Catheter-related bloodstream infections in hematology

A novel intervention: Implementation of a neutropenic infection-prevention bundle and audit tool in an oncology unit

Infectious complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Specific infection control practices targeting this patient population are widely endorsed, but little guidance exists on how to implement and monitor compliance with these practices. At our institution, we increased compliance with infection control measures by using a bundled neutropenic precaution (NP) audit and feedback tool.

Catheter-associated bloodstream infection in patients with cancer: comparison of left- and right-sided insertions

BACKGROUND

There is limited research on the relationship between side of insertion of central venous catheter (CVAD) and bloodstream infection risk in patients with cancer.

AIM

To conduct an exploratory analysis of data from a randomized control trial (RCT) and data from a prospective cohort study to compare infection rates for right- and left-sided insertions.

METHODS

The study populations were patients aged >14 years with cancer from two tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. The primary endpoint was catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) adjudicated by blinded assessors. For the RCT, randomized intention-to-treat comparisons were conducted between left- and right-side allocated insertion for early (≤14 days) and late (>14 days) infection using Cox proportional hazards regression. The RCT data were also combined with cohort study data collected from one of the hospitals prior to the RCT and non-randomized comparisons conducted between left- and right-sided insertions.

FINDINGS

In 634 randomly allocated CVADs there were 141 CABSIs. Analysis showed strong evidence of right-side allocated insertions having an increased risk of early infection by 2.5 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-4.7); however, there was no evidence of increased risk for late infection (hazard ratio: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.71-1.59). Results from analysis of the RCT and cohort study data combined (2786 CVADs and 385 CABSIs) were similar.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be an increased risk of CABSI in patients with cancer for CVAD inserted into the right-side for around two weeks after line insertion. The mechanism underpinning the increased risk is unknown.

Use of a Victorian statewide surveillance program to evaluate the burden of healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer are at high risk for infection, but the epidemiology of healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (HA-SAB) and Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) in Australian cancer patients has not previously been reported.

AIMS

To compare the cumulative aggregate incidence and time trends of HA-SAB and HA-CDI in a predefined cancer cohort with a mixed statewide patient population in Victoria, Australia.

METHODS

All SAB and CDI events in patients admitted to Victorian healthcare facilities between 1^st July 2010 and 31^st December 2018 were submitted to the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre. Descriptive analyses and multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression modelling were applied to a standardised data extract.

RESULTS

In total, 10,608 and 13,118 SAB and CDI events were reported across 139 Victorian healthcare facilities, respectively. Of these, 89 (85%) and 279 (88%) were healthcare-associated in the cancer cohort compared to 34% (3,561/10,503) and 66% (8,403/12,802) in the statewide cohort. The aggregate incidence was more than two-fold higher in the cancer compared to the statewide cohort for HA-SAB (2.25 [95% CI: 1.74-2.77] vs. 1.11 [95% CI: 1.07-1.15] HA-SABs/10,000 OBDs) and three-fold higher for HA-CDI (6.26 [95% CI: 5.12-7.41] vs. 2.31 [95% CI: 2.21-2.42] HA-CDIs/10,000 OBDs). Higher quarterly diminishing rates were observed in the cancer cohort than the statewide data for both infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a higher burden of HA-SAB and HA-CDI in a cancer cohort when compared with state data and highlight the need for cancer-specific targets and benchmarks to meaningfully support quality improvement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections in adults with cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A common complication of central venous access devices (CVADs) is catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI). We previously demonstrated that insertion of CVADs on the right side was associated with increased risk of CABSI, and hypothesized that this related to the predominance of right-handedness in the patient population, resulting in greater movement and bacterial contamination.

AIM

To perform a prospective randomized, controlled, non-blinded study to determine whether the side of CVAD insertion influenced the incidence of CABSI.

METHODS

Adult cancer patients were randomly allocated to either dominant or non-dominant side CVAD insertion. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of line-days until CABSI, determined in a blinded fashion by two assessors.

FINDINGS

In all, 640 CVADs were randomized to dominant (N = 322) or non-dominant (N = 318) side of insertion, 60% had haematological malignancies, and 40% solid tumours. CVADs were a peripherally inserted central catheter line (67%), tunnelled CVAD (23%), and non-tunnelled CVAD (10%). Twenty-two percent of CVADs were complicated by CABSI. The rate of CABSI per 1000 line-days was 3.49 vs 3.66 in the non-dominant vs dominant group (hazard ratio (HR): 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65-1.28). By multivariable analysis, the rate of CABSI was increased by: use of tunnelled CVADs compared to peripherally inserted central venous catheter lines (HR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.45-2.91); having a haematological malignancy compared to non-gastrointestinal solid tumours (5.55; 2.47-12.5); but not dominant compared to non-dominant side of CVAD (0.97; 0.69-1.36).

