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Abstract Background This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of nutrition support team (NST) facilities for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of CLABSI as well as the presence or absence of additional medical fees for NST activity between 2019 and 2021, including the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, we performed between-group comparisons of the CLABSI incidence. CLABSI rates were compared based on cumulative per 1000 catheter uses during the relevant period. Results Among 47 facilities that were registered for participation, there were 34 and 13 facilities with and without additional medical fees for NST activity (NST and non-NST groups, respectively). The CLABSI incidence rate was significantly lower in the NST group 0.96 [0.28–1.73] than in the non-NST group 1.25 [075–6.10] (p

Background Aim Methods Results Conclusions Central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a potential complication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients.We sought to analyse risk factors of developing HPN‐related CLABSI and assess CLABSI management in the Australian context.A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on 34 adult patients receiving HPN via a central venous catheter (CVC) at a Queensland tertiary referral centre between 2016 and 2023. Patient charts were reviewed, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to determine associations between characteristics and time to CLABSI in the first CVC using Peto‐Peto Prentice test.A total of 39 CLABSI episodes occurred in 19 patients. Patients with ≥1 CLABSI used regular opioids more than those without CLABSI (P = 0.016). Fourteen (41%, n = 14/34) patients developed a CLABSI in their first CVC. No patient or line characteristics were found to be predictive of CLABSI in their first CVC. The CLABSI rate was 1.02/1000 catheter days. Most CLABSIs were caused by Enterobacterales (22%, n = 12/55) and Candida sp. (22%, n = 12/55). Empiric antimicrobial therapy was adequate in only 25% (n = 7/28), and the median time to effective antibiotic therapy was 22.7 h (interquartile range 4.8–29.8). There were three successful CVC salvages (8%, n = 3/39).In this cohort of patients, regular opioid use was associated with increased risk of developing CLABSI. Based on our findings, an empiric antimicrobial regime of vancomycin, cefepime and caspofungin will provide adequate coverage for most HPN‐related CLABSIs in Australian IF units with a similar antimicrobial distribution and resistance pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of nutrition support team (NST) facilities for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of CLABSI as well as the presence or absence of additional medical fees for NST activity between 2019 and 2021, including the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, we performed between-group comparisons of the CLABSI incidence. CLABSI rates were compared based on cumulative per 1000 catheter uses during the relevant period. Results: Among 47 facilities that were registered for participation, there were 34 and 13 facilities with and without additional medical fees for NST activity (NST and non-NST groups, respectively). The CLABSI incidence rate was significantly lower in the NST group 0.96 [0.28–1.73] than in the non-NST group 1.25 [075–6.10] (p < 0.05). Before the pandemic, the NST group had a lower CLABSI rate per 1000 catheter uses than the non-NST group 2019: 0.70 [0.12–1.26] vs 2.10 [0.62–5.97]. During the pandemic, the CLABSI incidence showed no significant between-group difference 2020: 0.99 [0.51–1.61] vs 1.01 [0.80–4.16]; 2021: 1.24 [0.44–2.35] vs 1.96 [1.23–5.31]; however, the CLABSI rates in the NST group remained low. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of CLABSI was lower in the NST group than in the non-NST group, indicating the effectiveness of NST in preventing the occurrence of CLABSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A panel of experts convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) has reviewed and consolidated current recommendations for preventing vascular catheter infections, particularly central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). This review provides healthcare professionals with insights into key issues such as the rates of CLABSI in high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries, the attributable extra length of stay, cost and mortality, and risk factors. This position paper highlights evidence-based strategies for preventing infections, applicable to both high-income and low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant healthcare burden in Canada. National surveillance of HAIs at sentinel acute care hospitals is conducted by the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program. Objective: This article describes device and surgical procedure-related HAI epidemiology in Canada from 2018 to 2022. Methods: Data were collected from over 60 Canadian sentinel acute care hospitals between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), hip and knee surgical site infections (SSIs), cerebrospinal fluid shunt (CSF) SSIs and paediatric cardiac SSIs. Case counts, rates, patient and hospital characteristics, pathogen distributions and antimicrobial resistance data are presented. Results: Between 2018 and 2022, 2,258 device-related infections and 987 surgical procedurerelated infections were reported. A significant rate increase was observed in adult mixed intensive care unit CLABSIs (1.07-1.93 infections per 1,000 line days, p=0.05) and a nonsignificant rate increase was observed in SSIs following knee arthroplasty (0.31-0.42 infections per 100 surgeries, p=0.45). A fluctuating rate trend was observed in CSF shunt SSIs over the time period and a significant rate decrease in paediatric cardiac SSIs was observed (68%, from 7.5-2.4 infections per 100 surgeries, p=0.01). The most commonly identified pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (22.8%) among CLABSIs and Staphylococcus aureus (42%) among SSIs. Conclusion: Epidemiological and microbiological trends among selected device and surgical procedure-related HAIs are essential for benchmarking infection rates nationally and internationally, identifying any changes in infection rates or antimicrobial resistance patterns and helping inform hospital infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship policies and programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unscheduled dressing changes for central venous lines (CVLs) have been shown to increase the risk of bloodstream infections. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if the use of an innovative dressing change kit reduces the rate of unscheduled dressing changes. Methods: This pre–post interventional study took place at a large, academic, tertiary care center in metro Detroit, Michigan, the United States. We assessed the impact of the interventional dressing change procedure kit on the rate of unscheduled dressing changes for adult patients who underwent placement of a CVL inclusive of a central catheter, peripherally inserted central catheter, or hemodialysis catheter. Data was collected for the pre-intervention cohort through electronic health records (EHRs), while data for the post-intervention cohort were collected by direct observation by trained research staff in combination with EHR data. The primary outcome was the rate of unscheduled dressing changes. Secondary outcomes included rate of unscheduled dressing changes based on admission floor type, etiology of unscheduled dressing changes, and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Results: The study included a convenience sample of 1548 CVLs placed between May 2018 and June 2022 with a matched analysis including 488 catheters in each of the pre- and post-intervention groups. The results showed that the unadjusted rate of unscheduled dressing evaluations was significantly reduced from the pre-intervention group (0.21 per day) to the post-intervention group (0.13 per day) (p <.001). The adjusted rate ratio demonstrated the same trend at 1.00 pre- and 0.60 post-intervention (p <.001). Stratifying the analysis based on the highest level of care showed that the intervention was effective in reducing the unadjusted rate of unscheduled dressing evaluations for both the advanced and regular medical floor subgroups pre- to post-intervention; the advanced subgroup had an reduction from 0.22 to 0.15 per day (p =.001), while the regular medical floor subgroup had a reduction from 0.21 to 0.09 per day (p <.001). CLABSIs were similar in both groups (0.6% vs 0.8%; p = 1.00) in pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively. Discussion: Procedural kits for central line dressing changes are effective in reducing unscheduled dressing changes and may have a role in reducing CLABSI. Further studies assessing the impact of dressing change kits on cost, procedural compliance, and the precise impact on CLABSI are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections is a critical aspect of care for patients with intestinal failure who are treated with parenteral nutrition. The use of taurolidine in this context is becoming increasingly popular, however there is a lack of standardization in its pediatric application. The objective of this work is