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of postinfusion phlebitis was 50% lower in the second phase. Seven splash injuries and 1 accidental puncture occurred with conventional PVCs in the first phase; 2 splash injuries occurred with the safety-engineered PVCs in the second phase (36% decrease, P = .04). Differences were particularly noticeable for short-term PVC placements (P = .02). Conclusion: Combining training, a protocol, and the use of safety-engineered PVC sets offers an effective strategy for improving patient and staff safety (AU)

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in cancer patients under chemotherapy: A prospective study on the incidence of complications and overall failures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) for chemotherapy has led to the observation of an elevated risk of complications and failures. This study investigates PICC failures in cancer patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at a single cancer institution on 291 PICC placement for chemotherapy. The primary study outcome was PICC failure. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 119 days. PICC complications occurred in 72 patients (24.7%) and failures with removal in 44 (15.1%). Reasons for failures were upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) 12 (4.1%), central line associate bloodstream infection (CLABSI) 5 (1.7%) with an infection rate of 0.95 per 1,000 catheter days, exit site infection 9 (3.1%) with a rate of 1.46 per 1,000 catheter days, catheter dislodgment 11 (3.8%), and occlusion 7 (2.4%). Statistically significant risk factors were previous DVT (HR 2.95, 95%CI 1.33-6.53), reason for PICC implant (HR 3.65, 95%CI 1.12-10.34) and 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab based chemotherapy (HR 3.11, 95%CI 1.17-8.26). CONCLUSIONS: PICC is a safe venous device for chemotherapy delivery. Nevertheless, a 15% rate of failure has to be taken in account when planning PICC insertion for chemotherapy purposes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:708-714. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.