Risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric oncology patients with a totally implantable venous access port: A cohort study

Central Venous Catheter Consideration in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis From the American Pediatric Surgical Association Cancer Committee

BACKGROUND

Tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are the cornerstone of modern oncologic practice. Establishing best practices for catheter management in children with cancer is essential to optimize care, but few guidelines exist to guide placement and management.

OBJECTIVES

To address four questions: 1) Does catheter composition influence the incidence of complications; 2) Is there a platelet count below which catheter placement poses an increased risk of complications; 3) Is there an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below which catheter placement poses an increased risk of complications; and 4) Are there best practices for the management of a central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)?

METHODS

Data Sources: English language articles in Ovid Medline, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Independently performed by 2 reviewers, disagreements resolved by a third reviewer.

DATA EXTRACTION

Performed by 4 reviewers on forms designed by consensus, quality assessed by GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 110 manuscripts. There was no significant difference in fracture rate, venous thrombosis, catheter occlusion or infection by catheter composition. Thrombocytopenia with minimum thresholds of 30,000-50,000 platelets/mcl was not associated with major hematoma. Limited evidence suggests a platelet count <30,000/mcL was associated with small increased risk of hematoma. While few studies found a significant increase in CLABSI in CVCs placed in neutropenic patients with ANC<500Kcells/dl, meta-analysis suggests a small increase in this population. Catheter removal remains recommended in complicated or persistent infections. Limited evidence supports antibiotic, ethanol, or hydrochloric lock therapy in definitive catheter salvage. No high-quality data were available to answer any of the proposed questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although over 15,000 tunneled catheters are placed annually in North America into children with cancer, there is a paucity of evidence to guide practice, suggesting multiple opportunities to improve care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III. This study was registered as PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019124077.

Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infection in Children with Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: A Single-center Experience

Background

Tunnelled catheters improve venous access in haematological diseases and malignancies, but are associated with complications. We prospectively analysed the episodes of CABSI and its associated risk factors.

Aims

To study the incidence and risk factors for CABSI in children with tunnelled central venous catheters (both Hickmans and Chemoports).

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective observational study done at our institute. Children under the age of 18 who underwent insertion of a Hickman or Chemoport from March 2018 to Dec 2022 were enrolled. Episodes of CABSI were noted and its risk factors were analysed.

Results

In total, 258 catheters were inserted in 250 children. Age ranged from 1 month to 18 years (median 67 months) with 60% being boys. A total of 152 Hickmans, 106 chemoports were inserted. Indications for insertions were for requirement of BMT and chemotherapy in majority of cases. CABSI were seen in 28.6% of catheters. Younger children (< 4years), Neutropenia (counts < 1000) and use of TPN were significantly associated with CABSI(p value<0.05). Infection was more with externalized catheters (Hickman) than implantable ports (Chemoports) but was not statistical significant(p value>0.05). Almost 30% of catheters with CABSI required removal because of florid sepsis. Others could be salvaged with aggressive antibiotics.

Conclusions

CABSI is a serious complications related to tunnelled catheter. Smaller children (<4 years), neutropenia and usage of TPN is a risk factor for development of CABSI. It can be treated with appropriate antibiotics and required removal in almost a third of all the cases.

Inversion of Central Venous Ports in Children Under Six Years Old: A Retrospective Analysis of 154 Oncology Patients

Background Although some reports have evaluated the safety and efficacy of central venous port (CVP) placement in pediatric patients, the data about the inversion rate of the device and its risk factors are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the inversion rates of CVPs and their associated risk factors in pediatric patients. Methodology Between January 2010 and December 2021, 154 consecutive children (75 boys; median age, 28.5 months; range, 2-71 months) who underwent CVP placement at our center were included in this study. The primary outcome was the CVP inversion rate, and the secondary outcomes included technical success rate, intraoperative complications, and infectious complications. Intraoperative complications were evaluated according to the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. Patients under two years old were classified as the younger group and those aged ≥two years as the older group. Results The CVP inversion rate was 4.6% (n = 7/153), equivalent to 0.08 × 1,000 catheter-days. The inversion rate was significantly higher in the younger group (under two years old, 11.2%) than in the older group (≥two years old, 1.0%) according to the univariate analysis (p = 0.00576). The technical success rate was 99.4% (n = 153/154), and mild adverse events were observed during the procedure in three (1.9%) patients. Infectious complications were observed in 16 (10.5%) patients, equivalent to 0.19 × 1,000 catheter-days. Conclusions The CVP inversion rate was significantly higher in younger children (under two years old) than in older children (≥two years old).

Removal of central venous catheter using Evolution® Rotating Dilator

We experienced the first case of a difficult-to-extract central venous catheter removed with a pacemaker lead removal system: a 14-year-old boy with Hirschsprung's disease who had repeated catheter infections that could not be removed by traction. Because the catheter lumen was occluded, a suture was tied around the end of the catheter and the catheter was removed with a rotating dilator.

Fever at Time of Leukemia Diagnosis in Children: Predictor of Bloodstream Infection or Catheter Removal?

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence of fever at diagnosis in children with leukemia and determine if fever at diagnosis is a predictor of bloodstream infection (BSI) or central venous access device (CVAD) removal due to infection either within the first 30 days or between 30 and 90 days after CVAD insertion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred fifty-one patients with acute leukemia (July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020) who underwent a CVAD insertion within 2 weeks of diagnosis were included. Patient data included demographic characteristics, fever at diagnosis, CVAD type, antibiotics before and/or on the day of CVAD insertion, BSI incidence, BSI rates per 1,000 catheter days, and need for catheter removal after CVAD insertion within 30 days and between 30 and 90 days.

RESULTS

Patients with fever at diagnosis had a significantly higher incidence of BSI within the first 30 days after CVAD insertion (17/23) than that among patients without fever (6/23) (P = .046) at diagnosis. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of BSI between 30 and 90 days after CVAD insertion between patients with fever (5/11) and those without fever at diagnosis (6/11) (P = .519). Fever at diagnosis was not a predictor of CVAD removal within 30 days (9 patients required CVAD removal; 7/9 had fever and 2/9 had no fever) (P = .181) or between 30 and 90 days (4 patients required CVAD removal; 1/4 had fever and 3/4 had no fever at diagnosis) (P = .343) after insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Fever at diagnosis in patients with leukemia is not a predictor of CVAD removal due to infection.

Percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian vein catheters in paediatric cancer patients in comparison with critically ill children: a one-year experience from a Tunisian hospital

BACKGROUND

Paediatric cancer and critically ill patients frequently require central venous catheters for prolonged intravenous therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the difficulty of catheter insertion and the morbidity related to this procedure in these two populations and to investigate risk factors for complications.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, from July 2021 to July 2022. We included all patients aged three months to 14 years who required an infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included children with malignancies; and Group 2 included critically ill paediatric patients. Then, we compared the demographic data, the difficulty of the catheterization procedure, and catheter-related complications. We also investigated risk factors for complications using a logistic regression model. The significance level was P<0.05.