to develop a guide to support its prescription. Methodology: the guide is based on a review of the literature and expert opinions from the Intestinal Failure Group of the SEGHNP. It was developed through a survey distributed to all its members, addressing aspects of usual practice with this lock solution. Results: this manuscript presents general recommendations concerning taurolidine indications, commercial presentations, appropriate forms of administration, use in special situations, adverse reactions, and contraindications in the pediatric population Conclusions: taurolidine is emerging as the primary lock solution used to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, proving to be safe and effective. This guide aims to optimize and standardize its use in pediatrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of the central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Bacteremia episodes from 2020 to 2022 from a prospective cohort of pediatric oncology patients with a central venous catheter were included. Episodes were classified by three medical experts following the CLABSI criteria as either a CLABSI or non‐CLABSI (i.e., contamination, other infection source, or mucosal barrier injury‐laboratory confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI‐LCBI)). Subsequently, they were asked if and why they (dis)agreed with this diagnosis following the criteria. The primary outcome was the percentage of episodes where the experts clinically disagreed with the diagnosis given following the CLABSI criteria. Results: Overall, 84 bacteremia episodes in 71 patients were evaluated. Following the CLABSI criteria, 34 (40%) episodes were classified as CLABSIs and 50 (60%) as non‐CLABSIs. In 11 (13%) cases the experts clinically disagreed with the diagnosis following the CLABSI criteria. The discrepancy between the CLABSI criteria and clinical diagnosis was significant; McNemar's test p <.01. Disagreement by the experts with the CLABSI criteria mostly occurred when the experts found an MBI‐LCBI a more plausible cause of the bacteremia than a CLABSI due to the presence of a gram negative bacteremia (Pseudomonas aeruginosa n = 3) and/or mucositis. Conclusions: A discrepancy between the CLABSI criteria and the evaluation of the experts was observed. Adding Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an MBI pathogen and incorporating the presence of mucositis in the MBI‐LCBI criteria, might increase the applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the present study, the purpose was to investigate and compare the use of antimicrobialimpregnated peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) and standard PICC catheters in premature infants who are hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: The infants, who were younger than 32 weeks, and who were treated with PICC catheters were included in this retrospective observational study. Results: The 58 infants included in the study. Antimicrobial-impregnated PICC catheter was used for 23 infants and standard PICC catheters were used for 35 infants. Although no difference was detected between the groups regarding the week of birth, birth weight, gender, and age at catheter insertion, the duration of catheter use was longer in the antimicrobial-impregnated PICC group (14.6+-6.5 days vs. 11+-5.9 days, p=0.03). When the groups were compared in terms of the reasons for catheter termination, the rate of planned catheter removal upon completion of treatment was 65.2% in the antimicrobial-impregnated PICC catheter group, and it was 34.3% in the standard PICC catheter group (p

Summary: Background: Taurolidine containing lock solutions (TL) are a promising method for the prevention of central line associated bloodstream infections. Per accident, the TL may not always be aspirated from the central venous catheter (CVC) before blood cultures are obtained. The TL could, unintentionally, end up in a blood culture vial, possibly altering the results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the TLs on the detection of microbial growth in blood culture vials. Methods: Different lock solutions (taurolidine-citrate-heparin (TCHL), taurolidine, heparin, citrate or NaCl) were added to BD BACTECTM blood culture vials (Plus Aerobic/F, Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F or Peds Plus/F) before spiking with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213 or a clinical strain) or Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 or a clinical strain) in the presence and absence of blood. Subsequently, blood culture vials were incubated in the BD BACTEC FX instrument with Time-to-positivity (TTP) as primary outcome. In addition, the effect of the TCHL on a variety of other micro-organisms was tested. Discussion: In the presence of taurolidine, the TTP was considerably delayed or vials even remained negative as compared to vials containing heparin, citrate or NaCl. This effect was dose-dependent. The delayed TTP was much less pronounced in the presence of blood, but still notable. Conclusion: This study stresses the clinical importance of discarding TLs from the CVC before obtaining a blood culture.

Abstract Catheter-related suppurative thrombophlebitis (CRST) is a complication of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). The microbiology of CRST is similar with the microbiology of CRBSI, but Clostridium perfringens that causes gas gangrene is a rare pathogen of CRBSI and CRST. We present a case of catheter-related gas-forming suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Clostridium perfringens infection. Gas-forming thrombus around the catheter can be useful findings for the early diagnosis of catheter-related clostridial thrombophlebitis.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services imparts financial penalties for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and other healthcare-acquired infections. Data for this purpose is obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Health Safety Network. We present examples of misclassification of bloodstream infections into CLABSI by the CDC's definition and present the financial implications of such misclassification and potential long-term implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), have been widely used as intravascular devices in critically ill patients. However, they might evoke complications, such as catheter colonization that has been considered as predisposing factor for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Although numerous studies have compared the risk of bloodstream infections between PICCs and CVCs, comparative studies on their colonization rates are limited. Objectives The episodes of catheter colonization in critically ill patients with CVCs or PICCs were retrospectively analysed during a two-year period in a Greek tertiary care hospital and colonization rates, microbial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were compared. Methods Clinical and laboratory data of consecutive hospitalized critically-ill patients who underwent PICC and CVC placement between May 2017–May 2019 were analysed. All catheters were examined by the semiquantitative culture technique for bacterial pathogens, either as a routine process after catheter removal or after suspicion of infection. Species identification and antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by the Vitek2 automated system. Results During the survey period a total of 122/1187 (10.28%) catheter colonization cases were identified among CVCs and 19/639 (2.97%) cases among PICCs (p = 0.001). The colonization rate was 12.48/1000 catheter-days for the CVC group and 1.71/1000 catheter-days for the PICC group (p

Summary: Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance data are voluntarily submitted to the Taiwan Healthcare-associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (THAS) System. Validation of the CLABSI data is important to ensure the quality of surveillance data. We aimed to validate the CLABSI surveillance data reported to the THAS system. Methods: This study was a retrospective medical record review of patients with positive blood cultures admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of 13 participating hospitals between October and December 2021. An external validation team was convened to perform the validation process according to the standardised protocol and to record the reasons for misclassification. Discussion: During the study period, 688 patients with 1,238 positive blood cultures from 59 ICUs at 13 hospitals were evaluated. Among the 185 potential CLABSI events which met the THAS definition by either the external reviewers or the hospital reviewers, 24 (13.0%) events were identified by only the external reviewers, and six (3.2%) were identified by only the hospital reviewers, with an agreement rate of 83.8%. Using external reviewers as the gold standard, the pooled mean sensitivity and positive predictive value of CLABSI reporting were 86.6% (155/179) and 96.3% (155/161), respectively. Among the 37 misclassification episodes, missed case findings were the most common reason for misclassification (N=16, 43.2%). Conclusions: The CLABSI data reported to the THAS system are generally reliable. This study showed the need for ongoing validation processes and quality improvement to maintain the accuracy and validity of the surveillance data.

