Pediatric Intestinal Failure and Vascular Access

Administration of 4% tetrasodium EDTA lock solution and central venous catheter complications in high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Selection of central venous catheter (CVC) lock solution impacts catheter mechanical complications and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in pediatric patients with intestinal failure. Disadvantages of the current clinical standards, heparin and ethanol lock therapy (ELT), led to the discovery of new lock solutions. High-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure who lost access to ELT during a recent shortage were offered enrollment in a compassionate use trial with 4% tetrasodium EDTA (T-EDTA), a lock solution with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antithrombotic properties.

METHODS

We performed a descriptive cohort study including 14 high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure receiving 4% T-EDTA as a daily catheter lock solution. CVC complications were documented (repairs, occlusions, replacements, and CLABSIs). Complication rates on 4% T-EDTA were compared with baseline rates, during which patients were receiving either heparin or ELT (designated as heparin/ELT).

RESULTS

Patients initiated 4% T-EDTA at the time they were enrolled in the compassionate use protocol. Use of 4% T-EDTA resulted in a 50% reduction in CVC complications, compared with baseline rates on heparin/ELT (incidence rate ratio: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25-1.004; P = 0.051).

CONCLUSION

In a compassionate use protocol for high-risk pediatric patients with intestinal failure, the use of 4% T-EDTA reduced composite catheter complications, including those leading to emergency department visits, hospital admissions, additional procedures, and mortality. This outcome suggests 4% T-EDTA has benefits over currently available lock solutions.

Systematic Review of Antimicrobial Lock Solutions for Prevention of Bacteremia in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this systematic review was to determine whether antimicrobial lock (AML) solutions prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in children with intestinal failure (IF).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE (1946-), Ovid Embase (1974-), Wiley Cochrane Library (inception-), and Web of Science Core Collection via Clarivate Analytics (1900-). Randomized and nonrandomized trials, case or cohort studies that studied any AML solution, and used comparator groups were included if they studied children with IF. A meta-analysis compared the rates of CRBSI with AML solutions versus controls, and a Boucher analysis was used to indirectly compare AML solutions.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies met eligibility criteria (1 open label and 27 observational studies). Quality was good (N = 13), fair (N = 9), and poor (N = 6). All but 4 studied ethanol and taurolidine. Of 15 ethanol studies, 11 reported a decrease and 3 reported a trend toward a decreased incidence of CRBSI compared to controls; 1 reported no difference. Of 9 taurolidine studies, 7 reported a decrease and 2 a trend toward decreased CRBSI rates. There was a decrease in CRBSI with ethanol versus control ( P = 0.008) and with taurolidine-citrate versus control ( P < 0.0005). Using Bucher indirect comparison of the pooled estimates from ethanol versus control to taurolidine versus control, the estimated difference was -0.99 (-4.125, 2.27; P = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no randomized trials and over half of the 28 included studies were fair or poor quality. All but 1 reported at least a trend toward reduction in CRBSI. AML solutions appear to prevent CRBSI.

Current short bowel syndrome management: An era of improved outcomes and continued challenges

Prior to the late 1960s, pediatric short bowel syndrome was a frequently fatal disease. Currently, pediatric interdisciplinary bowel rehabilitation centers report very high survival rates. The mortality trends, up-to-date definitions, incidence, causes, and clinical manifestations of short bowel syndrome are reviewed. Emphasis is placed upon the nutritional, medical, and surgical advances that have contributed to the dramatic improvement in outcomes for pediatric short bowel syndrome patients. Recent findings and remaining challenges are highlighted.

Prediction of the Development of Severe Sepsis Among Children With Intestinal Failure and Fever Presenting to the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

Children with intestinal failure (IF) and fever are frequently bacteremic, but risk factors for development of sepsis in this population are not well delineated. Our objective was to determine what clinical factors available on arrival to the emergency department (ED), including commonly used vital sign thresholds, predicted the subsequent development of severe sepsis in children with IF and fever.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of children younger than 21 years with IF presenting to a tertiary care ED between 2010 and 2016 with fever who did not have hypotensive septic shock on arrival. The primary outcome was development of severe sepsis within 24 hours of ED arrival, as defined by consensus criteria. We identified predictors of severe sepsis using both univariate and multivariate models and calculated the test characteristics of 3 different sets of vital sign criteria in determining risk of severe sepsis.

