Subcutaneous edema as a potential cause of catheter failure in older inpatients receiving peripheral parenteral nutrition

Malnutrition is a common problem among hospitalized older patients. Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PN) can improve patient outcomes but can also lead to complications that affect future treatment. Older inpatients, in particular, are expected to be prone to these catheter-related complications. However, the impact of peripheral PN on older inpatients has been rarely investigated. In the current study, the impact of PN on short peripheral catheters (SPCs) was evaluated by comparing signs and symptoms at the time of catheter removal between 22 patients with PN and 27 without. In addition to external clinical assessment, sonographic investigations of the SPC site were performed. The prevalence of external signs and symptoms of complications was similar between the patients (all P > 0.05). However, subcutaneous edema was found by ultrasound in > 80% of patients with PN, compared with 55.6% of those without PN (P = 0.051). Unlike cases without PN, all patients with PN who presented with external signs and symptoms developed subcutaneous edema (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that administration of PN was independently associated with subcutaneous edema (adjusted odds ratio = 6.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.083-75.486, P = 0.040). For several decades, phlebitis has been the primary focus of complications related to peripheral PN in clinical settings. However, our results imply that peripheral PN causes subcutaneous edema, which can lead to catheter failure in older inpatients. This study contributes to understanding the etiology of catheter failure during peripheral PN in this population.

Peripheral parenteral nutrition: An evaluation of its use, safety and cost implications in a tertiary hospital setting

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malnutrition is a common challenge among hospitalised patients and its associatiation with poor patient health-related outcomes places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is the primary means for providing nutrition to individuals in whom enteral feeding is not possible but is costly and requires invasive central venous access. Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) provides a suitable option for early nutrition provision in select patients; however, its routine use has been limited by safety and tolerability concerns, with high rates of phlebitis reported in previous studies. The objectives of this study were to review the use, safety, and costs of PPN in an Australian tertiary hospital.

METHODS

A single-site, prospective observational study was conducted over 15 months in a tertiary hospital. 139 participants (87 male and 52 female) were enrolled in the study. Data collected assessed the indication for PPN initiation, compliance with the hospital's protocols for PPN, total fasting days, the proportion of the patient's total energy and protein requirements provided by PPN, the incidence of phlebitis and potential cost implications associated with the use of PPN.

RESULTS

139 patients (62.6% male), median age 62 years (IQR (interquartile range) 48-74) were enrolled. Most patients had an emergency admission (80.6%) under a general surgical team (84.2%). Forty-eight patients (34.5%) were malnourished, as assessed by the Subjective Global Assessment tool (SGA). Patients fasted for a median of 3 days (IQR 2-5) before PPN commencement, with a median duration of PPN use of 3 days (IQR 2-4). PPN provided an average of 61.6% of the patients' required caloric intake and 46.4% of protein requirements. Progression to TPN was observed in 34.5% of patients. There were low rates of complications with phlebitis observed in 3.7%, extravasation in 1.1%, and no patients developed septicaemia, despite suboptimal compliance with the recommended cannula management guidelines for PPN (66.4% compliant). The cost of PPN was estimated to be AUD$187 per patient day.

CONCLUSION

PPN is an effective short-term nutrient delivery solution to facilitate early feeding with small numbers of patients requiring transition to TPN. PPN was safe with low rates of cannula complications. Costs were favourable, with potentially significant cost savings as compared with TPN.

The Safety of Intravenous Peripheral Administration of 3% Hypertonic Saline: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Three percent hypertonic saline (3% HTS) is used to treat several critical conditions such as severe and symptomatic hyponatremia and increased intracranial pressure. It has been traditionally administered through a central venous catheter (CVC). The avoidance of peripheral intravenous infusion of 3% HTS stems theoretically from the concern about the ability of the peripheral veins to tolerate hyperosmolar infusions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the rate of complications associated with the infusion of 3% HTS using peripheral intravenous access.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the rate of complications related to the peripheral infusion of 3% HTS. We searched several databases for available studies that met the criteria until February 24th, 2022. We included ten studies conducted across three countries examining the incidence of infiltration, phlebitis, venous thrombosis, erythema, and edema. The overall event rate was calculated and transformed using the Freeman-Tukey arcsine method and pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. I ² was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Selected items from Newcastle-Ottawa Scale ¹² were used to assess the risk of bias in each included study.