RESULTS

We included 65 infants and children requiring central venous access, 28 of whom suffered from malignancies. The demographic parameters were comparable. However, the time for the procedure and the number of attempts were higher in the malignancy group with P<0.001. Central venous catheter complications were present 46.4% of the time in Group 1 compared to 21.6% in Group 2 (P=0.032). Malignancies were associated with an increased risk of complications (aOR = 2.95; 95%CI: 0.63-13.8).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed increased difficulty and higher morbidity related to infraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization among infants and children suffering from cancer.

Central Venous Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections Caused by Enterobacterales in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Catheter Salvage or Removal

BACKGROUND

The aim was to determine whether salvage treatment with systemic antibiotics is a safe and effective strategy for Enterobacterales bloodstream infections (BSI) in pediatric oncology patients with a central venous catheter (CVC).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on oncology and stem cell recipient patients with a CVC and blood culture with Enterobacterales , at the Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Analyses were performed for all BSI and for episodes meeting central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) criteria. The cumulative incidence of an event (ie, removal, intensive care admission or death) was estimated after blood culture collection for episodes primarily treated with antibiotics. The effect of prognostic factors on the hazard of the event of interest was assessed by estimating a Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

In total, 95 CVC-related Enterobacterales BSIs in 82 patients were included; 12 (13%) BSIs required immediate CVC removal and for 83 (87%) BSIs CVC salvage was attempted. The cumulative incidence of events at 60 days was 53.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41.7-63.1] for BSIs (n = 83), and 64.4% (95% CI: 48.3-76.7) for CLABSIs (n = 45). The events occurred after a median of 6 (Q1-Q3: 2-15) and 6 (Q1-Q3: 2-20) days for BSIs and CLABSIs, respectively. Intensive care admission after salvage treatment was required in 16% of the BSIs and CLABSIs, resulting in death in 5% and 2% of cases, respectively. No significant association between risk factors and events was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative incidence of an event at 60 days after salvage treatment for Enterobacterales CLABSIs and BSIs in pediatric oncology patients is high. Immediate CVC removal appears recommendable for this patient group.

Epidemiologic and microbiologic evaluation of catheter-line bloodstream infection in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant center

BACKGROUND

Children who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) transplants are at high risk of developing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The present study aimed to identify possible risk factors for mortality by analyzing the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients diagnosed with CLABSI in our pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit.

METHODS

The initial CLABSI episodes of 102 children were analyzed. Medical records of the patients were evaluated by preformed standardized surveys. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for mortality.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (34.3%) were female. The median age was 48 months (3-204). The median time to onset of CLABSI was 19 days (4-150). The gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria ratio among the causative agents was 57.8% to 34.3%. The mortality rate was 12.6%. The presence of severe neutropenia, initiation of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, the presence of hypotension, persistent bacteremia, pediatric intensive care unit admission, growth of carbapenemase-positive gram-negative microorganism and multidrug-resistant bacteria were significantly high in the mortality group when compared to survivors. The presence of hypotension, inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and persistent bacteremia were found to be independent risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Rational use of antibiotics, active surveillance and screening of patients together with improved infection control practices may reduce the incidence and the consequences of CLABSIs.

A surveillance program for long-term central venous access-associated infections in outpatient chemotherapy services

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we described the first results of a surveillance system for infections associated with long-term central venous catheters (LT-CVC) in patients under outpatient chemotherapy.

DESIGN

This was a multicentric, prospective study.

SETTING

Outpatient chemotherapy services.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 8 referral cancer centers in the State of São Paulo.

INTERVENTION

These services were invited to participate in a newly created surveillance program for patients under chemotherapy. Several meetings were convened to share previous experiences on LT-CVC infection surveillance and to define the surveillance method. Once the program was implemented, all bloodstream infection (LT-CVC BSIs), tunnel infection, and exit-site infections associated with LT-CVC were reported. Data from January to May 2021 were analyzed. The median monthly number of chemotherapy sessions per clinic was 925 (IQR, 270-5,855). We used Poisson regression to analyze the association of rates with the characteristics of the services.

RESULTS

In total, 107 LT-CVC infections were reported, of which 95% were BSIs, mostly associated with totally implantable devices (76%). Infections occurred a median of 4 days after the last catheter manipulation and 116 after the LT-CVC insertion. Also, 102 microorganisms were isolated from LT-CVC BSIs; the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus epidermidis, at 22%. Moreover, 44 infections (44%) fulfilled the criteria for CVC-related LT-CVC BSI and 27 infections (27%) met the criteria for mucosal barrier injury. The 1-year cumulative LT-CVC BSI rate was 1.94 per 1,000 CVC days of use. The rates were higher in public hospitals (IRR, 6.00; P < .001) and in hospitals that already had in place surveillance for LT-CVC infections (IRR, 2.01; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our study describes an applicable surveillance method for infections in cancer outpatients using LT-CVC.

Predictors of Central Vascular Access Device Bloodstream Infections in Patients With Acute Leukemia and Neutropenia: A Retrospective Case-Control Chart Review

Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are standard for the treatment of leukemia. The objectives of this study were to examine predictors for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and causative microorganisms. A retrospective case/control design was used to examine electronic health records (EHRs) of patients with acute leukemia, a CVAD, and neutropenia. Variables were examined for differences between those who developed bacteremia (cases: n = 10) and those who did not (controls: n = 13). Variables included conditions of health (eg, patient history, laboratory results at the time of nadir, nutritional intake during hospitalization, and CVAD care practices). Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison. Nine organisms were identified, including viridans group streptococci (20%) and Escherichia coli (20%). No statistical differences in variables were found between groups. However, over 50% of the nutritional intake data was missing due to lack of documentation. These findings indicate that further study is needed to examine barriers for electronic documentation. The data collection site found opportunities to improve patient care that included education regarding the daily care of CVADs, collaboration with nutritional services to ensure accurate assessments, and coordination with clinical information systems to improve clinical documentation compliance.