BackgroundTo the authors' knowledge, information regarding whether daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) reduces central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in pediatric oncology patients and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is limited.MethodsIn the current multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients aged ≥2 months and

Several studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and the results are conflicting. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and identify the effect of antimicrobial PICCs on central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) risk. A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies up to December 2022. A total of 9 studies were included for analysis. There were 7 retrospective/prospective cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials. The 9 studies involved 51,373 patients with PICCs. Among these patients, 6,563 (12.8%) antimicrobial-coated/impregnated PICCs and 44,810 (87.2%) nonantimicrobial-impregnated PICCs were inserted. The meta-analysis showed that antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk compared with noncoated PICCs (relative risk [RR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.43-1.05). In the subgroup analysis, minocycline-rifampin–(RR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19-0.49) or chlorhexidine-coated (RR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.04-8.55) PICCs showed an association with reduced risk of CLABSI. In the adult population, antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk (RR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.20-1.22). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk compared with noncoated PICCs. Minocycline-rifampin–or chlorhexidine-coated PICCs showed an association with reduced risk of CLABSI. • This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) had a nonsignificant association with lower central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) risk compared with noncoated PICCs. • Minocycline-rifampin- or chlorhexidine-coated PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk. • In the pediatric population, antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk compared with noncoated PICCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, there is no instrument available to assess intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of central line--associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention practices. Purpose: To develop and validate a CLABSI questionnaire to measure ICU nurses' KAP (CLABSI-KAP-Q). Methods: Data were collected from 255 nurses at 4 hospitals in Gansu Province, China. Questions on the CLABSI-KAP-Q were generated through a review of the literature, interviews with nurses, and multiple rounds of content validity evaluation by experts. The validity and reliability of the CLABSI-KAP-Q were assessed with exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and correlation coefficients. Results: The final version of the CLABSI-KAP-Q consisted of 32 items. The reliability was represented by a Cronbach α of 0.946, while the test-retest reliability was 0.945. The overall content validity was 0.95. Conclusions: The CLABSI-KAP-Q is shown to be valid and reliable and recommended for use in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients admitted to medical and surgical ICU with an indwelling, nontunneled central venous catheter (CVC) inserted at admission in the department of emergency medicine or at medical and surgical ICU for more than 48 h were monitored. The patients were followed up daily for the development of new-onset sepsis after 48 h of insertion of CVC, by analyzing the culture of two sets of blood samples, over a span of 24 h. The data were evaluated statistically using Microsoft Excel version 11 and SPSS version 17 (IBM, USA). Results: Among 120 patients hospitalized for an aggregate of 972 days, 7 patients had acquired CLABSI with an incidence rate of 7.2/1000 central line days. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: The incidence rate of CLABSI in this study was in line with other studies on the CLABSI rate in India. The study found a significant association of CLABSI with duration of CVC catheterization, underlying comorbid conditions and diseases of patients, and indication of CVC insertion. However, there was no significant association of CLABSI with age of patients, their gender, and site of insertion.

Background and Aims: There is a huge load of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) being reported in developing countries, with increased mortality and healthcare costs. Effective surveillance is a must to reduce the incidence of CLABSI. The current criteria (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network [CDC/NHSN]) for CLABSI surveillance have their own shortcomings. For diagnosing CLABSI, current CDC/NHSN CLABSI surveillance criteria are laborious and time consuming with low predictive power. Hence, modified criteria have been postulated, which are simple and implementable at resource-constrained setups. The primary objective was to compare modified criteria with CDC criteria. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of CRBSI. Material and Methods: A total of 98 patients with central line in situ or having the central venous line removed ≤24 hrs prior to the date of the event were enrolled. Paired blood cultures were obtained and results were analyzed using differential time to positivity. Results: The incidence of CLBSI was 8.16% and the device utilization rate was 11.6%. The negative predictive value of both the surveillance criteria was found to be excellent and comparable (96.2% for modified criteria and 97.1% for CDC criteria), therefore both can be used for screening purposes. AUC for current CDC/NHSN criteria was better than modified criteria (0.76 versus 0.66, P < 0.0001), suggesting it to be a better criterion for surveillance of CLABSI. Conclusion: Modified criteria were not superior to CDC/NHSN criteria for surveillance. Thus, there is a scope of improving the modified criteria for the purpose of surveillance. CLBSI load was higher; CLABSI bundle for prevention is thus highly recommended.

Introduction: Because the risk of health-care associated infections (HAIs) is high in intensive care units, and HAIs are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality and affects the overall quality of health care, the continuous monitoring of HAIs in intensive care patients is essential.Aim and objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of five years in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. The aim of the study was to investigate the main and specific types of health-care associated Infections and determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility rates of isolates in patients with HAI.Methods: The active surveillance method was used to detect HAIs in patients who spent over 48 hr in a targeted ICU. Patients with blood stream infections (BSI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and ventilator-associated events (VAE) were included in the study. HAI were diagnosed based on the Centre for Disease Control (CDC)’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) updated definitions of HAIs.Results: A total of 121,051 patient days, including 7,989 central line days, 64,557 urinary catheter days, and 18,443 ventilator days, were recorded in the study population and 832 HAIs were diagnosed (incidence rate 6.9%). The overall rates of BSI, CLABSI, CAUTI and possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (p-VAP) were 3.7, 10.6, 2.1 and 13.4/1,000 device days, respectively. The most common organism isolated from BSI was (n=322, 29%), followed by 225 (n=225, 20.3%). 79.8% of strains were resistant to imipenem, 77.1% to ciprofloxacin and 76.4% to ampicillin. The most common organisms isolated from CAUTI were non-albicans species (n=38, 18%), followed by and spp (each n=33, each 15.7%). Conclusions: A trend of increasing resistance of to carbapenems was observed. Risk factor analysis showed invasive procedures during sepsis and organophosphorous poisoning as significant factors.