RESULTS

A total of 1200 patients were reported to have received peripheral infusion of 3% HTS. The analysis showed that peripherally administered 3% HTS has a low rate of complications. The overall incidence of each of the complications was as follows: infiltration 3.3%, (95% C.I. = 1.8-5.1%), phlebitis 6.2% (95% C.I. = 1.1-14.3%), erythema 2.3% (95% C.I. = 0.3-5.4%) edema 1.8% (95% C.I. = 0.0-6.2%) and venous thrombosis 1% (95% C.I. = 0.0-4.8%). There was one incident of venous thrombosis preceded by infiltration resulting from peripheral infusion of 3% HTS.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral administration of 3% HTS is considered a safe and possibly preferred option as it carries a low risk of complications and is a less invasive procedure compared to CVC.

Zinc Deficiency-Associated Dysgeusia Preventing the Improvement of Severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum

A 23-year-old primigravida visited the hospital frequently since the early phase of her pregnancy because of severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She was hospitalized for the same at 14 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy. After admission, peripheral intravenous nutrition was started; however, her symptoms did not improve. At 17 weeks and 1 day of gestation, a blood sample was collected to determine the presence of trace element deficiencies, and a zinc deficiency was revealed. We examined the patient's symptoms and found that she had developed dysgeusia. After receiving a zinc preparation, her taste disorder gradually improved, and her oral intake increased. Her hyperemesis gravidarum resolved, and she was discharged from the hospital at 18 weeks and 2 days of gestation. The findings from this case suggest that prolonged peripheral intravenous nutrition in patients with severe hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to zinc deficiency and impede the successful treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Parenteral Nutrition Overview

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-saving intervention for patients where oral or enteral nutrition (EN) cannot be achieved or is not acceptable. The essential components of PN are carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, electrolytes and water. PN should be provided via a central line because of its hypertonicity. However, peripheral PN (with lower nutrient content and larger volume) can be administered via an appropriate non-central line. There are alternatives for the compounding process also, including hospital pharmacy compounded bags and commercial multichamber bags. PN is a costly therapy and has been associated with complications. Metabolic complications related to macro and micronutrient disturbances, such as hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and electrolyte imbalance, may occur at any time during PN therapy, as well as infectious complications, mostly related to venous access. Long-term complications, such as hepatobiliary and bone disease are associated with longer PN therapy and home-PN. To prevent and mitigate potential complications, the optimal monitoring and early management of imbalances is required. PN should be prescribed for malnourished patients or high-risk patients with malnutrition where the feasibility of full EN is in question. Several factors should be considered when providing PN, including timing of initiation, clinical status, and risk of complications.

Vascular injury due to a peripherally inserted central catheter in a neonate born during the 24 th week of gestation

We investigated a case of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter associated with iliolumbar venous extravasation in an infant. Hyperosmolar infusion and calcium gluconate caused phlebitis and vascular perforation. Daily monitoring of the catheter length at the insertion site and serial radiography may aid in detecting catheter movement.

Daily monitoring of peripherally inserted central venous catheter length at the insertion site and serial radiography may aid in detecting catheter movement.

Re-evaluating Safe Osmolarity for Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition in Neonatal Intensive Care Patients

OBJECTIVE

To reach nutrition goals for neonatal patients, institutions often exceed the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommended maximum of 900 mOsm/L for peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN). Evidence is limited regarding the safety of PPN osmolarities above this maximum, specifically in neonatal patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if PPN with osmolarities ≥ 1000 mOsm/L is associated with an increased rate of line-related complications.