Increasing Gram-Negative Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in Cancer Patients

Background: We aimed to assess the incidence, etiology and outcomes of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in onco-hematological patients, to assess the differences between patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) and solid tumors (STs) and to identify the risk factors for Gram-negative (GN) CRBSI. Methods: All consecutive episodes of BSI in adult cancer patients were prospectively collected (2006-2020). The etiology of CRBSI was analyzed in three different 5-year periods. Risk factors for GN CRBSI were assessed in the whole cohort and separately in patients with HMs and STs. Results: Among 467 episodes of monomicrobial CRBSI, 407 were Gram-positive (GP) (87.1%), 49 GN (10.5%) and 11 fungal (2.4%). Hematological patients (369 episodes) were more frequently neutropenic and were more likely to carry central venous catheters and develop GP CRBSI. Patients with STs (98 episodes) had more comorbidities, more frequently carried port reservoirs and commonly presented more GN CRBSI. GN CRBSI significantly increased over the study period, from 5.2% to 23% (p < 0.001), whereas GP CRBSI decreased from 93.4% to 73.3% (p < 0.001). CRBSI episodes involving port reservoirs and peripherally-inserted central catheters were significantly increased (p < 0.001). The most frequent GPs were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (57.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common GN (3%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) GN represented 32.7% of all GN CRBSIs and increased over time (p = 0.008). The independent risk factors for GN CRBSI in the whole cohort were solid tumor, chronic kidney disease and carrying a port reservoir. Carrying a port reservoir was also a risk factor in patients with STs. Health-care acquisition was identified as a risk factor for GN CRBSI in the whole cohort, as well as in patients with STs and HMs. Inadequate empirical antibiotic treatment (IEAT) occurred regardless of the etiology: 49% for GNs and 48.6% for GPs (p = 0.96). In GP CRBSI, IEAT was mainly due to inadequate coverage against CoNS (87%), whereas in GN CRBSI, IEAT was associated with multidrug resistance (54.2%). Early (48 h and 7-day) and 30-day case-fatality rates were similar when analyzed according to the type of underlying disease and etiology, except for the 30-day case-fatality rate, which was higher in the group of patients with STs compared to those with HMs (21.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.027). The 48 h case-fatality rate was significantly higher in patients in whom the catheter had not been removed (5.6% vs. 1%; p = 0.011), and it remained significant for GP CRBSI (6% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: GNs are an increasing cause of CRBSI in cancer patients, particularly in solid tumor patients carrying port reservoirs. Multidrug resistance among GNs is also increasing and is associated with higher rates of IEAT. Decreased 48 h survival was associated with the non-removal of the catheter. These findings should be considered when deciding on early therapeutic management for cancer patients with suspected CRBSI.

Risk factors for catheter-related infection in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

RATIONALE

To understand the risk factors for catheter-related infection during treatment of pediatric cancer is essential to implement measures to prevent its occurrence.

BACKGROUND

We performed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis to identify and synthesize the main risk factors for catheter-related infection in children undergoing oncological treatment.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) until January 2022, following PRISMA guidelines. The search was not limited to language or dates. Risk factors were divided into host-related, assistance-related, and catheter types. We also describe the most common pathogens.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the review. Diagnosis of hematological neoplasm, the intensity of treatment, blood transfusion in the 4-7 days before the infection, type of long-term catheters (tunneled externalized catheters, double lumen, greater diameter), inpatient treatment, and a longer period of hospitalization were the most consistent risk factors. Metanalysis showed that neutropenia at the moment of catheter placement is not a risk factor for central-line-associated bloodstream infections, however, there is high heterogeneity between studies. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common pathogen reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding risk factors is an essential step to reduce morbidity and mortality of catheter-related infection. Education for preventive measures, reduction of hospitalization, wisely choosing the most adequate type of catheter, and the best moment for catheter insertion may reduce the occurrence of catheter-related infection.

[Surgical complications of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the surgical experience of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors, and to explore the coping methods of surgical complications.

METHODS

The clinical data of 165 children with malignant tumors implanted in totally implantable venous access port in Department of Pediatric Surgery, Peking University First Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation process, complications and treatment of complications were observed and counted.

RESULTS

The children in this group were divided into external ju-gular vein incision group (n=27) and internal jugular vein puncture group (n=138) according to different surgical methods, and the latter was divided into ultrasound guided puncture group (n=95) and blind puncture group (n=43). No puncture complications occurred in the external jugular vein incision group, and the average time for successful catheterization and the number of times for catheter to enter the superior vena cava were more than those in the internal jugular vein puncture group [(9.26±1.85) min vs. (5.76±1.56) min, (1.93±0.87) times vs. 1 time], with statistical significance. The average time of successful catheterization, the success rate of one puncture, the average number of punctures and the incidence of puncture complications in the ultrasound guided right internal jugular vein puncture group were better than those in the blind puncture group [(5.36±1.12) min vs. (6.67±1.99) min, 93.68% (89/95) vs. 74.42% (32/43), (1.06±0.24) times vs. (1.29±0.55) times, 2.11% (2/95) vs. 11.63% (5/43)], with statistically significant differences. The total incidence of complications in this study was 12.12% (20/165). Pneumothorax occurred in 1 case, artery puncture by mistake in 1 case, local hematoma in 5 cases, venous access port related infection in 4 cases (venous access port local infection in 2 cases, catheter related blood flow infection in 2 cases), subcutaneous tissue thinning on the surface of port seat in 2 cases, port seat overturning in 1 case, poor transfusion in 4 cases (catheter discount in 1 case, catheter blockage in 3 cases), and foreign bodies gathered around the subcutaneous pipeline in 2 cases. There were no complications, such as catheter rupture, detachment and catheter clamping syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Totally implantable venous access port can provide safe and effective infusion channels for children with malignant tumors. Right external jugular vein incision and ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein puncture are reliable surgical methods for children's totally implantable venous access port implantation. Surgeons should fully understand the complications of the venous access port, take measures to reduce the occurrence of complications, and properly handle the complications that have occurred.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Totally Implantable Venous Access Device Infections in Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Study of 25,954 Device-Days

BACKGROUND

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are frequently used in pediatric patients with cancer owing to their multiple benefits. Despite occasional infections with TIVADs, knowledge of the incidence and risk factors is limited.

METHODS

This retrospective study included pediatric patients with cancer who received TIVAD at Chungbuk National University Hospital from 2001 to 2021. We collected data on demographics, diagnosis, duration of TIVAD use, pathogens, and other risk factors.

RESULTS

During the study period, 55 TIVADs with 25,954 device-days were applied in 49 patients. There were 15 TIVAD infections (15/55, 27.3%), with an infection rate of 0.21 infections per TIVAD per year (0.58 cases/1,000 device-days). TIVAD infections occurred at a median of 5 months (range, 8 days-30 months) after insertion. The most common causative microorganisms were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 8, 53.3%) followed by Escherichia coli (n = 3, 20.0%). Infection-free TIVAD survival was higher in the group with normal platelet count at insertion (platelet counts ≥ 150,000/μL) than in the group with thrombocytopenia at insertion (platelet counts < 150,000/μL) (81.3% vs. 32.1%, P = 0.004). Device removal was the mainstay of treatment (11/15, 73.3%).