RESULTS

In 26 (9.4%) of 278 encounters, the patient developed severe sepsis within 24 hours of arrival to the ED; 3 were excluded due to hypotensive shock on arrival. Predictors of severe sepsis included history of intestinal pseudo-obstruction (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.3-30.2) and higher initial temperature (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.3). The 3 sets of vital sign criteria had widely varying sensitivity and specificity in identifying development of severe sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

History of intestinal pseudo-obstruction and higher fever predicted increased risk of severe sepsis among children with IF and fever presenting to an ED. No single set of vital sign criteria had both high sensitivity and specificity for this diagnosis.

Management of Postoperative Complications Following Common Pediatric Operations

This review discusses complications unique to pediatric surgical populations. Here the authors focus primarily on five of the most common procedures performed in children: appendectomy, central venous catheterization, pyloromyotomy, gastrostomy, and inguinal/umbilical hernia repair.

ASPEN definitions in pediatric intestinal failure

Pediatric intestinal failure (PIF) is a relatively rare disease entity which requires focused interdisciplinary care and specialized nutrition management. There has long been a lack of consensus in the definition of key terms related to PIF due to its rarity and plethora of small studies rather than large trials. As such, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Pediatric Intestinal Failure Section, composed of clinicians from a variety of disciplines caring for children with intestinal failure, is uniquely poised to provide insight into this definition void. This document is the product of an effort by the Section to create evidence-based consensus definitions, with the goal of allowing for appropriate comparisons between clinical studies and measurement of longterm patient outcomes. This manuscript was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Role of a Nutrition Support Team in the Management of Intestinal Failure Patients

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex and specialized form of nutrition support that has revolutionized the care for both pediatric and adult patients with acute and chronic intestinal failure (IF). This has led to the development of multidisciplinary teams focused on the management of patients receiving PN: nutrition support teams (NSTs). In this review we aim to discuss the historical aspects of IF management and NST development, and the practice, composition, and effectiveness of multidisciplinary care by NSTs in patients with IF. We also discuss the experience of two IF centers as an example of contemporary NSTs at work. An NST usually consists of at least a physician, nurse, dietitian, and pharmacist. Multidisciplinary care by an NST leads to fewer complications including infection and electrolyte disturbances, and better survival for patients receiving short- and long-term PN. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in inappropriate prescriptions of short-term PN leading to significant cost reduction. Complex care for patients receiving PN necessitates close collaboration between team members and NSTs from other centers to optimize safety and effectiveness of PN use.

Should you pick the PICC? Prolonged use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in children with intestinal failure

PURPOSE

Prolonged central vascular access is a source of significant morbidity in children with intestinal failure (IF). In an effort to decrease morbidity, our multidisciplinary IF team has primarily used peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) for these patients. We compared outcomes of PICCs to Broviacs®.

METHODS

A review of children with IF (2006-2018) at an academic children's hospital was conducted.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

total parenteral nutrition duration >42 days or small bowel length < 25% of total for gestational age. Complications/1000 catheter days were extracted, and a Poisson model was used to compare complications between PICCs and Broviacs®.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients with IF were included, accounting for 19,452 catheter days. There were 209 PICCs (1.2-4F) and 39 Broviacs® (2.7-7F). The median duration of overall PICC access/patient was 166 days (range: 35 days-8 years). Incidences of central line associated blood stream infection and venous thrombosis were 3.95 and 0.55 per 1000 catheter days, respectively. There were no significant differences in complication rates per line per catheter day between PICCs and Broviacs® on multivariate analysis. Broviacs® showed a trend towards increased of catheter-related hospital admissions when compared to PICCs.

CONCLUSIONS

PICCs in children with intestinal failure have similar complication rates to Broviacs® but may reduce catheter-related hospital admissions. Use of tunneled PICCs and increasing experience with this vascular access method may allow it to realize its potential advantages.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective study, level III.

Tunneled central venous catheters in pediatric intestinal failure: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition for intestinal failure (IF) often requires a tunneled central venous catheter (CVC). The purpose of this study was to characterize complications after CVC placement and contributors to line loss in pediatric IF patients.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of pediatric (<18 y) IF patients who had a silicone tunneled CVC newly inserted or exchanged from 2012 to 2016 in an IF center was conducted. Patient demographics, procedure service (surgery versus interventional radiology), procedure type (new versus exchange), vessel, and complications related to CVCs were evaluated. Complications included dislodgement, infection, break, occlusion/malfunction, and others. An ethanol-lock protocol for silicone CVCs in IF patients was instituted in January 2012.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine IF patients with tunneled CVCs were identified with 182 lines and 18,534 line d. Median age at line insertion was 17.1 mo (interquartile range [IQR] 7.6-31.5) with a median of five catheters (IQR 2-8) per patient. There were 19.2 complications per 1000 line d. Occlusions/malfunctions were the most common complication (6.0/1000 line d) followed by breaks (5.6/1000 line d). Median life of catheters was 51.5 d (IQR 21-129). On regression, adjusting for age, insertion service, and procedure type, shorter line life was associated with younger age (P = 0.04) and placement by interventional radiology (P < 0.01). Dislodgement was associated with newly placed lines relative risk 6.5 (95% CI 2.2-28.8).