METHODS

This retrospective study included infants admitted to the Penn State Health Children's Hospital NICU from January 1, 2013, through July 31, 2018, who were receiving PPN, to assess if solutions with osmolarities ≥ 1000 mOsm/L versus < 1000 mOsm/L are associated with increased rates of line-related complications.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included in the study, and 618 individual PPN days were analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between groups. The PPN osmolarities ranged from 610 to 1267 mOsm/L. Overall, the incidence of line-related complications for PPN < 1000 (n = 342 PPN days) and ≥ 1000 mOsm/L (n = 276 PPN days) was 28.9% and 29.0%, respectively (OR 1.00 [95% CI 0.72-1.40, p = 0.99]). Irrespective of PPN osmolarity, infants weighing > 1.5 kg had significantly greater odds of experiencing line complications compared with patients < 1 kg, but showed no difference compared with patients weighing 1 to 1.5 kg.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There were no significant differences in the incidence of line-related complications in NICU patients receiving PPN with osmolarities 1000 to 1250 versus < 1000 mOsm/L.

Optimizing Inpatient Nutrition Care of Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the 21st Century

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and disproportionately affects those admitted to hospital. Malnutrition is a risk factor for many complications in IBD, including prolonged hospitalization, infection, greater need for surgery, development of venous thromboembolism, post-operative complications, and mortality. Early screening for malnutrition and prompt nutrition intervention if indicated has been shown to prevent or mitigate many of these outlined risk factors. There are many causes of malnutrition in IBD including reduced oral food intake, medications, active inflammation, and prior surgical resections. Hospitalization can further compound pre-existing malnutrition through inappropriate diet restrictions, nil per os (NPO) for endoscopy and imaging, or partial bowel obstruction, resulting in "post-hospital syndrome" after discharge and readmission. The aim of this article is to inform clinicians of the prevalence and consequences of malnutrition in IBD, as well as available screening and assessment tools for diagnosis, and to offer an organized approach to the nutritional care of hospitalized adult IBD patients.

Which long line do we use in very low birth weight neonates; umbilical venous catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter?

BACKGROUND

Umbilical venous catheters (UVC) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are commonly used in preterms. UVC is cheap, easy to insert but has shorter dwell time. UVC is replaced after 7 days due to the risk of complications. This is associated with increased cost, work, and risk of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to determine the antenatal and postnatal factors that predict the need for a central line for more than 7 days, thus helping select between UVC or PICC on day 1 of life in babies ≤1500 grams.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected antenatal and postnatal data of VLBW neonates over a period of 1 year who needed CL during their NICU stay. We then divided them into two cohorts. Group 1: CL ≤7 days. Group 2: CL > 7 days.

RESULTS

Sepsis and catheter complications were lower with use of a single CL or duration being ≤7 days. Birth weight, incomplete/no antenatal steroids, need for resuscitation, low Apgar's, RDS, hs-PDA, and initiation of feeds beyond 24 hours of birth were significant. The score was devised based on factors found significant that had an acceptable AUC of 0.767 on ROC analysis with a score of 1 or above having 74.8% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity for prediction of need for CL > 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth weight ≤1000 grams, incomplete steroids and need for resuscitation at birth were predictive of the need of CL beyond seven days, on day one of life.