CONCLUSION

TIVAD infection may be related to thrombocytopenia at the time of device insertion. Further studies are needed to identify preventive factors against TIVAD infections in children with cancer.

Central-line–associated bloodstream infections in a pediatric oncology and hematology hospital at home program

Objective:

Central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are associated with significant morbidity among pediatric oncology-hematology patients, and risk factors remain largely unknown in the setting of hospital at home (HAH). Children in HAH receive intensive treatment (eg, chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition), with frequent central-line handling; thus, they may be at higher risk for CLABSI.

Methods:

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of patients with a central line included in our HAH program from January 1 to December 31, 2016. HAH patient characteristics for children developing CLABSIs were compared to those who did not, based on blood cultures positive for infection and clinical data of all patients included.

Results:

Overall, 492 HAH stays were analyzed, with 144 patients. The overall CLABSI rate in these patients was 2.6 per 1,000 central-line days. Children who developed CLABSIs were younger (median age, 2.5 vs 8.8 years; P < .001), suffered more from hematological pathologies (malignant or nonmalignant, 75% vs 52%; P = .02), and had more frequently undergone hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (30.8% vs 6.5%; P = .01). In addition, these patients often had a tunneled externalized catheter as the central line and were more frequently given parenteral nutrition at home (46% vs 8%; P < .001).

Conclusions:

CLABSI rates for children in HAH were more similar to those of inpatients than to rates previously reported for ambulatory patients. The factors associated with infection identified herein should be further validated in multicentric studies and considered to improve HAH practices, parallel to prevention measures used in the inpatient setting.

Occurrence rate and risk factors for long-term central line-associated bloodstream infections in patients with cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a public health problem that harms patients' outcomes and healthcare costs, especially in susceptible populations such as patients with cancer. Overall, systematic queries about etiology, risks, and epidemiology are explained by data from observational studies, which better underline the relationship between factors and incidence of disease. However, no recent systematic reviews of observational studies on adult patients with cancer have been conducted on this topic, considering the wide range of all potential factors which can contribute to the increase in infection rate in the hospitalized adults with cancer. This study systematically reviewed observational studies investigating the occurrence rate of CLABSI and its risk factors for long-term inserted central catheter-related infections in hospitalized adult cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on four databases from the earliest available date until December 2020. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies focused on the occurrence rate of CLABSI and its risk factors in hospitalized adult cancer patients. The pooled occurrence rate of CLABSI (95% CI) was calculated by applying a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 1712 studies, 8 were eligible, and the data of device-related infection rate were meta-analyzed. The pooled occurrence rate of CLABSI was roughly 8% (95% CI [4%, 14%]). The device characteristics, device's management aspects, therapies administration, and select patients' clinical conditions represent the main risk factors for long-term catheter-related infection in cancer patients.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Considering the substantial infection rate among cancer patients, identifying risk rate factors is pivotal to support evidence-grounded preventive strategies and maximize cancer patient safety. This study's results could guide policymakers and healthcare leaders and future research studies to disseminate appropriate risk-reducing management culture and implement standardized research and clinical approach to the investigated phenomenon as an infection surveillance strategy.

Postoperative Rather Than Preoperative Neutropenia Is Associated With Early Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

The relationship of early catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) with perioperative neutropenia and antibiotic prophylaxis is not well established. We sought to evaluate perioperative factors associated with early CRBSIs in newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients, particularly hematologic indices and antibiotic use.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed national registry records of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients with port-a-caths inserted using standardized perioperative protocols where only antibiotic use was not regulated. Thirty-day postoperative CRBSI incidence was correlated with preoperative factors using logistic regression and with postoperative blood counts using linear trend analysis.

RESULTS

Among 243 patients, 17 CRBSIs (7.0%) occurred at median 14 (range, 8-28) postoperative days. Early CRBSIs were significantly associated with cancer type [acute myeloid leukemia and other leukemias (AML/OLs) vs. solid tumors and lymphomas (STLs): odds ratio (OR), 5.09; P = 0.0036; acute lymphoblastic leukemia vs. STL: OR 0.83; P = 0.0446] but not preoperative antibiotics, absolute neutrophil counts and white blood cell counts. Thirty-day postoperative absolute neutrophil counts and white blood cell trends differed significantly between patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and STLs (OR 0.83, P < 0.05) and between AML/OLs and STLs (OR 5.09, P < 0.005), with AML/OL patients having the most protracted neutropenia during this period.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to common belief, low preoperative absolute neutrophil counts and lack of preoperative antibiotics were not associated with higher early CRBSI rates. Instead, AML/OL patients, particularly those with prolonged neutropenia during the first 30 postoperative days, were at increased risk. Our findings do not support the use of empirical preoperative antibiotics and instead identify prolonged postoperative neutropenia as a major contributing factor for early CRBSI.

Standardized procedure prevents perioperative and early complications in totally implantable venous-access ports-a complication analysis of more than 1000 TIVAP implantations

PURPOSE

Since their invention 40 years ago, totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) have become indispensable in cancer treatment. The aim of our study was to analyze complications under standardized operative and perioperative procedures and to identify risk factors for premature port catheter explantation.

METHODS

A total of 1008 consecutive TIVAP implantations were studied for success rate, perioperative, early, and late complications. Surgical, clinical, and demographic factors were analyzed as potential risk factors for emergency port catheter explantation.

RESULTS

Successful surgical TIVAP implantation was achieved in 1005/1008 (99.7%) cases. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. A total of 32 early complications and 88 late complications were observed leading to explantation in 11/32 (34.4%) and 34/88 (38.6%) cases, respectively. The most common complications were infections in 4.7% followed by thrombosis in 3.6%. Parameters that correlated with unplanned TIVAP explantation were gender (port in situ: female 95% vs. male 91%, p = 0.01), underlying disease (breast cancer 97% vs. gastrointestinal 89%, p = 0.004), indication (chemotherapy 95% vs. combination of chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition 64%, p < 0.0001), and type of complication (infection 13.4% vs. TIVAP-related complication 54% and thrombosis 95%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Standardized operative and perioperative TIVAP implantation procedures provide excellent results and low explantation rate.

Impact of Perioperative Absolute Neutrophil Count on Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukemia

Background

There is lack of evidence concerning safety of placement of tunneled central venous catheters (TCVCs) in neutropenic children with acute leukemias. Here, we evaluate the impact of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at the time of TCVC placement on development of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in children with lymphoblastic (ALL) or myeloid leukemia (AML).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational study of children undergoing TCVC placement at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2000 and December 2019 was performed. Traditional and competing-risks regression models were used to estimate the effect of perioperative ANC on development of CLABSI.