CONCLUSION

CABSI in adult patients with cancer was not impacted by whether CVAD insertion was on the dominant or non-dominant side.

The current scope of healthcare-associated infection surveillance activities in hospitalized immunocompromised patients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of acquiring healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and often require specialized models of care. Surveillance of HAIs is essential for effective infection-prevention programmes. However, little is known regarding standardized or specific surveillance methods currently employed for high-risk hospitalized patients.

METHODS

A systematic review adopting a narrative synthesis approach of published material between 1 January 2000 and 31 March 2018 was conducted. Publications describing the application of traditional and/or electronic surveillance of HAIs in immunocompromised patient settings were identified from the Ovid MEDLINE®, Ovid Embase® and Elsevier Scopus® search engines [PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration ID: CRD42018093651)].

RESULTS

In total, 2708 studies were screened, of whom 17 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Inpatients diagnosed with haematological malignancies were the most-represented immunosuppressed population. The majority of studies described manual HAI surveillance utilizing internationally accepted definitions for infection. Chart review of diagnostic and pathology reports was most commonly employed for case ascertainment. Data linkage of disparate datasets was performed in two studies. The most frequently monitored infections were bloodstream infections and invasive fungal disease. No surveillance programmes applied risk adjustment for reporting surveillance outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted, tailored monitoring of HAIs in high-risk immunocompromised settings is infrequently reported in current hospital surveillance programmes. Standardized surveillance frameworks, including risk adjustment and timely data dissemination, are required to adequately support infection-prevention programmes in these populations.

Clinical Predictors of Port Infections in Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

PURPOSE

To identify clinical predictors of port infections in adult patients with hematologic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 223 adult patients (age ≥ 18 y) with hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma (n = 163), leukemia (n = 49), and others (n = 11), who had a port placed from 2012 to 2015. Early (< 30 d after port placement) and overall port infections (bloodstream and site infections) were recorded. To elucidate clinical predictors for early and overall port infections, proportional subdistribution hazard regression (PSHREG) analyses were conducted with variables including patients' demographics, medications used, laboratory data, and port characteristics.

RESULTS

Total duration of follow-up was 83,722 catheter-days (median per patient, 274 catheter-days). Early and overall port infections were identified in 8 (3.6%) and 26 (11.7%) patients, respectively. Early and overall infection rates were 1.2 and 0.3 infections/1,000 catheter-days, respectively. Backward stepwise multivariate PSHREG analyses identified hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 mg/dL) at the time of port placement (hazard ratio = 5.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-22.16; P = .03) and steroid use (> 30 d cumulatively during follow-up period) (hazard ratio = 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-7.47; P = .002) as independent risk factors for early and overall port infections, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients with hematologic malignancies, hypoalbuminemia at the time of port placement was a clinical predictor for early port infections, whereas steroid use was a clinical predictor for overall port infections.

Impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in department of hematology at single university hospital in Japan

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most serious complications especially in blood cancer patients. In January 2013, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) introduced a new surveillance definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI). This study was to determine the impact of MBI-LCBI on CLABSIs and compare the clinical characteristics of MBI versus non-MBI-LCBI cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 consecutive patients. They were admitted in department of hematology at Aichi Medical University Hospital. We applied the revised 2013 CLABSI surveillance protocol to all CLABSI cases identified during the 47-months period from May 2012 through June 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 44 CLABSIs were identified. The median patient age was 65 years (range, 12 to 89). Among 44 patients, 31 patients were diagnosed as leukemia (70.5%) and 12 patients as lymphoma (27.3%). Six patients underwent bone transplantation for leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (13.6%). A total of 20 patients (45.5%) were classified as MBI-LCBI and 24 (54.5%) were classified as non-MBI-LCBI. The primary disease type (P = 0.018), neutropenic within 3 days before CLABSI (MBI-LCBI vs. non-MBI-LCBI: 95.0% vs. 26.3%, P = <0.0001), line(s) removed owing to CLABSI (15.0% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.011) and Gram-negative organisms cultured (70.0% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.004) showed significantly difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that MBI-LCBI cases account for 45.5% of the CLABSI cases identified in blood cancer patients, and constituted a significant burden to this high-risk patient population.