Introduction and objectives: Bloodstream infections are common in critically ill patients using central venous access devices (CVAD) in intensive care units (ICU). This project aimed to decrease the incidence of central lineassociated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by using evidence-based strategies. Methods: The project applied the JBI audit and feedback methods. Thirty-two nurses and five resident physicians from the medical ICU of a medical center participated in the project. Preintervention compliance was measured for the 11 key evidence-based criteria (six audit criteria of central venous catheter insertion and five audit criteria of dressing and catheter securement). Strategies were implemented to overcome the barriers identified in the baseline assessment. Impact evaluation and sustainability were conducted to change the CLABSI rate and the competence of healthcare professionals in providing CVAD care. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tools were used for the data collection, analysis, and implementation planning. Results: Barriers included insufficient knowledge among nurses and physicians, poor compliance with the standard CVAD insertion procedure by physicians, inadequate cooperation among the CVAD care team members, and lack of CVAD-related equipment. The strategies included education and training in CVAD care, the establishment of a team resource management program, and the provision of appropriate equipment. Following project implementation, the CLABSI rate decreased from 8.38 to 3.9 BSIs/1000 CVAD-days. Conclusions: The project successfully decreased the CLABSI rate and increased the competence of healthcare professionals. Implementation of best practices in clinical care should focus on leadership, team resource management, education, monitoring, and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), its etiology, and risk factors in critically ill patients, because Slovakia was one of the countries experiencing a high burden of COVID-19 infections, and hospitals faced greater challenges in preventing and managing CLABSI; (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of CLABSI data from all patients admitted to adult respiratory intensive care units before and during COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. We followed the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control surveillance methodology for CLABSI. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 13.1; (3) Results: We analyzed the data of 803 ICU patients hospitalized for 8385 bed days, with 7803 central line days. Forty-five CLABSI events were identified. The CLABSI rate significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (2.81 versus 7.47 events per 1000 central line days, (p < 0.001). The most frequently identified pathogens causing CLABSI were Gram-negative organisms (60.20%). The risk factors found to increase the probability of developing CLABSI were length of stay (OR = 1.080; 95% Cl: 1.057–1.103; p < 0.001) and COVID-19 (OR = 5.485; 95% Cl: 32.706–11.116; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in CLABSI in ICUs. These data underscore the need to increase efforts in providing surveillance of CLABSI and implementing infection prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), have been widely used as intravascular devices in critically ill patients. However, they might evoke complications, such as catheter colonization that has been considered as predisposing factor for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Although numerous studies have compared the risk of bloodstream infections between PICCs and CVCs, comparative studies on their colonization rates are limited. Objectives: The episodes of catheter colonization in critically ill patients with CVCs or PICCs were retrospectively analysed during a two-year period in a Greek tertiary care hospital and colonization rates, microbial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were compared. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data of consecutive hospitalized critically-ill patients who underwent PICC and CVC placement between May 2017–May 2019 were analysed. All catheters were examined by the semiquantitative culture technique for bacterial pathogens, either as a routine process after catheter removal or after suspicion of infection. Species identification and antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by the Vitek2 automated system. Results: During the survey period a total of 122/1187 (10.28%) catheter colonization cases were identified among CVCs and 19/639 (2.97%) cases among PICCs (p = 0.001). The colonization rate was 12.48/1000 catheter-days for the CVC group and 1.71/1000 catheter-days for the PICC group (p < 0.001). The colonization rate per 1000 catheter-days due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) was 3.85 in all study cases, 7.26 (71/122) in the CVC group and 0.63 (7/19) in the PICC group (p < 0.001). Within the CVC group, the most common microorganism isolated was MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 38, 31.1%) followed by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 20, 16.4%). In the PICC group, the predominant microorganism isolated was Candida spp. (n = 5, 23.8%) followed by MDR K. pneumoniae and MDR A. baumannii in equal numbers (n = 3, 14.2%). Conclusion: PICC lines were associated with significantly lower colonization rates comparing to the CVC ones. In addition, patterns of microbial colonization revealed a trend over the predominance of MDR gram-negatives in CVCs suggesting that PICCs might be a safer alternative for prolonged inpatient intravascular access. Prevention programs directed by local microbial ecology may diminish catheter colonization rates and CLABSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe type of vascular access (central or peripheral) in pediatric critical care depends on several factors, including the duration of treatment, the properties of the medication (osmolarity or vesicant), and the need for central pressure monitoring. The utilization of peripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs) has shown a notable increase in the number of patients being treated. Extended dwell or midline catheters are another peripheral access option in addition to PIVCs. However, there are currently no established guidelines on their placement.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to estimate the duration of dwell time for PIVCs, analyze the specific parameters affecting it, and develop recommendations for switching to extended dwell and midline catheter placement as an alternative to peripheral access.MethodsThe study enrolled patients aged 0–18 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for over 24 h and managed with peripheral access only over 2 years (2019–2021).Measurements and main resultsA total of 484 patients met the specified criteria. Patients who had peripheral access exhibited a lower PRISM score and a shorter length of stay in the PICU, with mean values of 18 (SD: 8.5) and 9.5 (SD: 6.4) days, respectively, compared with patients who had central access with mean values of 8.9 (SD: 5.9) and 5.7 (SD: 3.6) days, respectively. The PIVC dwell time was found to be 50.1 h (SD: 65.3) and required an average of 1.6 insertion attempts. Patients with three or more insertions exhibited an increased odds ratio of 5.2 (95% CI: 3.1–8.5) for receiving an extended dwell or midline insertion. Increased dwell time was associated with female gender, 59.5 h (P

Lean healthcare visual management has been successfully integrated into infection control programs, leading to lower healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates and greater provider compliance with evidence-based prevention practices; however, its implementation during quality improvement (QI) initiatives in limited-resource settings has not yet been well exploited. We aimed to describe a low-cost strategy involving Kamishibai cards to sustain bundles' adherence to prevent HAIs in a middle-income country. This descriptive case study evaluated the implementation of a lean healthcare visual management tool—Kamishibai board (K-board)—during a nationwide QI collaborative preventing three critical HAIs in 189 adult and pediatric/neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) from September 2021 to January 2023. Considering a limited-resource setting, our team adapted a K-board using simple, cheap, and easy-to-handle materials for routine monitoring of QI procedures, including safety bundles' compliance. After test prototypes, the final K-board version was implemented. The chart materials and assembly cost BRL 80.00 (USD 15.48). Before launching, expert working group meetings were held to shape the contents, refine technical issues, and prepare the ICU teams for implementation. After starting, plan-do-study-act cycles were conducted according to the Breakthrough Series model. Participating ICU teams, including leaders and front-line health workers, performed bedside audits following a weekly chronogram. Two indicators were calculated: the percentage of ICUs in which K-boards were being implemented and whether bundles' compliance was addressed in the K-board. Audit data were recorded in 'SimpleQI'. After 17 months of this initiative, 177 (93.7%) participating ICUs had included this visual management tool in their daily care routines. When more than 94 (>50%) ICUs posted K-board data, the mean compliance for the bundles for each HAI was sustained above 85%. A lean healthcare visual management tool can be adapted to local settings, including healthcare facilities with limited resources. K-board seems to be a feasible method for auditing evidence-based practices in medical care, including safety bundles to simultaneously prevent three types of HAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at risk for healthcare-associated infections, including central line-associated bloodstream infections. We aimed to characterize the epidemiology of bloodstream infections among neonates with central venous catheters admitted to three Indian NICUs. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in three tertiary NICUs, from May 1, 2017 until July 31, 2019. All neonates admitted to the NICU were enrolled and followed until discharge, transfer, or death. Cases were defined as positive blood cultures in neonates with a central venous catheter in place for greater than 2 days or within 2 days of catheter removal. RESULTS: During the study period, 140 bloodstream infections were identified in 131 neonates with a central venous catheter. The bloodstream infection rate was 11.9 per 1000 central line-days. Gram-negative organisms predominated, with 38.6% of cases caused by Klebsiella spp. and 14.9% by Acinetobacter spp. Antimicrobial resistance was prevalent among Gram-negative isolates, with 86.9% resistant to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, 63.1% to aminoglycosides, 61.9% to fluoroquinolones, and 42.0% to carbapenems. Mortality and length of stay were greater in neonates with bloodstream infection than in neonates without bloodstream infection (unadjusted analysis, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We report a high bloodstream infection rate among neonates with central venous catheters admitted to three tertiary care NICUs in India. Action to improve infection prevention and control practices in the NICU is needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with BSI in this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There is a huge load of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) being reported in developing countries, with increased mortality and healthcare costs. Effective surveillance is a must to reduce the incidence of CLABSI. The current criteria (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network [CDC/NHSN]) for CLABSI surveillance have their own shortcomings. For diagnosing CLABSI, current CDC/NHSN CLABSI surveillance criteria are laborious and time consuming with low predictive power. Hence, modified criteria have been postulated, which are simple and implementable at resource-constrained setups. The primary objective was to compare modified criteria with CDC criteria. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of CRBSI. Material and Methods: A total of 98 patients with central line in situ or having the central venous line removed ≤24 hrs prior to the date of the event were enrolled. Paired blood cultures were obtained and results were analyzed using differential time to positivity. Results: The incidence of CLBSI was 8.16% and the device utilization rate was 11.6%. The negative predictive value of both the surveillance criteria was found to be excellent and comparable (96.2% for modified criteria and 97.1% for CDC criteria), therefore both can be used for screening purposes. AUC for current CDC/NHSN criteria was better than modified criteria (0.76 versus 0.66, P < 0.0001), suggesting it to be a better criterion for surveillance of CLABSI. Conclusion: Modified criteria were not superior to CDC/NHSN criteria for surveillance. Thus, there is a scope of improving the modified criteria for the purpose of surveillance. CLBSI load was higher; CLABSI bundle for prevention is thus highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTo the authors' knowledge, information regarding whether daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) reduces central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in pediatric oncology patients and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is limited.MethodsIn the current multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients aged ≥2 months and

Catheter-related suppurative thrombophlebitis (CRST) is a complication of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). The microbiology of CRST is similar with the microbiology of CRBSI, but Clostridium perfringens that causes gas gangrene is a rare pathogen of CRBSI and CRST. We present a case of catheter-related gas-forming suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Clostridium perfringens infection. Gas-forming thrombus around the catheter can be useful findings for the early diagnosis of catheter-related clostridial thrombophlebitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Device-associated infections (DAIs) are important components of healthcare associated infection and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study describes DAIs across different intensive care units (ICUs) in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 and followed the definitions of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for DAIs. The calculated the rates of ventilator-associated events (VAE), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) followed NHSN definitions. During the study period, there were 82 DAIs in adult ICUs and of these 16 (19.5%) were CLABSI, 26 (31.7%) were CAUTI and 40 (48.7%) were VAE. The overall rates for adult ICUs were 1.6, 1.9, 3.8 per 1000 device-days for CAUTI, CLABSI and VAE, respectively. The device-utilization ratio was 0.5, 0.6, and 0.48 for urinary catheters, central lines, and ventilators, respectively. VAE rates for medical and surgical ICU were about 2.8 times the rate in the coronary care unit and the rates were high in 2020 corresponding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the adult ICUS, medical ICU had a CLABSI rate of 2.13/1000 device-days and was about double the rate in surgical and cardiac ICU. For CAUTI, the rates per 1000 device-days were 2.19, 1.73, and 1.65 for medical, surgical, and coronary ICUs, respectively. The rate of CLABSI per 1000 device-days for pediatric and neonatal ICUs were 3.38 and 2.28, respectively. CAUTI was the most common infections among adult ICUs and medical ICU had higher rates than other adult ICUs. VAE rate was higher in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating increased device-use, change in patients characteristics as well as possible change in practices across the ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the top 10 leading causes of death within the United States. While current standard of HAI risk prediction utilizes only a narrow set of predefined clinical variables, we propose a graph convolutional neural network (GNN)-based model which incorporates a wide variety of clinical features. Materials and Methods Our GNN-based model defines patients' similarity based on comprehensive clinical history and demographics and predicts all types of HAI rather than focusing on a single subtype. An HAI model was trained on 38 327 unique hospitalizations while a distinct model for surgical site infection (SSI) prediction was trained on 18 609 hospitalization. Both models were tested internally and externally on a geographically disparate site with varying infection rates. Results The proposed approach outperformed all baselines (single-modality models and length-of-stay [LoS]) with achieved area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.86 [0.84–0.88] and 0.79 [0.75–0.83] (HAI), and 0.79 [0.75–0.83] and 0.76 [0.71–0.76] (SSI) for internal and external testing. Cost-effective analysis shows that the GNN modeling dominated the standard LoS model strategy on the basis of lower mean costs ($1651 vs $1915). Discussion The proposed HAI risk prediction model can estimate individualized risk of infection for patient by taking into account not only the patient's clinical features, but also clinical features of similar patients as indicated by edges of the patients' graph. Conclusions The proposed model could allow prevention or earlier detection of HAI, which in turn could decrease hospital LoS and associated mortality, and ultimately reduce the healthcare cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local problem: Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are associated with increased mortality and costs. In the cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU) of an academic medical center, nine CLABSIs occurred in fiscal year (FY) 2018. Purpose: The aim of this project was to reduce the CLABSI rate in the CTICU and sustain the results. Methods: Nurse residents on the CTICU initiated a quality improvement project with a single intervention and expanded it into an ongoing initiative with additional interventions by the unit-based performance improvement committee. Evidence-based interventions were identified and implemented, including education; rounding; auditing; and other unit-specific interventions, which included "Central Line Sunday," accountability emails, and a blood culture algorithm with a tip sheet. Results: CLABSI incidence was reduced from nine in FY 2018 to one in each of the subsequent FYs (2019 and 2020), which had similar totals of central line days, and two in FY 2021, which had a slightly higher number of central line days. The CTICU was able to achieve zero CLABSIs from August 2019 through November 2020, more than 365 days. Conclusions: Coupled with strong support from nursing leadership, nurses on the unit successfully reduced CLABSIs by adopting novel, evidence-based strategies; ongoing monitoring; and multiple interventions. How nurses on one unit successfully reduced CLABSIs by adopting novel, evidence-based strategies; ongoing monitoring; and multiple interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), the most frequent central venous catheter, are used to provide medical treatments, although long-term PICC-related adverse outcomes are unknown in China. This study systematically investigated PICC-related complications in four Chinese hospitals. Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2020, we analyzed the results of 3550 patients with PICC who were referred to four Chinese hospitals. All patients underwent PICC treatment in four Chinese hospitals. Patient-reported signs and symptoms of a putative PICC-related complication or functional were studied. Long-term outcomes and hospitalization costs were also evaluated. Results: An aggregate of 3285 patients were enrolled in the analytic cohort. 58.6% were females and 41.4% were males. The most common reasons for PICC placement included oncologic malignancy and critically ill patients. The majority of PICCs had valved systems (90.7%) and were implanted in the right side (85.5%) and into the basilic vein (87.7%). At least one potential PICC-related problem or adverse effects (AEs) was reported by 67.3% of patients. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (28.1%) and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (20.7%) were the most common complications. The majority of PICCs were removed for causes other than AEs, with just 723 reported AEs accounting for 22.0% of all PICC removals. The most reasons for PICCs removal were occlusion (425, 12.9%) and exit‐site infections (189, 5.8%). Conclusions: This study is the first retrospective study in our country to explore PICC-related complications. While living with a PICC, more than 67.3% of patients report signs and symptoms of at least one PICC-related problem or adverse impacts, such as difficulties with PICC use and poor effects on physical and social function. In this group, PICCs are safe and effective, although the danger of PICC-related problems should not be disregarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant healthcare burden in Canada. National surveillance of HAIs at sentinel acute care hospitals is conducted by the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program. This article describes device and surgical procedure-related HAI epidemiology in Canada from 2017 to 2021. Methods: Data were collected from over 60 Canadian sentinel acute care hospitals between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), hip and knee surgical site infections (SSIs), cerebrospinal fluid shunt SSIs and paediatric cardiac SSIs. Case counts, rates, patient and hospital characteristics, pathogen distributions and antimicrobial resistance data are presented. Results: Between 2017 and 2021, 2,898 device and surgical procedure-related infections were reported, with CLABSIs in intensive care units representing 69% (n=2,002) of all reported infections under surveillance. Significant rate increases were observed in adult mixed intensive care unit CLABSIs (1.08-2.11 infections per 1,000 line days, p=0.014) while decreases were observed in SSIs following knee arthroplasty (0.34-0.27 infections per 100 surgeries, p=0.05). No changes in trends were observed in the other reported HAIs. Of the 3,089 pathogens identified, the majority were gram-positive (66%), followed by gram negative (23%) and fungi (11%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (22%) and Staphylococcus aureus (17%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens. Conclusion: Epidemiological and microbiological trends among select device and surgical procedure-related HAIs are essential for benchmarking infection rates nationally and internationally, identifying any changes in infection rates or antimicrobial resistance patterns and helping inform hospital infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship policies and programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a common and largely preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to health systems. We conducted a national survey to ascertain hospital characteristics and the use of HAI prevention measures in Israel. Methods We e-mailed surveys to infection prevention and control (IPC) leads of acute care hospitals in Israel. The survey included questions about the use of practices to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The survey also assessed COVID-19 impact and healthcare worker well-being. Results IPC leads from 15 of 24 invited hospitals (63%) completed the survey. Only one-third of respondents reported strong support for IPC from hospital leadership. Although several prevention practices were used by all hospitals (e.g., maximum sterile barrier precautions for CLABSI and real-time assessment of environmental cleaning for CDI), use of other practices was suboptimal—particularly for CAUTI and VAP. COVID-19 had a profound impact on Israeli hospitals, with all hospitals reporting opening of new units to care for COVID patients and most reporting moderate to extreme financial hardship. All hospitals reported highly successful plans to vaccinate all staff and felt confident that the vaccine is safe and effective. Conclusion We provide a status report of the IPC characteristics and practices Israeli hospitals are currently using to prevent HAIs during the COVID-19 era. While many globally accepted IPC practices are widely implemented, opportunities to increase the use of certain IPC practices in Israeli hospitals exist.

Abstract Background Insertion of a central venous access device (CVAD) allows clinicians to easily access the circulation of a patient to administer life-saving interventions. Due to their invasive nature, CVADs are prone to complications such as bacterial biofilm production and colonization, catheter-related bloodstream infection, occlusion, and catheter-related venous thrombosis. A CVAD is among the most common interventions for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), exposing this vulnerable population to the risk of nosocomial infection and catheter occlusion. The current standard of care involves the use of normal saline as a catheter locking solution for central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, and a citrate lock for hemodialysis catheters. Saline offers little prophylactic measures against catheter complications. Four percent of tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) fluid (marketed as KiteLock Sterile Locking Solution™) is non-antibiotic, possesses antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-coagulant properties, and is approved by Health Canada as a catheter locking solution. As such, it may be a superior CVAD locking solution than the present standard of care lock in the ICU patient population. Methods Our team proposes to fill this knowledge gap by performing a multi-center, cluster-randomized, crossover trial evaluating the impact of 4% tetrasodium EDTA on a primary composite outcome of the incidence rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter occlusion leading to removal, and use of alteplase to resolve catheter occlusion compared to the standard of care. The study will be performed at five critical care units. Discussion If successful, the results of this study can serve as evidence for a shift of standard of care practices to include EDTA locking fluid in routine CVAD locking procedures. Completion of this study has the potential to improve CVAD standard of care to become safer for patients, as well as provides an opportunity to decrease strain on healthcare budgets related to treating preventable CVAD complications. Success and subsequent implementation of this intervention in the ICU may also be extrapolated to other patient populations with heavy CVAD use including hemodialysis, oncology, parenteral nutrition, and pediatric patient populations. On a global scale, eradicating biofilm produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may serve to lessen the threat of “superbugs” and contribute to international initiatives supporting the termination of antibiotic overuse. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04548713, registered on September 9th, 2020.