Results

A total of 350 children (median age 6.4 [IQR: 3.1–10.9] years) underwent 498 consecutive TCVC implantations in neutropenic (n = 172, 34.5%) and non-neutropenic conditions (n = 326, 65.5%). The median length of observation per TCVC was 217.1 (IQR: 116.1–260.5) days with a total of 99,681 catheter days (CD). There were no differences in early (within first 30 days after TCVC placement) and overall CLABSI rates between neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients (HR 1.250, p = 0.502; HR 1.633, p = 0.143). We identified female sex (HR 2.640, p = 0.006) and the use of TCVC for treatment of relapsed leukemia (HR 4.347, p < 0.0001) as risk factors for early CLABSI and the use of double-lumen catheters (HR 2.607, p = 0.003) and use of TCVCs during leukemia relapse (HR 2.004, p = 0.005) for overall study period.

Conclusion

The placement of TCVC in children with neutropenia undergoing anticancer therapy for acute leukemia is safe and not associated with an elevated rate of CLABSI.

The Quality of Life and Influencing Factors in Turkish Children Receiving Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the quality of life and the influencing factors in children aged 8-12 years who are treated for cancer in Turkey.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 300 children with cancer and their parents. The data were collected using the Questionnaire Form and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory PedsQL (4.0) Child and Parent Form. Descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, univariate and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were used for the evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean age of the children was 8.92 ± 0.98 years and the quality of life scores in all sub-dimensions and in total (36.26 ± 5.23) were found to be low. According to the univariate binary logistic regression analysis, the father being unemployed, the house being heated with a stove, and development of extravasation during the chemotherapy treatment process created a risk of decreasing the children's quality of life score (7.15 units, 41.29 units, and 44.47 units, respectively) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The father's unemployment, heating the house with a stove, and the development of extravasation during treatment were found to affect the children's quality of life negatively in the study. Inter-institutional cooperation, taking the necessary measures to decrease the frequency of extravasation development, and ensuring nurses continue family-centered care during these processes are recommended to support the families.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Interventions for early detection and prevention of the negative changes related to the quality of life in children with cancer need to be planned.

Low Risk of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients

BACKGROUND

Central venous lines (CVLs) are essential for standard care of pediatric hematology/oncology patients providing safe administration of cytotoxic drugs and pain-free blood sampling. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cause significant morbidity. This study describes the epidemiology, microbiology, and risk factors for CLABSI in all children with malignancies in Iceland.

METHODS

All children that were diagnosed with malignancy in Iceland and received a CVL during 2008-2017 were included in the study. Characteristics of CVLs and patients were registered, information on risk factors, and microbiology was collected. International standards were used for CLABSI definition.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three CVLs were placed in 94 children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common underlying disease (31/94). Median age was 7 years. Implantable ports were the most commonly placed CVLs (82/143, 57%), tunneled lines were 39 (27%). Overall CLABSI rate was 0.24 infections/1000 line-days (14 episodes in 58,830 line-days), with little fluctuations. No CLABSI episodes occurred for 4 consecutive years (2012-2015). Staphylococci (of which 7 Staphylococcus aureus) were the cause of 10/14 episodes. Nine CLABSI episodes led to line removal, but no deaths were linked to CLABSIs.

CONCLUSION

We report very low CLABSI rates over a 9-year period at our hospital, with 4 consecutive CLABSI-free years. Even with the addition of episodes of possible CLABSI, rates were still very low and lower than most published reports.

Infections of Port Access Catheters in Children

Background: The most important complication of port access catheters (PAC) compared to peripheral lines is a higher incidence of infections. Objectives: This study investigated the frequency of catheter infection and related factors in Dr. Sheikh Children Hospital (SCH). Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study at Sheikh children’s hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The data of children with an operation for PAC surgery were gathered from hospital files and completed by calling the parents. The definition of PAC infection was based on clinical signs of catheter infection and any positive blood culture (peripheral or catheter sample) or the resolution of signs of infection after the extraction of the catheter in the absence of positive blood cultures. Results: During six years, 70 children received PAC, all of whom (except five) were followed by telephone calls. Forty percent of them were younger than two years, and 71.4% had malignant disease. Catheter infection occurred in 16 (22.8%) cases. Signs of catheter infection were fever and cellulitis over the port in nine (56%) cases (pocket infection), chills and fever during catheter usage (without port infection) in six (37.5%) cases, and persistent fever in one patient (6.2%). Blood culture was positive in 75% (12 cases) of catheter infections, and the responsible organisms were Gram-negative bacilli (five cases), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (three cases), Candida (three cases), and group B streptococci (GBS). The success rate for “medical therapy per se” was 68% in catheter infections. The catheter was removed in 22 (31.4%) patients, which was due to infection in half of them. The mean time to removal was 15.3 months. Conclusions: The incidence of catheter infection, especially pocket infection, is high in this population, which necessities revision in all procedures of catheter implantation and care.

Perioperative and Postoperative Complications of Ultrasound-Guided Totally Implantable Venous Access Ports via the Brachiocephalic Vein in Patients with Cancer: A Prospective Study

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) via the right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) or the left BCV approach.

Methods: Patients requiring TIVAP for chemotherapy were included in the study. US-guided TIVAPs via BCV were used for patients from July 2018 to December 2018. General information about the patients (sex, age, and diagnosis), side (right or left), surgical procedures and complications were recorded.

Results: A total of 107 TIVAPs in 107 patients (ages 38-73 years) were included, 75 via the right BCV and 32 via the left BCV. All of the patients underwent successful surgery. The BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt in 99 patients (92.52%). Two attempts were needed in 6 patients (5.61%), and three attempts were necessary in 2 patients (1.87%). The mean operation time was 29 ± 5 min (range: 24 to 38 min). No serious complications occurred during the surgery, except the formation of a local haematoma in 1 case after artery puncture. During the follow-up period of 12 months, the incidence of long-term complications was 3.74% (4/107), including 2 cases of catheter-related infection and 2 cases of fibrin sheath formation. No serious complications such as catheter malposition or rupture were found.