Catheter-related infections in patients with haematological malignancies: novel preventive and therapeutic strategies

Central venous catheters are essential for the treatment of patients with haematological malignancies and the recipients of stem-cell transplant. This patient population is, however, at high risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections that can result in substantial morbidity, mortality, and health-care-associated costs. Efficient prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are essential to providing the best care to these patients. Although confirming the catheter as a source of infection remains challenging, the Infectious Diseases Society of America definition of catheter-related bloodstream infection remains the most precise definition to use in these patients. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp, remain the leading cause of catheter-related bloodstream infection, although an increase in Gram-negative bacteria as the causative agent has been noted. Although removal of the line and appropriate intravenous antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment in most cases, novel technologies, including exchange with antibiotic-coated catheters and treatment with lock solutions, are particularly relevant in this patient population. In this Review we present the types of central venous catheters used in this patient population and analyse the different definitions of catheter-related infections, with an overview of their prevention and management.

Outcome of Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatients With Fever and Central Line

OBJECTIVE

Although management algorithms for fever and central venous catheters (CVCs) have been implemented for pediatric oncology (PO) patients, management of pediatric outpatients with noncancer diagnoses and CVCs lacks clear protocols. The aim of the study was to assess outcomes for pediatric outpatients with gastrointestinal disorders presenting with fever and CVC.

METHODS

Using a microbiology database and emergency department records, we created a database of pediatric gastroenterology (PGI) and PO outpatients with fever and a CVC who presented to our emergency department or clinics from January 2010 through December 2012. We excluded patients who had severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count, <500/mm). We performed chart reviews to assess demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 334 episodes in 144 patients were evaluated. Fifty-three percent (95% confidence interval, 38%-68%) of PGI patients had a bloodstream infection, whereas only 9% (95% confidence interval, 5%-14%) of PO patients had a bloodstream infection (P < 0.001). Among patients with a bloodstream infection, the PGI patients were more likely than the PO patients to have polymicrobial infections (46% vs 15%), gram-negative infections (57% vs 27%), and/or infection with enteric organisms (61% vs 23%). The PGI patients had higher rates of CVC removal (19% vs 4%) but no statistical difference in intensive care unit needs (11% vs 4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric gastroenterology outpatients with fever and a CVC have a high prevalence of bloodstream infection. Algorithms for management need to be subspecialty specific. Pediatric gastroenterology patients presenting to emergency departments or clinics with fever and CVC require admission for monitoring and management.

Surveillance of bloodstream infections in pediatric cancer centers - what have we learned and how do we move on?

Pediatric patients receiving conventional chemotherapy for malignant disease face an increased risk of bloodstream infection (BSI). Since BSI may represent an acute life-threatening event in patients with profound immunosuppression, and show further negative impact on quality of life and anticancer treatment, the prevention of BSI is of paramount importance to improve and guarantee patients' safety during intensive treatment. The great majority of all pediatric cancer patients (about 85%) have a long-term central venous access catheter in use (type Broviac or Port; CVAD). Referring to the current surveillance definitions a significant proportion of all BSI in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia is categorized as CVAD-associated BSI. This state of the art review summarizes the epidemiology and the distinct pathogen profile of BSI in pediatric cancer patients from the perspective of infection surveillance. Problems in executing the current surveillance definition in this patient population are discussed and a new concept for the surveillance of BSI in pediatric cancer patients is outlined.

Comparison of a silver-coated needleless connector and a standard needleless connector for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a novel, silver-coated needleless connectors (NCs) on central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates compared with a mechanically identical NCs without a silver coating.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal observation study SETTING Two 500-bed university hospitals

PATIENTS

All hospitalized adults from November 2009 to June 2011 with non-hemodialysis central lines

INTERVENTIONS

Hospital A started with silver-coated NCs and switched to standard NCs in September 2010; hospital B started with standard NCs and switched to silver-coated NCs. The primary outcome was the difference revealed by Poisson multivariate regression in CLABSI rate using standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance definitions. The secondary outcome was a comparison of organism-specific CLABSI rates by NC type.