CONCLUSIONS

CVCs in pediatric IF patients have frequent complications and short line lifetimes. Dislodgement of CVC was an unexpectedly common complication with loss of access in newly placed lines. There may be modifiable processes to mitigate CVC complications.

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection among Children with Intestinal Failure Presenting to the Emergency Department with Fever

OBJECTIVES

To determine which factors confer the greatest risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in children with intestinal failure and fever presenting to an emergency department (ED), and to assess whether a low-risk group exists that may not require the standard treatment of admission for 48 hours on intravenous antibiotics pending culture results.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included children with intestinal failure and fever presenting to an ED over a 6-year period. Multivariable models were created using risk factors selected a priori to be associated with CLABSI as well as univariate predictors with P < .2.

RESULTS

Among 81 patients with 278 ED encounters, 132 (47.5%) CLABSI episodes were identified. Multivariable models showed higher initial temperature in the ED (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.25-3.17) and low white blood cell count (aOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.03-6.79) and platelet count (aOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.20-5.87) relative to age-specific reference ranges were strongly associated with CLABSI. Among the 63 encounters in which the patient had none of these risk factors, the rate of CLABSI was 25.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with intestinal failure who present to the ED with fever have high rates of CLABSI. Although higher temperature in the ED, lower white blood cell count, and lower platelet count are strongly associated with CLABSI, patients without these risk factors frequently have positive blood cultures as well. Antibiotics should, therefore, be given to all children with intestinal failure and fever until CLABSI is ruled out.

Substantial harm associated with failure of chronic paediatric central venous access devices

Central venous access devices (CVADs) form an important component of modern paediatric healthcare, especially for children with chronic health conditions such as cancer or gastrointestinal disorders. However device failure and complications rates are high.Over 2½ years, a child requiring parenteral nutrition and associated vascular access dependency due to 'short gut syndrome' (intestinal failure secondary to gastroschisis and resultant significant bowel resection) had ten CVADs inserted, with ninesubsequently failing. This resulted in multiple anaesthetics, invasive procedures, injuries, vascular depletion, interrupted nutrition, delayed treatment and substantial healthcare costs. A conservative estimate of the institutional costs for each insertion, or rewiring, of her tunnelled CVAD was $A10 253 (2016 Australian dollars).These complications and device failures had significant negative impact on the child and her family. Considering the commonality of conditions requiring prolonged vascular access, these failures also have a significant impact on international health service costs.

Clinical Application of Prophylactic Ethanol Lock Therapy in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure

Patients with intestinal failure have an increased risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections that can necessitate central venous line replacement and result in morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, or mortality. For pediatric patients with intestinal failure, the severe loss of intestinal absorptive ability leads to reliance on parenteral nutrition to meet minimal needs required for growth and development. Reliance on parenteral nutrition, in turn, forces dependency on central venous lines. Recent research concentrating on the pediatric population with intestinal failure indicates that prophylactic ethanol lock therapy can reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections and decrease central venous line removal rates in this high-risk population. Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections is critical for patients with intestinal failure. Ethanol lock therapy policies and protocols are increasingly being developed in healthcare institutions. Despite these efforts, no standard guidelines currently exist for ethanol lock therapy, and research in this area, specifically involving the pediatric population, is limited. This article presents the evidence to date as a means for assisting nursing professionals to make informed clinical decisions regarding the use of ethanol lock therapy for pediatric patients with intestinal failure.