Conclusion: US-guided TIVAP via the BCV offers an alternative for adults with good needle guidance and a low rate of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Optimizing Duration of Empiric Management of Suspected Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Patients with Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether a 24-hour length of hospitalization and empiric antibiotic therapy to exclude central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in children with intestinal failure is potentially as safe as 48 hours, which is the duration most commonly used but not evidence based.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective single-institution observational cohort study was conducted among pediatric patients with intestinal failure from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2018, to identify episodes of suspected CLABSI. The primary end point was time from blood sampling to positive blood culture. Secondary end points included presenting symptoms, laboratory test results, responses to a parent/legal guardian-completed symptom survey, length of inpatient stay, costs, and charges.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients with intestinal failure receiving nutritional support via central venous catheters enrolled; 35 were hospitalized with suspected CLABSI at least once during the study. There were 49 positive blood cultures confirming CLABSI in 128 episodes (38%). The median time from blood sampling to positive culture was 11.1 hours. The probability of a blood culture becoming positive after 24 hours was 2.3%. Elevated C-reactive protein and neutrophil predominance in white blood cell count were associated with positive blood cultures. Estimated cost savings by transitioning from a 48-hour to a 24-hour admission to rule-out CLABSI was $4639 per admission.

CONCLUSIONS

A 24-hour duration of empiric management to exclude CLABSI may be appropriate for patients with negative blood cultures and no clinically concerning signs. A multi-institutional study would more robustly differentiate patients safe for discharge after 24 hours from those who warrant longer empiric treatment.

Perioperative neutropenia is not an independent risk factor for infectious complications of central venous line placement in children: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The infectious risk of central venous line (CVL) placement in children with neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] <500/mm³) is not well defined. This study aims to investigate the early (≤30 days) and late (>30 days) infectious complications of CVLs placed in pediatric patients with and without neutropenia.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all CVLs placed by pediatric surgeons at two institutions from 2010 to 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for line infection. Propensity score-matched cohorts of patients with and without neutropenia were compared in a 1:1 ratio. Wilcoxon rank-sum, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and log-rank tests were also performed.

RESULTS

Review identified 1,102 CVLs placed in 937 patients. Fifty-four patients were neutropenic at the time of placement. Multivariable analysis demonstrated tunneled catheters and subclavian access as associated with line infection. The propensity score-matched cohort included 94 patients, 47 from each group. Demographic and preoperative data were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Patients with neutropenia were no more likely to develop early (4.3% vs. 2.1%, p = 1.000) or late (19.1% vs. 17.0%, p = 1.000) infectious complications than patients without neutropenia, with similar median time to infection (141 vs. 222 days, p = 0.370).

CONCLUSION

A policy of selective CVL placement in neutropenic patients with standardized postoperative line maintenance is safe. Future directions include defining criteria by which neutropenic patients could be prospectively selected for safe CVL placement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II - Retrospective cohort study.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for Severe Refractory Sepsis in the Setting of Relapsed Refractory Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report

Pediatric oncology patients with sepsis are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared with pediatric patients without malignancy. Historically, patients with relapsed and/or refractory disease were not considered candidates for aggressive life support strategies including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

The Profile of Microorganisms Responsible for Port-Related Bacteremia in Pediatric Hemato-Oncological Patients

Patients with pediatric cancer face an increased risk of infections. In most cases, these infections are associated with the use of a long-term central venous catheter. This study describes the epidemiology of a port-associated bacteremia as well as a profile of microorganisms responsible for port-associated bloodstream infections (PABSIs) in pediatric patients with cancer treated in a single center. The retrospective analysis included patients with cancer who had implanted a port, hospitalized between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The medical records of patients were reviewed for demographic characteristics, diagnosis, port-related complications, and their management. Data were collected from patients' electronic medical records containing complete information on medical examinations and supplementary tests, diagnosis, timing, and type of port-associated complications. In a study period, 277 ports were inserted to 241 patients. A total of 183 094 catheter days were analyzed. Sixteen patients had more than 1 insertion of a port. The commonest observed complication was PABSI (40.07%) and the incidence density was 0.6 per 1000 port-days. Staphylococcus was the most commonly isolated organisms from patients with PABSI. From all port-associated complications, bloodstream infections and mechanical complications were the most often observed complications. The commonest pathogens responsible for PABSI were coagulase-negative staphylococci. Pathogens resistant to standard antibiotic treatment play an important role in PABSI, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis being the predominant pathogen. Port-associated bloodstream infections are a common reason for preterm removal of a port.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (TAURCAT Study) of Citrate Lock Solution for Prevention of Endoluminal Central Venous Catheter Infection in Neutropenic Hematological Patients

Infection of long-term central venous catheters (CVCs) remains a challenge in the clinical management of cancer patients. We aimed to determine whether a lock solution with taurolidine-citrate-heparin would be more effective than placebo for preventing nontunneled CVC infection in high-risk neutropenic hematologic patients. We performed a prospective, multicenter, randomized (1:1), double-blind, parallel, superiority, placebo-controlled trial involving 150 hematological patients with neutropenia carrying nontunneled CVCs who were assigned to receive CVC lock solution with taurolidine-citrate-heparin or heparin alone. The primary endpoint was bacterial colonization of the CVC hubs. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), CVC removal, adverse events related to the lock solution, and the 30-day case fatality rate. CVC lock solution with taurolidine-citrate-heparin was associated with less colonization of the CVC hubs than that with placebo, with no statistically significant differences: 4.1%, versus 10.1% (relative risk [RR] = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11 to 1.52), with a cumulative incidence of 4.17 (95% CI = 0.87 to 11.70) and 10.14 (95% CI = 4.18 to 19.79), respectively. There were no significant differences regarding the secondary endpoints. Only three episodes of CRBSI occurred during the study period. No adverse events related to the administration of the lock solution occurred. In this trial involving high-risk patients carrying nontunneled CVCs, the use of taurolidine-citrate-heparin did not show a benefit over the use of placebo. Nevertheless, the safety of this prevention strategy and the trend toward less hub colonization in the taurolidine-citrate-heparin group raise the interest in assessing its efficacy in centers with higher rates of CRBSI. (This study has been registered in ISRCTN under identifier ISRCTN47102251.).

Risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infections in children with tunneled central venous catheters

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most common complications of central venous catheters (CVCs). The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology of CLABSIs in tunneled CVCs and analyze their risk factors in a general pediatric population.

METHODS

Children with a tunneled CVC inserted at the University Children's Hospital Zürich between January 2009 and December 2015 were eligible for the study. The influence of CVC dwell time on the risk of CLABSI was examined using life tables. Hazard ratios (HRs) for CLABSIs were analyzed using Cox regression for age and diagnosis with cluster robust standard errors.

RESULTS

Fifty-five CLABSIs were observed in 193 patients with 284 tunneled CVCs. Overall, CVCs in children with gastrointestinal disorders and in children 2 to 5 years of age showed the highest incidence rates of 6.06 and 5.85 CLABSIs per 1,000 catheter days, respectively, during the first 90 days after placement. Gastrointestinal disease (HR, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.19-6.90; P < .001) and age 2 to 5 years (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.45-4.22; P = .001) were identified as independent risk factors for CLABSI. In children without gastrointestinal disease, tunneled CVCs showed an increasing risk of CLABSI after a dwell time of 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for tunneled CVCs requires the evaluation of targeted CLABSI prevention measures, especially in young children with underlying gastrointestinal disease.