RESULTS

Among 15,845 hospital admissions, 140,186 central-line days and 221 CLABSIs were recorded during the study period. In a multivariate model, the CLABSI rate per 1,000 central-line days was lower with silver-coated NCs than with standard NCs (1.21 vs 1.79; incidence rate ratio=0.68 [95% CI: 0.52-0.89], P=.005). A lower CLABSI rate per 1,000 central-line days for the silver-coated NCs versus the standard NCs was observed with S. aureus (0.11 vs 0.30, P=.02), enterococci (0.10 vs 0.27, P=.03), and Gram-negative organisms (0.28 vs 0.63, P=.003) but not with coagulase-negative staphylococci (0.31 vs 0.36) or Candida spp. (0.42 vs 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of silver-coated NCs decreased the CLABSI rate by 32%. CLABSI reduction efforts should include efforts to minimize contamination of NCs.

Mucosal Barrier Injury Laboratory-Confirmed Bloodstream Infections (MBI-LCBI): Descriptive Analysis of Data Reported to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), 2013

OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (MBI-LCBIs) on central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates during the first year of MBI-LCBI reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) DESIGN Descriptive analysis of 2013 NHSN data SETTING Selected inpatient locations in acute care hospitals METHODS A descriptive analysis of MBI-LCBI cases was performed. CLABSI rates per 1,000 central-line days were calculated with and without the inclusion of MBI-LCBIs in the subset of locations reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBI, and in all locations (regardless of MBI-LCBI reporting) to determine rate differences overall and by location type. RESULTS From 418 locations in 252 acute care hospitals reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBIs, 3,162 CLABSIs were reported; 1,415 (44.7%) met the MBI-LCBI definition. Among these locations, removing MBI-LCBI from the CLABSI rate determination produced the greatest CLABSI rate decreases in oncology (49%) and ward locations (45%). Among all locations reporting CLABSI data, including those reporting no MBI-LCBIs, removing MBI-LCBI reduced rates by 8%. Here, the greatest decrease was in oncology locations (38% decrease); decreases in other locations ranged from 1.2% to 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of the potential impact of removing MBI-LCBIs from CLABSI data is needed to accurately interpret CLABSI trends over time and to inform changes to state and federal reporting programs. Whereas the MBI-LCBI definition may have a large impact on CLABSI rates in locations where patients with certain clinical conditions are cared for, the impact of MBI-LCBIs on overall CLABSI rates across inpatient locations appears to be more modest. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):2-7.

Surveillance for Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Hematology Units: Quantifying the Characteristics of a Practical Case Definition

We evaluated 66 patients in a hematology unit, who used a total of 106 central venous catheters (CVCs), to identify CVC-associated bloodstream infections using standard and modified surveillance case definitions. Compared with the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system criteria, a modified case definition used by treating physicians demonstrated 100.0% sensitivity and 94.3% specificity. This case definition provides a practical method for effectively excluding CVC-associated bloodstream infection.

A case-control study to identify risk factors for totally implantable central venous port-related bloodstream infection

PURPOSE

To date, the risk factors for central venous port-related bloodstream infection (CVPBSI) in solid cancer patients have not been fully elucidated. We conducted this study in order to determine the risk factors for CVP-BSI in patients with solid cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,642 patients with solid cancer received an implantable central venous port for delivery of chemotherapy between October 2008 and December 2011 in a single center. CVP-BSI was diagnosed in 66 patients (4%). We selected a control group of 130 patients, who were individually matched with respect to age, sex, and catheter insertion time.

RESULTS

CVP-BSI occurred most frequently between September and November (37.9%). The most common pathogen was gram-positive cocci (n=35, 53.0%), followed by fungus (n=14, 21.2%). Multivariate analysis identified monthly catheter-stay as a risk factor for CVP-BSI (p=0.000), however, its risk was lower in primary gastrointestinal cancer than in other cancer (p=0.002). Initial metastatic disease and long catheter-stay were statistically significant factors affecting catheter life span (p=0.005 and p=0.000). Results of multivariate analysis showed that recent transfusion was a risk factor for mortality in patients with CVP-BSI (p=0.047).

CONCLUSION

In analysis of the results with respect to risk factors, prolonged catheter-stay should be avoided as much as possible. It is necessary to be cautious of CVP-BSI in metastatic solid cancer, especially non-gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, avoidance of unnecessary transfusion is essential in order to reduce the mortality of CVP-BSI. Finally, considering the fact that confounding factors may have affected the results, conduct of a well-designed prospective controlled study is warranted.