Redefining short bowel syndrome in the 21st century

In 1968, Wilmore and Dudrick reported an infant sustained by parenteral nutrition (PN) providing a potential for survival for children with significant intestinal resections. Increasing usage of TPN over time led to some patients developing Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD), a leading cause of death and indication for liver/intestinal transplant. Over time, multidisciplinary teams called Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs (IRPs) began providing meticulous and innovative management. Usage of alternative lipid emulsions and lipid minimization strategies have resulted in the decline of IFALD and an increase in long-term and transplant-free survival, even in the setting of ultrashort bowel (< 20 cm). Autologous bowel reconstructive surgeries, such as the serial tapering enteroplasty procedure, have increased the likelihood of achieving enteral autonomy. Since 2007, the number of pediatric intestinal transplants performed has sharply declined and likely attributed to the newer innovations healthcare. Recent data support the need for changes in the listing criteria for intestinal transplantation given the overall improvement in outcomes. Over the last 50 y, the diagnosis of short bowel syndrome has changed from a death sentence to one of hope with a vast improvement of quality of life and survival.

Outcomes from a 12-Week, Open-Label, Multicenter Clinical Trial of Teduglutide in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine safety and pharmacodynamics/efficacy of teduglutide in children with intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS-IF).

STUDY DESIGN

This 12-week, open-label study enrolled patients aged 1-17 years with SBS-IF who required parenteral nutrition (PN) and showed minimal or no advance in enteral nutrition (EN) feeds. Patients enrolled sequentially into 3 teduglutide cohorts (0.0125 mg/kg/d [n = 8], 0.025 mg/kg/d [n = 14], 0.05 mg/kg/d [n = 15]) or received standard of care (SOC, n = 5). Descriptive summary statistics were used.

RESULTS

All patients experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event; most were mild or moderate. No serious teduglutide-related treatment-emergent adverse events occurred. Between baseline and week 12, prescribed PN volume and calories (kcal/kg/d) changed by a median of -41% and -45%, respectively, with 0.025 mg/kg/d teduglutide and by -25% and -52% with 0.05 mg/kg/d teduglutide. In contrast, PN volume and calories changed by 0% and -6%, respectively, with 0.0125 mg/kg/d teduglutide and by 0% and -1% with SOC. Per patient diary data, EN volume increased by a median of 22%, 32%, and 40% in the 0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg/kg/d cohorts, respectively, and by 11% with SOC. Four patients achieved independence from PN, 3 in the 0.05 mg/kg/d cohort and 1 in the 0.025 mg/kg/d cohort. Study limitations included its short-term, open-label design, and small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Teduglutide was well tolerated in pediatric patients with SBS-IF. Teduglutide 0.025 or 0.05 mg/kg/d was associated with trends toward reductions in PN requirements and advancements in EN feeding in children with SBS-IF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01952080; EudraCT: 2013-004588-30.

Complications in pediatric enteral and vascular access

Obtaining reliable enteral and vascular access constitutes a significant fraction of a pediatric surgeon׳s job. Multiple approaches are available. Given the complicated nature of this patient population multiple complications can also occur. This article discusses the various techniques and potential complications associated with short- and long-term enteral and vascular access.

A new method to measure intestinal secretion using fluorescein isothiocyanate-inulin in small bowel of rats

BACKGROUND

Small intestine ischemia can be seen in various conditions such as intestinal transplantation. To further understand the pathologic disruption in ischemia-reperfusion injury, we have developed a method to measure fluid changes in the intestinal lumen of rats.

METHODS

Two 10-cm rat intestine segments were procured, connected to the terminal apertures of a perfusion device, and continuously infused with 3 mL of HEPES solution (control solution) containing 50 μM of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-inulin. The perfusion device consists of concentric chambers that contain the perfused bowel segments, which are maintained at 37°C via H₂O bath. The individual chamber has four apertures as follows: two fill and/or drain the surrounding HEPES solution on the blood side of the tissue. The others provide flow of HEPES solution containing FITC-inulin through the lumens. The experimental intestine was infused with the same solution with 100 μM of Forskolin. A pump continuously circulated solutions at 6 mL/min. Samples were collected at 15-min intervals until 150 min and were measured by the nanoflourospectrometer.

RESULTS

A mean of 6-μM decrease in the FITC-inulin concentration in the Forskolin-treated experimental intestine was observed in comparison with that in the control intestine. The FITC-inulin count dilution in the experimental intestine is a result of an increase of fluid secretion produced by the effect of Forskolin, with P values <0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that it is possible to measure luminal fluid changes over time using our new modified perfusion system along with FITC-inulin to allow real-time determinations of fluid and/or electrolyte movement along the small intestine.

Infectious complications following serial transverse enteroplasty in infants and children with short bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) lengthens and tapers dilated small bowel in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Previous reports document encouraging outcomes with regard to tolerance for enteral nutrition (EN) and complications appear related to the re-operative nature of many cases and to the presence of multiple staple lines. However, infectious complications following STEP have not been examined. Since infections, especially catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI), are considered detrimental in infants and children with SBS, we sought to define the frequency and outcomes of peri-operative infections associated with STEP.

