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Objective This study aimed to compare the impact of saline lock to running a slow continuous infusion to-keep-vein-open (TKVO) on the total time a peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter remained patent. Method A retrospective chart review of all children admitted to the paediatric ward of a regional hospital in Saskatchewan December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. Characteristics of patients with PIV catheters were abstracted from the health records, including patient size, catheter size and site, and total time each PIV catheter spent (i) infusing therapeutic fluids or medications, (ii) running a TKVO infusion, or (iii) saline locked. The duration of catheter patency was compared with the proportion of time that TKVO infusions were run, as well as patient gender and age. Results During 375 admissions, there were 189 PIVs which met inclusion criteria. The proportion of nontherapeutic time a PIV catheter spent TKVO compared to saline locked did not affect the total time the PIV catheter was patent (P=0.33). Gender had no influence, but older age, a nonmodifiable factor, was associated with increased time a PIV catheter remained patent (P=0.028). Discussion Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter insertion can be a painful and traumatic procedure. On the paediatric ward of a regional hospital, TKVO infusions were not superior to saline lock for prolonging PIV catheter patency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Chronic kidney disease is a critical condition with considerable public health implications. It affects a significant proportion of the general population and when progressive, has an increasing influence on morbidity and mortality. The main purpose of this study was to explore the distribution and trends of renal replacement therapy and vascular access practice patterns among Saskatchewan end stage renal disease patients. Material and Method: This is a registry-based retrospective observational study. Prevalence of patient's on renal replacement therapy in the Canadian Organ Replacement Register who has information for renal replacement therapy from 2006 to 2016 in the province of Saskatchewan. The composite of demographics, mortality, type of renal replacement therapy, type of vascular access and important blood markers ranges were recorded among both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Results: From 2006 through 2016, a total of 2103 patients with mean age of 69.52±13.2 initiated renal replacement therapy in Saskatchewan. Among those patients, over half of the patients were female (62%). Majority of the patients were Caucasians and Aboriginals. Nearly two third of them were overweight and obese. Less than half developed end stage renal diseases secondary to diabetes and 14.9% had a primary diagnosis of glomerulonephritis. At the end of 2015, prevalence of end-stage kidney disease patients was 1330 in the Saskatchewan. During 2006 to 2016, 72.3% received haemodialysis, 22.8% received peritoneal dialysis, and, catheter was the most frequently used dialysis access method (64.6%). Conclusion: An increasing number of patients with advanced renal disease are being initiated on long-term dialysis every year. Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two main types of dialysis provided under renal care programs. Alarmingly, in Saskatchewan, catheter was the most frequently used dialysis access method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry analyzers measure hemoglobin transcutaneously and offer the benefit of a hemoglobin measurement without phlebotomy. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry testing for the detection of postpartum anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL). Methods: Five hundred eighty-four women aged 18 and over were recruited on postpartum day one following a singleton delivery. Two non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry monitors, Masimo Pronto Pulse CO-Oximeter (Pronto) and Masimo Rad-67 Pulse CO-Oximeter (Rad-67), were evaluated and compared to the postpartum phlebotomy hemoglobin value. Results: Of 584 participants, 31% (181) had postpartum anemia by phlebotomy hemoglobin measurement. Bland–Altman plots determined a bias of + 2.4 (± 1.2) g/dL with the Pronto and + 2.2 (± 1.1) g/dL with the Rad-67. Low sensitivity was observed: 15% for the Pronto and 16% for the Rad-67. Adjusting for the fixed bias, the Pronto demonstrated a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 84%, while the Rad-67 demonstrated a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 88%. Conclusion: A consistent overestimation of hemoglobin by the non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry monitors compared to phlebotomy hemoglobin result was observed. Even after adjusting for the fixed bias, the sensitivity for detecting postpartum anemia was low. Detection of postpartum anemia should not be based on these devices alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the most costly and limited‐supply blood products. Judicious use of this therapy is important to ensure a continued supply is available for patients in need. The Saskatchewan IG Stewardship Program was initiated to monitor and reduce inappropriate IG use. Materials and Methods: The Program was developed and implemented through the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary, inter‐organizational team. Funding was provided from provincial organizations to create new positions within the Program and to support stakeholder engagement throughout the process of implementation. Data were collected from local and national databases regarding the amount of IVIG used and appropriateness of orders based on published criteria. Results: Over 20 months, the Program helped to reduce unnecessary IVIG use from pre‐intervention levels by more than 20%. Interventions from nurse navigators alone reduced inappropriate IVIG use by 2.6%. During the 20‐month period following Program initiation, more than 4 million CAD less was spent on IVIG compared with the previous 20 months. Conclusion: The Saskatchewan IG Stewardship Program has led to more appropriate IVIG use across the province, more effective preservation of this limited healthcare resource, and cost savings that more than cover the cost of administering the Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]