Early and late complications related to central venous catheters in hematological malignancies: a retrospective analysis of 1102 patients

Several severe complications may be associated with the use of central venous catheters (CVC). We retrospectively evaluated on a large cohort of patients the incidence of CVC-related early and late complications. From 7/99 to 12/2005, 1102 CVC have been implanted at our Institution in 881 patients with hematological malignancies (142,202 total day number of implanted CVC). Early mechanic complications were 79 (7.2% - 0.55/1,000 days/CVC). Thirty-nine episodes of early infective complications (<1 week from CVC implant) occurred (3.5% - 0.3/1000 days/CVC): furthermore, 187 episodes of CVC-related sepsis (17% - 1.3/1000 days/CVC) were recorded. There were 29 episodes (2.6%) of symptomatic CVC-related thrombotic complications, with a median interval from CVC implant of 60 days (range 7 – 395). The rate of CVC withdrawal due to CVC-related complications was 26%. The incidence of CVC-related complications in our series is in the range reported in the literature notwithstanding cytopenia often coexisting in hematological patients.

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology: 2012 updated guidelines on diagnosis, management and prevention by the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients are at increased risk for central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs). Thus, a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based guideline on CRI in patients with malignancies is warranted.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) has developed a guideline on CRI in cancer patients. Literature searches of the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases were carried out and consensus discussions were held.

RESULTS

Recommendations on diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients are made, and the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence are presented.

CONCLUSION

This guideline is an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients.

Mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection: results from a field test of a new National Healthcare Safety Network definition

OBJECTIVE

To assess challenges to implementation of a new National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definition, mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI).

DESIGN

Multicenter field test.

SETTING

Selected locations of acute care hospitals participating in NHSN central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance.

METHODS

Hospital staff augmented their CLABSI surveillance for 2 months to incorporate MBI-LCBI: a primary bloodstream infection due to a selected group of organisms in patients with either neutropenia or an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease or diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff reviewed submitted data to verify whether CLABSIs met MBI-LCBI criteria and summarized the descriptive epidemiology of cases reported.

RESULTS

Eight cancer, 2 pediatric, and 28 general acute care hospitals including 193 inpatient units (49% oncology/bone marrow transplant [BMT], 21% adult ward, 20% adult critical care, 6% pediatric, 4% step-down) conducted field testing. Among 906 positive blood cultures reviewed, 282 CLABSIs were identified. Of the 103 CLABSIs that also met MBI-LCBI criteria, 100 (97%) were reported from oncology/BMT locations. Agreement between hospital staff and CDC classification of reported CLABSIs as meeting the MBI-LCBI definition was high (90%; κ = 0.82). Most MBI-LCBIs (91%) occurred in patients meeting neutropenia criteria. Some hospitals indicated that their laboratories' methods of reporting cell counts prevented application of neutropenia criteria; revised neutropenia criteria were created using data from field testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital staff applied the MBI-LCBI definition accurately. Field testing informed modifications for the January 2013 implementation of MBI-LCBI in the NHSN.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections in adult hematology patients with febrile neutropenia: an evaluation of surveillance definitions using differential time to blood culture positivity

We used differential time to positivity between central and peripheral blood cultures to evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of the National Healthcare Safety Network central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance definition among hematology patients with febrile neutropenia. The PPV was 27.7%, which suggests that, when the definition is applied to this population, CLABSI rates will be substantially overestimated.

Impact of hydrochloric acid instillation on salvage of infected central venous catheters in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Bacteraemia associated with indwelling central venous catheters (CVC) causes significant morbidity in children with cancer. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) instillations have been reported to salvage CVCs with antibiotic-refractory infection. We implemented this treatment in 2002. The impact on the survival of CVCs has been evaluated in a retrospective cohort study of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

METHODS

Children with newly diagnosed ALL during 1999-2005 having their first CVC inserted before (n = 16) and after (n = 24) the introduction of the procedure were studied. All bacteraemic episodes were reviewed, recording bacteriological findings and treatment, and the time to premature or planned removal of the CVC was determined.

RESULTS

In the comparison cohort, 31.0% (9/29) of bacteraemic episodes led to removal of the CVC, compared to 5.5% (2/36) in the intervention cohort (p = 0.01). Thus, the rate of catheter loss due to infection fell from 56.3% (9/16) to 8.3% (2/24) after introducing HCl treatment (p = 0.0025). Overall, the premature catheter removal rate fell from 75.0% (12/16) to 45.8% (11/24) (p = 0.10). Analysed in a CUSUM plot the reduced frequency of premature CVC removal evidently coincided with the introduction of the procedure. In a subgroup analysis of 21 monobacterial infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci, a decrease in systemic and lock antibiotic therapy was found. No adverse events were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

HCl instillations significantly reduced the need to remove and replace CVCs. The procedure is practical, appears to be safe, and may reduce the consumption of antibiotics.

