Should we still need to systematically perform catheter culture in the intensive care unit?

Treatment of positive catheter tip culture without bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. A case-cohort study from the OUTCOMEREA network

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact on subsequent infections and mortality of an adequate antimicrobial therapy within 48 h after catheter removal in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with positive catheter tip culture.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 29 centers of the OUTCOMEREA network. We developed a propensity score (PS) for adequate antimicrobial treatment, based on expert opinion of 45 attending physicians. We conducted a 1:1 case-cohort study matched on the PS score of being adequately treated. A PS-matched subdistribution hazard model was used for detecting subsequent infections and a PS-matched Cox model was used to evaluate the impact of antibiotic therapy on mortality.

RESULTS

We included 427 patients with a catheter tip culture positive with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. We matched 150 patients with an adequate antimicrobial therapy with 150 controls. In the matched population, 30 (10%) subsequent infections were observed and 62 patients died within 30 days. Using subdistribution hazard models, the daily risk to develop subsequent infection up to Day-30 was similar between treated and non-treated groups (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-1.89, p = 0.78). Using Cox proportional hazard models, the 30-day mortality risk was similar between treated and non-treated groups (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.45-1.74, p = 0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial therapy was not associated with decreased risk of subsequent infection or death in short-term catheter tip colonization in critically ill patients. Antibiotics may be unnecessary for positive catheter tip cultures.

Vascular access for renal replacement therapy among 459 critically ill patients: a pragmatic analysis of the randomized AKIKI trial

BACKGROUND

Vascular access for renal replacement therapy (RRT) is routine question in the intensive care unit. Randomized trials comparing jugular and femoral sites have shown similar rate of nosocomial events and catheter dysfunction. However, recent prospective observational data on RRT catheters use are scarce. We aimed to assess the site of RRT catheter, the reasons for catheter replacement, and the complications according to site in a large population of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed an ancillary study of the AKIKI study, a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, in which patients with severe acute kidney injury (KDIGO 3 classification) with invasive mechanical ventilation, catecholamine infusion or both were randomly assigned to either an early or a delayed RRT initiation strategy. The present study involved all patients who underwent at least one RRT session. Number of RRT catheters, insertion sites, factors potentially associated with the choice of insertion site, duration of catheter use, reason for catheter replacement, and complications were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Among the 619 patients included in AKIKI, 462 received RRT and 459 were finally included, with 598 RRT catheters. Femoral site was chosen preferentially (n = 319, 53%), followed by jugular (n = 256, 43%) and subclavian (n = 23, 4%). In multivariate analysis, continuous RRT modality was significantly associated with femoral site (OR = 2.33 (95% CI (1.34-4.07), p = 0.003) and higher weight with jugular site [88.9 vs 83.2 kg, OR = 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-1.00), p = 0.03]. Investigator site was also significantly associated with the choice of insertion site (p = 0.03). Cumulative incidence of catheter replacement did not differ between jugular and femoral site [sHR 0.90 (95% CI 0.64-1.25), p = 0.67]. Catheter dysfunction was the main reason for replacement (n = 47), followed by suspected infection (n = 29) which was actually seldom proven (n = 4). No mechanical complication (pneumothorax or hemothorax) occurred.

CONCLUSION

Femoral site was preferentially used in this prospective study of RRT catheters in 31 French intensive care units. The choice of insertion site depended on investigating center habits, weight, RRT modality. A high incidence of catheter infection suspicion led to undue replacement.

Expert consensus-based clinical practice guidelines management of intravascular catheters in the intensive care unit

The French Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SRLF), jointly with the French-Speaking Group of Paediatric Emergency Rooms and Intensive Care Units (GFRUP) and the French-Speaking Association of Paediatric Surgical Intensivists (ADARPEF), worked out guidelines for the management of central venous catheters (CVC), arterial catheters and dialysis catheters in intensive care unit. For adult patients: Using GRADE methodology, 36 recommendations for an improved catheter management were produced by the 22 experts. Recommendations regarding catheter-related infections’ prevention included the preferential use of subclavian central vein (GRADE 1), a one-step skin disinfection(GRADE 1) using 2% chlorhexidine (CHG)-alcohol (GRADE 1), and the implementation of a quality of care improvement program. Antiseptic- or antibiotic-impregnated CVC should likely not be used (GRADE 2, for children and adults). Catheter dressings should likely not be changed before the 7th day, except when the dressing gets detached, soiled or impregnated with blood (GRADE 2− adults). CHG dressings should likely be used (GRADE 2+). For adults and children, ultrasound guidance should be used to reduce mechanical complications in case of internal jugular access (GRADE 1), subclavian access (Grade 2) and femoral venous, arterial radial and femoral access (Expert opinion). For children, an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach of the brachiocephalic vein was recommended to reduce the number of attempts for cannulation and mechanical complications. Based on scarce publications on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and on their experience (expert opinion), the panel proposed definitions, and therapeutic strategies.

A state of the art review on optimal practices to prevent, recognize, and manage complications associated with intravascular devices in the critically ill

Intravascular catheters are inserted into almost all critically ill patients. This review provides up-to-date insight into available knowledge on epidemiology and diagnosis of complications of central vein and arterial catheters in ICU. It discusses the optimal therapy of catheter-related infections and thrombosis. Prevention of complications is a multidisciplinary task that combines both improvement of the process of care and introduction of new technologies. We emphasize the main component of the prevention strategies that should be used in critical care and propose areas of future investigation in this field.

Efficacy of routine catheter tip culture in a neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Routine catheter tip cultures are not recommended because some cases of colonization, such as with Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to subsequent bacteremia. To evaluate the safety of colonization without antimicrobial treatment, as well as the effectiveness of routine catheter tip cultures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we performed a retrospective data analysis in a Japanese community hospital.

METHODS

We reviewed all peripherally inserted central venous catheter tip culture results from the NICU ward between April 2012 and June 2017 and noted outcome (i.e. antimicrobial treatment or subsequent infection). We then performed a cost analysis for routine catheter tip culturing on patients who were symptom free during the study period.

RESULTS

Of the 93 positive cases in 80 patients from 1,051 catheter tip cultures, seven patients had suspected infection and were treated with antimicrobials. The other 73 symptom-free, positive patients had no subsequent or exacerbated symptoms indicative of an infection, and did not have antimicrobial treatment. The total cost for catheter tip culturing during the study period was ¥548 731. After excluding patients with symptoms of infection at the time of culture, the efficacy of routine catheter tip cultures on symptom-free patients was estimated to be zero.

CONCLUSION

Symptom-free colonization did not affect clinician management in this study, and all colonized patients without suspected infection were safely managed without antimicrobials. Furthermore, routine catheter tip culturing was not cost-effective; therefore, this practice may be no longer recommended in the NICU.

New materials and devices for preventing catheter-related infections

Catheters are the leading source of bloodstream infections for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Comprehensive unit-based programs have proven to be effective in decreasing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs). ICU rates of CR-BSI higher than 2 per 1,000 catheter-days are no longer acceptable. The locally adapted list of preventive measures should include skin antisepsis with an alcoholic preparation, maximal barrier precautions, a strict catheter maintenance policy, and removal of unnecessary catheters. The development of new technologies capable of further decreasing the now low CR-BSI rate is a major challenge. Recently, new materials that decrease the risk of skin-to-vein bacterial migration, such as new antiseptic dressings, were extensively tested. Antimicrobial-coated catheters can prevent CR-BSI but have a theoretical risk of selecting resistant bacteria. An antimicrobial or antiseptic lock may prevent bacterial migration from the hub to the bloodstream. This review discusses the available knowledge about these new technologies.