Pharmaceutical Aspects of Artificial Nutrition

Artificial nutrition, including enteral (EN) and parenteral (PN) nutrition, is indicated whenever adequate oral nutrition fails to sufficiently supply the necessary nutrients to the body. It is a convenient, efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated form of clinical nutrition in the hospital and home setting. EN is administered via nasogastric tube or ostomies while PN usually requires a central venous access for administration, straight into the blood stream. The infused nutrients can then be taken up directly by the different organs. PN is targeted as a single daily portion formulated as an oil-in-water emulsion providing the necessary substrates for the catabolic and anabolic metabolism including macro- and micronutrients and fluids. PN has a complex pharmaceutical composition-all-in-one admixture-and its compounding or ready-to-use preparation. The use of PN is more challenging and more expensive compare to the use of EN, commercially available as ready-to-use formulations. EN and concomitant medication is highly challenging. Upon incorrect handling and administration, PN is associated with potentially severe or even fatal complications, mostly relating to the central venous access (e.g., catheter-related sepsis) or to a metabolic intolerance (e.g., hyperglycemia, refeeding syndrome) because of inappropriate administration. A correct order of admixing, correct dosing, and administration of the artificial is crucial for safety and efficacy; clinical and biochemical monitoring of the patient and treatment regimen adaption are necessary. The high number of reactive solutes allow only limited stability of a ready-to-use PN admixture. The potential for numerous incompatibilities and interactions renders PN admixtures generally unsuitable as drug vehicle. Laboratory compatibility and stability testing and pharmaceutical expertise are a prerequisite to define the PN composition including nutrients or even drugs admixed to define the appropriate and individualized nutrition and medication regimen. The aim of this narrative review is to present the actual state-of-the-art to deliver best quality artificial nutrition with special regard on pharmaceutical aspects such as instabilities, incompatibilities, and concomitant co-medication.

ω-3 Fatty-Acid Enriched Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated ω-3 fatty-acid enriched parenteral nutrition (PN) vs standard (non-ω-3 fatty-acid enriched) PN in adult hospitalized patients (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018110179). We included 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intervention and control groups given ω-3 fatty acids and standard lipid emulsions, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. The relative risk (RR) of infection (primary outcome; 24 RCTs) was 40% lower with ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN than standard PN (RR 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.72; P < 0.00001). Patients given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN had reduced mean length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (10 RCTs; 1.95 days, 95% CI 0.42-3.49; P = 0.01) and reduced length of hospital stay (26 RCTs; 2.14 days, 95% CI 1.36-2.93; P < 0.00001). Risk of sepsis (9 RCTs) was reduced by 56% in those given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.70; P = 0.0004). Mortality rate (co-primary outcome; 20 RCTs) showed a nonsignificant 16% reduction (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-1.07; P = 0.15) for the ω-3 fatty-acid enriched group. In summary, ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN is beneficial, reducing risk of infection and sepsis by 40% and 56%, respectively, and length of both ICU and hospital stay by about 2 days. Provision of ω-3-enriched lipid emulsions should be preferred over standard lipid emulsions in patients with an indication for PN.

A Mnemonic for Pharmacists to Ensure Optimal Monitoring and Safety of Total Parenteral Nutrition: I AM FULL

Objective: To present a guideline-derived mnemonic that provides a systematic monitoring process to increase pharmacists’ confidence in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) monitoring and improve safety and efficacy of TPN use. Data Sources: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guidelines were reviewed. Additional resources included a literature search of PubMed (1980 to May 2016) using the search terms: total parenteral nutrition, mnemonic, indications, allergy, macronutrients, micronutrients, fluid, comorbidities, labs, peripheral line, and central line. Articles (English-language only) were evaluated for content, and additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language observational studies, review articles, meta-analyses, guidelines, and randomized trials assessing monitoring parameters of TPN were evaluated. Data Synthesis: The ASPEN guidelines were referenced to develop key components of the mnemonic. Review articles, observational trials, meta-analyses, and randomized trials were reviewed in cases where guidelines did not adequately address these components. Conclusions: A guideline-derived mnemonic was developed to systematically and safely manage TPN therapy. The mnemonic combines 7 essential components of TPN use and monitoring: Indications, Allergies, Macro/Micro nutrients, Fluid, Underlying comorbidities, Labs, and Line type.

When Is Parenteral Nutrition Appropriate?