Early diagnostic value of plasma PCT and BG assay for CRBSI after OLT

AIM

The aim was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) and (1-3)-β-D-glucan (BG) tests for early detection or exclusion of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with clinically suspected CRBSI were assessed after OLT in this prospective study. On the day of clinical suspicion of CRBSI, blood samples were obtained from central venous catheters and a peripheral vein for blood cultures and from a peripheral vein for PCT and BG tests. Plasma PCT and BG values were measured by using an immunoluminometric assay and Fungitell BG assay, respectively. No prisoners or organs from prisoners were used in this study.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (45%) were diagnosed with CRBIS. Among them, 13 (52%) displayed gram-positive bacteriemia, 11 (44%) gram-negative bacteriemia, and 1 (4%) fungemia. The PCT values were higher in CRBSI than in non-CRBSI patients (P = .003). CRBSI patients did not show significant increases in plasma BG values compared with non-CRBSI subjects (P = .051). PCT and BG area under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.840 and 0.486, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a PCT of ≥ 3.1 ng/mL for the diagnosis of CRBSI were 0.72, 0.87, 0.82, and 0.79, respectively. The figures for a BG of ≥ 83 pg/mL were 0.32, 0.90, 0.73, and 0.61, respectively. Among the 24 patients with bacteria infections, PCT was higher in patients with gram-negative than those with gram-positive bacterial infections (P = .022).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that the PCT assay may be a useful rapid diagnostic adjunct for the diagnosis of suspected CRBSI in OLT patients.

Infection Probability Score, APACHE II and KARNOFSKY scoring systems as predictors of bloodstream infection onset in hematology-oncology patients

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) in neutropenic patients often cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the surveillance and early identification of patients at high risk for developing BSIs might be useful for the development of preventive measures. The aim of the current study was to assess the predictive power of three scoring systems: Infection Probability Score (IPS), APACHE II and KARNOFSKY score for the onset of Bloodstream Infections in hematology-oncology patients.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients who were hospitalized for more than 48 hours in a hematology-oncology department in Athens, Greece between April 1st and October 31st 2007 were included in the study. Data were collected by using an anonymous standardized recording form. Source materials included medical records, temperature charts, information from nursing and medical staff, and results on microbiological testing. Patients were followed daily until hospital discharge or death.

RESULTS

Among the 102 patients, Bloodstream Infections occurred in 17 (16.6%) patients. The incidence density of Bloodstream Infections was 7.74 per 1,000 patient-days or 21.99 per 1,000 patient-days at risk. The patients who developed a Bloodstream Infection were mainly females (p = 0.004), with twofold time mean length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), with fourfold time mean length of neutropenia (p < 0.001), with neutropenia < 500 (p < 0.001), suffered mainly from acute myeloid leukemia (p < 0.001), had been exposed to antibiotics (p = 0.045) and chemotherapy (p = 0.023), had a surgery (p = 0.048) and a Hickman catheter (p = 0.025) as compared to the patients without Bloodstream Infection. The best cut-off value of IPS for the prediction of a Bloodstream Infection was 10 with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70.9%

CONCLUSION

Between the three different prognostic scoring systems, Infection Probability Score had the best sensitivity in predicting Bloodstream Infections.

Bloodstream infections in haematology: risks and new challenges for prevention

Bloodstream infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the haematology population, and may contribute to delayed administration of chemotherapy, increased length of hospitalisation, and increased healthcare expenditure. For gram-positive, gram-negative, anaerobic and fungal infections, specific risk factors are recognised. Unique host and environmental factors contributing to pathogenesis are acknowledged in this population. Trends in spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens are examined, and potential contributing factors are discussed. These include the widespread use of empiric antimicrobial therapy, increasingly intensive chemotherapeutic regimens, frequent use of central venous catheters, and local infection control practices. In addition, the risks and benefits of prophylaxis, and spectrum of endemic flora are identified as relevant factors within individual centres. Finally, challenges are presented regarding prevention, early detection, surveillance and prophylaxis. To reduce the rate and impact of bloodstream infections multifaceted and customised strategies are required within individual haematology units.