METHODS

All children with SBS who underwent a STEP between 2004 and 2012 were indentified and their medical records were reviewed. Patients were considered candidates for a STEP if they had dilated small bowel and failure to advance enteral nutrition. For the purpose of this study, infections occurring within a 14-day period after STEP were considered procedure-related and were the focus of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients underwent 23 STEP procedures. Primary diagnoses included intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and midgut volvulus. After the STEP, eight patients (35%) developed CRBSI, three developed wound infections, and two had urinary tract infections. Organisms isolated from either blood, wound or urine cultures included gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, and yeast. Perioperative antibiotics were administered in all cases with cefoxitin (43%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (30%) being most common. Neither antibiotic appeared superior in reducing the incidence of CRBSI. In three patients with persistent bacteremia despite adequate antibiotic therapy, a 74% ethanol lock resulted in negative blood cultures in all cases. Only one central venous catheter required replacement acutely for persistent fungemia.

CONCLUSION

STEP can improve enteral tolerance. In this fragile patient population, however, STEP carries a documented infectious burden. The optimal antibiotic prophylaxis and the role of ethanol locking in patients undergoing STEP require further study.

Effects of 70% ethanol locks on rates of central line infection, thrombosis, breakage, and replacement in pediatric intestinal failure

OBJECTIVES

Parenteral nutrition is essential for the growth and nutrition of patients with intestinal failure (IF). Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are a major complication of parenteral nutrition use. Few retrospective studies have shown that 70% ethanol lock (ETL) therapy for central lines can reduce the infection rate. Studies assessing line breakage, thrombosis, and replacement with the use of ETL are lacking in the pediatric literature.

METHODS

The present study is a retrospective chart review, with a primary outcome of CRBSI rate per 1000 catheter days, and secondary outcomes of line thrombosis, line breakage requiring repair, and line replacement rates with use of ETL compared with heparin locks. Rates were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired nonparametric data.

RESULTS

Seven patients satisfied the inclusion criteria that included having a single-lumen silicone central line exposed to both heparin and ETL therapy during the study period. There was a statistically significant decrease in overall and Gram-negative CRBSI rates per 1000 catheter days with a use of ETL therapy (10.3-1.4 per 1000 catheter days for overall CRBSIs, P = 0.02; 6.7-0 per 1000 catheter days for Gram-negative CRBSI, P = 0.03). There was an increasing trend in line thrombosis and repair rates with ETL therapy. Logistic regression analysis evaluating the impact of line luminal size on line repair rate showed a reduced risk of line repair when using larger-diameter central lines.

CONCLUSIONS

ETL therapy is an effective method for decreasing CRBSI in patients with IF; however, it may have a negative impact on line integrity. Patients should be carefully selected when deciding on ETL therapy use for central line care. Studies are needed on the effect of different ethanol concentrations on infection rate and line integrity to optimize the outcome in this high-risk population.

Management of short bowel syndrome

Most intestinal failure in children is due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) where congenital or acquired lesions have led to an extensive loss of intestinal mass. The vast majority of morbidity and mortality of patients with SBS is due to complications secondary to their long term dependence on parenteral nutrition. In response to SBS, the intestine undergoes a process of remodeling termed adaptation. Principles guiding the medical management of SBS include providing adequate parenteral nutrition, fluids and electrolytes for growth and normal development, promoting small bowel adaptation, and preventing and treating complications related to the patient's underlying disease and their parenteral nutrition. Catheter associated blood stream infection (CABSI) is major source of morbidity and mortality in patients with intestinal failure from SBS. Intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD)is another major source of morbidity and mortality in patients with SBS. IFALD is the most consistent negative predictor of outcome including death and continued parenteral nutrition dependence. Enteral nutrition is critical for intestinal adaptation and preventing IFALD. Patients with SBS who develop dilated dysmotile segments may benefit from autologous intestinal reconstruction surgery (AIRS) with the goal of decreasing stasis and disordered motility through intestinal narrowing and lengthening. Patients with SBS should be referred for transplantation if they have failed intestinal rehabilitation including AIRS, have no reasonable chance for enteral feeding tolerance, develop irreversible IFALD, have recurrent sepsis, or have exhausted their central venous access sites. With improvements in medical and surgical care, overall survival of patients with SBS now exceeds 90%.