Incidence, severity and outcome of central line related complications in pediatric oncology patients; A single center study

BACKGROUND

Central venous access device (CVAD)-related complications are associated with high morbidity rates. This study was performed to underline the importance of CVAD-complication prevention and treatment.

METHODS

An audit of practice of CVAD-related complications in pediatric oncology patients receiving a CVAD between January 2015 and June 2017 was performed. CVADs included were totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs), Hickman-Broviac® (HB), nontunneled, and peripherally inserted CVADs.

RESULTS

A total of 201 children, with 307 CVADs, were analyzed. The incidence rates per 1000 CVAD-days for the most common complications were 1.66 for malfunctions, and 1.51 for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Of all CVADs inserted, 37.1% were removed owing to complications, of which 45.6% were owing to CLABSIs. In 42% of the CLABSIs, the CLABSI could be successfully cured with systemic antibiotic treatment only. Of all included patients, 5.0% were admitted to the intensive care unit owing to CLABSI. The HB-CVAD compared to the TIVAP was a risk factor for CVAD-related complications, CLABSIs and dislocations in particular.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of CVAD-related complications is high. Research on the prevention and treatment of CVAD-related complications in pediatric oncology patients should be a high priority for all health care professionals.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis study (retrospective).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Escherichia coli Bloodstream Infections in Patients at a University Hospital: Virulence Factors and Clinical Characteristics

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) isolates are responsible for many bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was to characterize E. coli isolated from the bloodstreams of patients (n = 48) at the University Hospital in Brazil. Epidemiological data were obtained through the analysis of medical records and laboratory tests. By PCR analysis, we investigated the presence of virulence factors (VFs), pathogenicity islands (PAIs), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), phylogenetic classifications (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F) and molecular genotype by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR). The mortality analysis showed that 33.3% of the deaths were associated with bacteraemia due to E. coli infections; in addition, an age between 60 and 75 years (p < 0.001; OR = 6.3[2.1–18.9]) and bacteraemia with an abdominal origin (p = 0.02; OR = 5[1.2–20.5]) were risk factors for the severity of the infection. Additionally, the presence of the afa gene was associated with mortality due to E. coli bacteraemia (p = 0.027; OR = 11.4[1.5–85.7]). Immunosuppression (27.1%), intestinal diseases (25.0%) and diabetes (18.8%), were prevalent among patients, and most of the bacteraemia cases were secondary to urinary tract infections (50.0%). The serum resistance gene traT was present in 77.1% of isolates, group capsular 2 (kpsMT II) was present in 45.8% and the K5 capsule was present in 20.8% of isolates. The isolates also showed a high prevalence for the siderophore yersiniabactina (fyuA) (70.8%) and PAI IV₅₃₆ (77.1%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that group B2 (45.8%) was the most prevalent, and was the phylogroup that had a higher prevalence of VFs and PAIs. However, in this study, a considerable number of isolated bacteria were classified as group B1 (18.8%) and as group E (14.6%). Eight (16.7%) isolates were resistant to third and fourth generation cephalosporin and group CTX-M-1 (CTX-M-15) was the most prevalent ESBL type. The molecular genotyping showed two clonal lineages and several isolates that were not related to each other. This study provides additional information on the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of E. coli bloodstream infections in Brazil.

Early central line-associated blood stream infections in children with cancer pose a risk for premature catheter removal

AIM

This study examined the clinical characteristics of central line-associated blood stream infections occurring within 30 days after insertion versus later infections in paediatric cancer patients and the subsequent risk for premature catheter removal.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of children aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with cancer from 2013 to 2014 at the Astrid Lindgren Children Hospital, Sweden. Clinical and microbiology data for each patient were collected for 365 days after the central venous catheter (CVC) was inserted.

RESULTS

During the study period, 154 children received a CVC. The overall incidence of central line associated blood stream infections was 2.0 per 1000 catheter days. A total of 108 infectious episodes were identified in 44/154 (29%) patients. Of those, 15/44 children (29%) had an early infection within 30 days and alpha-haemolytic Streptococci and coagulase-negative Staphylococci dominated. Children with early infections were more likely to have a haematological malignancy and to need premature removal of the CVC due to repeated infections.

CONCLUSION

We observed a high prevalence of early CVC associated blood stream infection mainly in patients with haematological malignancies. Our study highlights the importance of preventive measures in reducing infections in paediatric cancer patients.

Long-Term Management of Vascular Access Ports in Nonhuman Primates Used in Preclinical Efficacy and Tolerability Studies

Vascular access ports (VAPs) are an essential tool for long-term vascular access in preclinical studies and disease modeling in non-human primates (NHPs). We retrospectively reviewed central (inferior vena cava, IVC) and portal VAP implantation with the maintenance at our center from 15 January 2010 to 31 January 2018. In total, 209 VAPs were implanted for long-term drug administration and sampling. Patency was >95% at 6 months and >80% at 1 year for IVC VAPs and >90% at 6 months and >85% at 1 year for portal VAPs. The majority of animals had no complications and access was generally durable with device use ranging up to 7 years. In IVC, VAPs loss of patency occurred in 13% (0.035/100 d), surgical site infection in 2.9% (0.097/100 d), port pocket infection in 2.2% (0.004/100 d), erosion in 2.9%, 0.008/100 d), and mechanical failure in 4.3% (0.012/100 d). In portal, VAPs loss of patency occurred in 11.3% (0.028/100 d) and port pocket infection in 1.4% (0.003/100 d). About 12% of VAPs were removed as a result of complications.This study confirms VAP implant and maintenance is a beneficial and safe practice in NHPs resulting in favorable outcomes. High patency rates and low complication rates are comparable to the clinical setting. In addition to enabling comprehensive data collection, VAPs increase satisfaction and well-being by minimizing interference with daily routines and fostering cooperation. VAP implantation, together with an effective maintenance regimen and co-operative handling, is a reliable and convenient refined method for drug administration and blood sampling.Keywords: Vascular access port; nonhuman primates; refinement; central vascular access; portal vascular access; surgical technique; experimental surgery; animal model.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Infectious/Febrile Episodes in Children with Intermediate Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (IR ALL)

The incidence of treatment related mortality in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is reported to be between 2% and 4% with infections being the leading cause.

AIM

To establish a relationship between body mass index at diagnosis (BMI 0), after protocol I therapy completion (BMI I) and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of infectious/febrile episodes in children with ALL intermediate risk.