As part of a central line–associated bloodstream infections prevention initiative, our academic medical center formed a dedicated nursing team to assist with central line insertions and provide support with caring for difficult lines and dressings. During the program's first 3 years, the proportion of insertion-related central line–associated bloodstream infections occurring in areas within the team's scope declined overall by 47%. • Our hospital implemented a central line insertion support team to decrease CLABSI. • Team supports providers by ensuring adherence to checklist and aseptic technique. • Over 3 years, in-scope areas decreased CLABSIs occurring in first 6 days by 47%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ultrasound (US)-guided durable tunneled femoral central venous catheters (TF-CVCs) are a safe central venous access option in infants and neonates. Studies have shown, however, that femoral central venous access has the potential for high central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates with a significant increase in risk for line-related thrombosis. Our aims were to describe the bedside insertion technique and evaluate the safety and complication rates of TF-CVCs in high-risk, young, pediatric cardiac intensive-care unit (PCICU) population. Design: A retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: University affiliated, tertiary-care hospital, PCICU. Patients: All PCICU patients that underwent bedside TF-CVC insertion were enrolled. Data was collected from the electronic medical record system. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: During April 2016 to October 2021, 103 TF-CVC lines were inserted into 94 pediatric cardiac critical care patients, at the bedside. Patients' characteristics were median (IQR) age of 47.5 days (22.6, 120.5), weight 3.3 kg (2.9, 4.3), 33% prevalence of genetic anomalies, need for ECMO support in 20.4%, and STAT category 4-5 in 53.4%. All procedures were performed by intensivists. There were no immediate procedure-related complications. TF-CVCs were inserted on average on post-operative day (POD) 14, median line indwell duration was 25 days (16.3, 42.3) and total TF-CVC dwell duration for the entire cohort of 3442.7 days. During the study period eight CLABSI events were recorded (2.3/1000 line-days). Line obstruction rate was 1.16/1000 line-days and six lines were dislodged in the intermediate-care unit. There was no symptomatic line-related thrombosis. Conclusions: We show that US-guided durable tunneled femoral central venous catheter (TF-CVC) insertion by an intensivist at the bedside is a technically feasible and safe prolonged central venous access option in critically ill, high-risk infants and neonates in the PCICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite initiatives to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), children and adolescents with hematologic malignancies, as well as those with relapsed disease, remain at the greatest risk for infection. This single-institution project evaluated changes in CLABSI rates following implementation of antibacterial prophylaxis with levofloxacin for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies. Methods: Positive blood culture events meeting National Health Safety Network surveillance criteria to be classified as CLABSIs from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2019, were included. Data were organized into four time periods for comparison based on implementation of CLABSI-reduction interventions. Conditional Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the effect of time (intervention period) on CLABSI rates with post hoc Tukey pairwise comparisons between each of the four time periods. Results: From 2006 and 2019, 227 patients experienced 310 CLABSIs. Clinically important decreases in CLABSI rates from baseline (4.84 per 1,000 line days) occurred with implementation of Children's Hospital Association (CHA) bundles (3.29 per 1,000 line days); however, this difference was not significant (p =.16). CLABSI rates decreased from baseline with the addition of formalized supportive cares (2.66 per 1,000 line days; incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.60; p <.01), and with the use of antibacterial prophylaxis (1.66 per 1,000 line days; IRR = 0.35; p <.01). Post hoc comparisons indicated decreased CLABSI rates with the use of antibacterial prophylaxis compared with CHA bundles alone (IRR = 0.49; p =.011) and CHA bundles plus formalized supportive cares (IRR = 0.58; p =.046). Discussion: Results demonstrate sustained success using a practice-based evidence approach to guide CLABSI-reduction interventions. Follow-up research, applying machine learning algorithms, may identify additional risk factors and inform future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal failure (IF) is a rare disease that requires ongoing intravenous supplementation to sustain growth and health. Advancements in parenteral nutrition (PN) and central venous access in the 1960s and 1970s transformed a life‐limiting disease to a chronic one in which patients are able to administer hydration, electrolytes, micronutrients, and macronutrients in the comfort of their home. However, despite ongoing advancements in the field of home PN (HPN), complications—whether related to central venous catheters or PN itself—remain common and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Central venous access can be associated with thrombosis, central line–associated bloodstream infection, or damage and can result in loss of access over time. PN can be associated with IF‐associated liver disease or hyperglycemia. The key to preserving central venous access and quality of life and maintaining health for patients with chronic IF (CIF) is education focused on prevention and prompt management of CIF complications as they arise. This education typically takes place at the time of initiation of HPN, either in the hospital setting or in the patient's home. The present manuscript describes the historical progression of HPN, prevalence and characteristics of CIF, and an in‐depth discussion of the most common catheter‐related and PN‐related complications and their management, along with a discussion of our education and training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn patients are at high risk of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). However, the diagnosis of such infections is complex, resource-intensive, and often delayed. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of CLABSI and develop a prediction model for the infection in burn patients. The study analysed the infection profiles, clinical epidemiology, and central venous catheter (CVC) management of patients in a large burn centre in China from January 2018 to December 2021. In total, 222 burn patients with a cumulative 630 CVCs and 5,431 line-days were included. The CLABSI rate was 23.02 CVCs per 1000 line-days. The three most common bacterial species were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; 76.09% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Compared with a non-CLABSI cohort, CLABSI patients were significantly older, with more severe burns, more CVC insertion times, and longer total line-days, as well as higher mortality. Regression analysis found longer line-days, more catheterisation times, and higher burn wounds index to be independent risk factors for CLABSI. A novel nomogram based on three risk factors was constructed with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.782–0.898) with a mean absolute error of calibration curve of 0.023. The nomogram showed excellent predictive ability and clinical applicability, and provided a simple, practical, and quantitative strategy to predict CLABSI in burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central line–associated bloodstream infection is a complication with serious consequences and biofilm development is thought to play a role. This study evaluated the impact of sterilization technique on central venous catheter (CVC) biofilm formation. This pilot study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care facility. All CVCs were inserted with chlorhexidine preparation (CHG). CHG-only CVCs were compared to the use of CHG with chlorhexidine gluconate–impregnated sponge (CHGIS). After removal, a punch biopsy of the CVC was taken at the noted skin level. Scanning electron microscopy identified the stage of biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy with SYPRO stain confirmed the presence of glycocalyx and a volumetric analysis was completed. Twenty four CVCs were collected. Indications for line placement were similar, with 42% placed for sepsis in the CHGIS group and 33% in the CHG group. There were no positive line cultures or bacteremia and 2/12 CHGIS patients had candidemia. CHGIS lines were in place for a mean of 91 h, compared to 60 h with CHG alone (P = 0.19). The interior of CVCs had lower stage biofilms than the exterior and lacked stage 4 biofilms. Stage 4 biofilms were present externally on 50% of CVCs (8/12 CHG and 4/12 CHGIS). Stage 3 biofilms were present on 7/12 CHG and 6/12 CHGIS interior samples. Volume analysis found an increase in biofilm and glycocalyx in CHGIS compared to CHG samples. This study identified biofilms on both surfaces of CVCs. No significant difference in biofilm formation was found based on a sterilization technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) serve as an alternative to short-term central venous catheters (CVCs) for providing intravenous access in hospitalized patients. Although a number of studies suggest that PICCs are associated with a lower risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) than CVCs, recent data concerning specific patient groups support the contrary. In this regard, we are comparing CVC- and PICC-related CLABSI rates developed in a selected group of critically ill inpatients and evaluating the CLABSI microbiological distribution. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Greece between May 2017 and May 2019. We performed a two-year retrospective analysis of the data collected from medical records of consecutive adult patients who underwent PICC or CVC placement. Results: A total of 1187 CVCs placed for 9774 catheter-days and 639 PICCs placed for 11,110 catheter-days, were reported and analyzed during the study period. Among CVCs, a total of 59 (4.9%) CLABSIs were identified, while among PICCs, 18 (2.8%) cases presented CLABSI (p = 0.029). The CLABSI incidence rate per 1,000 catheter-days was 6.03 for CVC group and 1.62 for PICC group (p < 0.001). The CLABSI rate due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among the two groups was 3.17 in CVC group and 0.36 in PICC group (p < 0.001). Within CLABSI-CVC group, the most common microorganism detected was MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (27.1%) followed by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%). In CLABSI-PICC group, the predominant microorganism was Candida spp. (33.3%) followed by non-MDR gram-negative pathogens (22.2%). Conclusions: PICC lines were associated with significantly lower CLABSI rates comparing to CVC although they were in place longer than CVC lines. Given their longer time to the development of infection, PICCs may be a safer alternative for prolonged inpatient IV access. The high prevalence of CLABSI-MDROs depicts the local microbial ecology, emphasizing the need of public health awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections has a major role in hospital infection prevention and control programmes. In the present study, we estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAI) ventilator-associated events (VAE), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Methods: This was a prospective surveillance study from January 2021 to June 2021 conducted in a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary care, and academic healthcare organisations. Targeted surveillance was carried out by the National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: A total of 249 patients admitted to the ICU with 2920 patient days of surveillance data were included during the study. A DA-HAIs attack rate of 17.67/100 admissions was seen during the study. The device utilisation ratios of central line, ventilator and urinary catheters were 0.49, 0.60 and 0.83, respectively. VAE, CLABSI and CAUTI rates were 12.44, 6.91 and 9.01/1000 device days, respectively. Among 54 DA-HAIs reported, pathogens could be identified for 41 DA-HAI cases. The most common organisms causing VAE, CAUTI and CLABSI were Acinetobacter baumannii (42.1%), Escherichia coli (30%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.7%), respectively. Of the Gram-negative organisms 61.7% were carbapenem resistant and 50% of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin resistant. Conclusions: The present study shows high rates of ICU-acquired DA-HAIs and moderately high resistance patterns of the organisms causing HAIs, which poses a great risk to patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common healthcare-associated infections in pediatrics. Children's hospital CLABSI standardized infection ratios decreased when comparing 2016–2019 (−26%, 95% CI [−31%, −20%]), and increased from 2019 to 2022 (18%, 95% CI [9%, 26%]). Resilient pediatric CLABSI prevention initiatives are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the performance and clinical utility of performing intravascular catheter tip cultures (CTC). A retrospective chart review was conducted over a 2.5 year period on all patients who demonstrated growth of at least one organism on CTC. There were a total of 391 CTC performed. 88 (23%) grew at least one organism, while 303 (77%) had no growth. Of the positive CTC, 81 (92%) had blood cultures (BC) collected within 14 days, whereas 7 (8%) did not. Of the positive CTC with BC, 67 (83%) were BC-positive, whereas 14 (17%) were negative. For cases with growth on both CTC and BC, the organisms identified were concordant for 46 (69%) cases and discordant for 21 (31%). Of the concordant cases, 43 (93%) were clinically considered to be bacterial bloodstream infections that were secondary to a catheter infection. For all of the positive CTC cases total, there was no change in the antibiotics or management, with the exceptions of 2 out of 88 (2%) cases. Catheters were removed and cultured for an average of 38.6 h (range: −98 to 288 h) after positive BC results were available. Most CTC are negative, and for the CTC that are positive, most are concordant with BC results. CTC results are generally only available several days after positive BC results are known. The CTC results did not alter the antibiotic therapy or management, with the exceptions of rare cases. As such, this study concludes that CTC do not contribute diagnostic or therapeutic value. Therefore, current guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on catheter-related bloodstream infection diagnosis should be revised to exclude CTC collection. IMPORTANCE In patients with intravascular catheters who are febrile or have positive blood cultures and no other obvious sources of infection, catheter tip cultures are often obtained to evaluate potential catheter-related bloodstream infections. However, previous studies reported that the management of catheter-related bloodstream infection cases is entirely based on blood culture growth and susceptibilities and that catheter tip cultures have low diagnostic positive predictive value. Our study represents the largest contemporary evaluation that includes chart reviews on all positive catheter tip culture cases. We found that positive cultures led to no changes in antibiotics or management, except for in two cases. Furthermore, 92% of positive catheter tip cultures were associated with blood culture collections, and catheter cultures were generally available only several days after the blood culture results were known. Thus, our study supports the claim that positive catheter tip cultures add limited diagnostic and therapeutic value in suspected catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to inadequate adherence to infection control measures. Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLBSI) are one of the infections with an increased incidence. In this study, CLBSI-SIRs in 3 periods were compared, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CLBSI observed in intensive care units (ICUs) was evaluated. The hand hygiene compliance rates were also examined for the same period. Materials and Methods: Comparisons of 2019, 2020, and 2021 were made by calculating the 3-year SIR, standardized utilization ratio (SUR), and SIR change rates between years in 12 adult ICUs. Calculations were made using the SIR and SUR calculation tool prepared by the General Directorate of Public Health of Turkey. The formula [(SIR/SUR of year Y – SIR/SUR of year X) / SIR/SUR x 100 of year X] was used when calculating the SIR/SUR change rates between periods. Results: In 2019 and 2020, SIR was detected as >1 only in the burn ICU. Anesthesia and Reanimation-1,2 and Internal Medicine-3 were the ICUs with the highest SIR increase rate in 2020. In 2021, it was determined as SIR1 in all periods. When the mean SIR of ICUs between 2019, 2020, and 2021 was compared, the rate was significantly higher in 2020 (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in hand hygiene compliance in 2021 compared to previous years (p < 0.05). Conclusion: With the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in CLBSI-SIR was observed in 2020. In 2021, a decrease in CLBSI-SIR and an increase in hand hygiene compliance were achieved by gaining experience in the follow-up and treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, implementing infection control programs, and conducting on-site training and inspections.