Parenteral nutrition (PN) represents one of the most notable achievements of modern medicine, serving as a therapeutic modality for all age groups across the healthcare continuum. PN offers a life-sustaining option when intestinal failure prevents adequate oral or enteral nutrition. However, providing nutrients by vein is an expensive form of nutrition support, and serious adverse events can occur. In an effort to provide clinical guidance regarding PN therapy, the Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) convened a task force to develop consensus recommendations regarding appropriate PN use. The recommendations contained in this document aim to delineate appropriate PN use and promote clinical benefits while minimizing the risks associated with the therapy. These consensus recommendations build on previous ASPEN clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations for PN safety. They are intended to guide evidence-based decisions regarding appropriate PN use for organizations and individual professionals, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other clinicians involved in providing PN. They not only support decisions related to initiating and managing PN but also serve as a guide for developing quality monitoring tools for PN and for identifying areas for further research. Finally, the recommendations contained within the document are also designed to inform decisions made by additional stakeholders, such as policy makers and third-party payers, by providing current perspectives regarding the use of PN in a variety of healthcare settings.

Safe administration of vancomycin through a novel midline catheter: a randomized, prospective clinical trial

BACKGROUND

According to the 2011 Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice, the low pH of intravenous vancomycin requires that it be administered through a central line. However, a careful review of the literature and a retrospective analysis of the experience at New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) did not support the position of the Standards.

PURPOSE

A prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine if intravenous vancomycin could be safely administered through a novel midline catheter (POWERWAND®, Access Scientific, San Diego, CA).

METHODS

Patients scheduled to receive short-term (<6 days) intravenous vancomycin were randomly assigned to receive treatment through either a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or the midline study device. Complications and the costs of insertion were recorded.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to total complications (17.9% with PICCs vs. 19.9% with the midline), phlebitis (0% vs. 0%) or thrombosis (0% vs. 0%). One suspected catheter-associated bloodstream infection did occur in the PICC group. Insertion costs were $90.00 less per insertion in the midline group.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term intravenous vancomycin can be safely and cost-efficiently administered in the deep vessels of the upper arm using the midline study device.

Management of extravasation injuries: a focused evaluation of noncytotoxic medications

Extravasations are common manifestations of iatrogenic injury that occur in patients requiring intravenous delivery of known vesicants. These injuries can contribute substantially to patient morbidity, cost of therapy, and length of stay. Many different mechanisms are behind the tissue damage during extravasation injuries. In general, extravasations consist of four different subtypes of tissue injury: vasoconstriction, osmotic, pH related, and cytotoxic. Recognition of high-risk patients, appropriate cannulation technique, and monitoring of higher risk materials remain the standard of care for the prevention of extravasation injury. Prompt interdisciplinary action is often necessary for the treatment of extravasation injuries. Knowledge of the mechanism of extravasation-induced tissue injury, agents for reversal, and appropriate nonpharmacologic treatment methods is essential. The best therapeutic agent for treatment of vasopressor extravasation is intradermal phentolamine. Topical vasodilators and intradermal terbutaline may provide relief. Intradermal hyaluronidase has been effective for hyperosmotic extravasations, although its use largely depends on the risk of tissue injury and the severity of extravasation. Among the hyperosmotic agents, calcium extravasation is distinctive because it may present as an acute tissue injury or may possess delayed clinical manifestations. Extravasation of acidic or basic materials can produce significant tissue damage. Phenytoin is the prototypical basic drug that causes a clinical manifestation known as purple glove syndrome (PGS). This syndrome is largely managed through preventive and conservative treatment measures. Promethazine is acidic and can cause a devastating extravasation, particularly if administered inadvertently through the arteriolar route. Systemic heparin therapy remains the accepted treatment option for intraarteriolar administration of promethazine. Overall, the evidence for managing extravasations due to noncytotoxic medications is nonexistent or limited to case reports. More research is needed to improve knowledge of patient risk, prompt recognition of the extravasation, and time course for tissue injury, and to develop prevention and treatment strategies for extravasation injuries.