METHODS

Thirty one consecutive patients (2-18 years old, with a male to female ratio of 19/12) with newly diagnosed ALL that were treated uniformly according to ALL IC 2009 protocol were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

A BMI decrease of at least 5% during protocol I therapy and BMI 1 under 15th percentile score corresponds significantly with higher IRR (with P-values 0.04 and 0.006 respectively) during the whole intensive therapy.

CONCLUSION

Some relationships between BMI reduction and higher IRR in ALL patients were found, but their significance is limited by the size of the group analyzed.

Administration of taurolidine-citrate lock solution for prevention of central venous catheter infection in adult neutropenic haematological patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (TAURCAT)

Background

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the most frequent complications in patients with cancer who have central venous catheters (CVCs) implanted and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Taurolidine is a non-antibiotic agent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which has been used as a lock solution to prevent CRBSI in some settings. However, little is known about its usefulness in high-risk adult neutropenic patients with cancer. This prospective randomised clinical trial aims to test the hypothesis that taurolidine-citrate lock solution is more effective than placebo for preventing catheter infection in neutropenic haematological patients.

Methods

This study is a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, parallel, superiority, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with haematological cancer who are expected to develop prolonged neutropenia (> 7 days) and who have a non-tunnelled CVC implanted will be randomised to receive prophylactic taurolidine-citrate-heparin solution using a lock technique (study group) or heparin alone (placebo group). The primary endpoint will be bacterial colonisation of the CVC hubs. The secondary endpoints will be the incidence of CRBSI, CVC removal, adverse events, and 30-day case-fatality rate.

Discussion

The lock technique is a preventive strategy that inhibits bacterial colonisation in the catheter hubs, which is the initial step of endoluminal catheter colonisation and the development of infection. Taurolidine is a nontoxic agent that does not develop antibiotic resistance because it acts as an antiseptic rather than an antibiotic. Taurolidine has shown controversial results in the few trials conducted in cancer patients. These studies have important limitations due to the lack of data on adult and/or high-risk neutropenic patients, the type of catheters studied (tunnelled or ports), and the lack of information regarding the intervention (e.g. dwelling of the solution, time, and periodicity of the lock technique). If our hypothesis is proven, the study could provide important solid evidence on the potential usefulness of this preventive procedure in a population at high risk of CRBSI, in whom this complication may significantly impair patient outcome.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN47102251. Registered on 9 September 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2647-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Long-term Central Venous Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infections in Children

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) account for significant morbidity and mortality in patients with long-term central venous catheters (CVCs). This study was performed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of CLABSIs among children with long-term CVCs.

METHODS

A retrospective review of children who had a long-term CVC in Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Data on patient demographics, the isolated pathogens and the status of CVC placement were collected. Clinical variables were compared between subjects with and without CLABSIs to determine the risk factors for CLABSIs.

RESULTS

A total of 629 CVCs were inserted in 499 children during the 5-year period. The median age at insertion was 6.0 years (14 days-17.9 years), and hemato-oncologic disease was the most common underlying condition (n = 497, 79.0%). A total of 235 CLABSI episodes occurred in 155 children, with a rate of 0.93 per 1,000 catheter days. The most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 64, 27.2%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 40, 17.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 28, 12.0%). In the univariate analysis, the gender, underlying disease, catheter characteristics and insertion technique did not increase the risk for CLABSI. In both the univariate and logistic regression analyses, patients with prior BSIs (odds ratio 1.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.090-2.531; P = 0.018) were more likely to have a CLABSI.

CONCLUSIONS

CLABSI prevention is of particular concern for children with a prior BSI. Furthermore, the antimicrobial resistance of major pathogens should be monitored to enable the empiric selection of appropriate antibiotics in patients with long-term CVCs.

Infection of totally implantable venous access devices: A review of the literature

Totally implantable venous access devices, or ports, are essential in the therapeutic management of patients who require long-term intermittent intravenous therapy. Totally implantable venous access devices guarantee safe infusion of chemotherapy, blood transfusion, parenteral nutrition, as well as repeated blood samples. Minimizing the need for frequent vascular access, totally implantable venous access devices also improve the patient's quality of life. Nonetheless, totally implantable venous access devices are not free from complications. Among those, infection is the most relevant, affecting patients' morbidity and mortality-both in the hospital or outpatient setting-and increasing healthcare costs. Knowledge of pathogenesis and risk factors of totally implantable venous access device-related infections is crucial to prevent this condition by adopting proper insertion bundles and maintenance bundles based on the best available evidence. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infection are of paramount importance. As a totally implantable venous access device-related infection occurs, device removal or a conservative approach should be chosen in treating this complication. For both prevention and therapy, antimicrobial lock is a major matter of controversy and a promising field for future clinical studies. This article reviews current evidences in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis and risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of totally implantable venous access device-related infections.

Totally Implantable Central Venous Port Catheters: Radiation Exposure as a Function of Puncture Site and Operator Experience

BACKGROUND

Totally implantable central venous port systems provide a safe and effective, long-term means of access for administration of hyperosmolar, local irritant medication, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and parenteral nutrition.

AIM

To evaluate the combination of access site and level of experience on fluoroscopy times (FT) and dose area products (DAP) during implantation of port catheters in a large patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,870 patients (992 women, 878 men; age: 61±13.14 years) were reviewed investigating two groups of junior (≤50 implantations) and senior (>50) radiologists.

RESULTS

Senior radiologists required less FT/DAP (0.24 s/57.3 μGy m2 versus 0.43 s/68.2 μGy m2, respectively; p<0.001). Right jugular vein access required the least FT/DAP (0.25 s/56.15 μGy m2) and right-sided implantation lower FT/DAP (right: 0.26 s/56.4 μGy m2, left: 0.40 s/85.10 μGy m2, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Due to DAP/FT reductions, the right jugular vein seems to be the most favorable implantation side for port systems. For further dose reduction, residents should be well-trained.

Infection surveillance in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the profile of reported healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in pediatric patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a reference center.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of pediatric patients who were submitted to HSCT from 2008 to 2016. The criteria for HAI were based on those established by the National Healthcare Safety Network. Data were collected by active surveillance performed daily by professionals. This study was approved by the institutional research ethics committee.

RESULTS

A total of 86 HSCTs were performed in 81 patients younger than 18 years of age (median, 10 years). Of these, 69 (85%) were males. Aplastic anemia and leukemia were the main diagnoses. A total of 140 HAIs were diagnosed with an incidence density of 28.2 infections/1000 patient-days. The most common HAI was laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (46), the majority of which was reported to be central venous catheter-associated (43). Gram-negative bacteria were the most prevalent microorganisms (58.5%). Almost all the infections occurred until 30 days after transplantation, and 17 deaths were observed within 180 days after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Active surveillance of HAIs in HSCT children allowed the evaluation of the incidence and profile of HAIs, which is essential for the health care of these patients.