Ceftriaxone to prevent early ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with acute brain injury: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, assessor-masked superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute brain injury are at high risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The benefit of short-term antibiotic prophylaxis remains debated. We aimed to establish the effect of an early, single dose of the antibiotic ceftriaxone on the incidence of early VAP in patients with severe brain injury who required mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

PROPHY-VAP was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, assessor-masked, superiority trial conducted in nine intensive care units in eight French university hospitals. We randomly assigned comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale score [GCS] ≤12) adult patients (age ≥18 years) who required mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h after acute brain injury to receive intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g or placebo once within the 12 h following tracheal intubation. Participants did not receive selective oropharyngeal and digestive tract decontamination. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients developing early VAP from the 2nd to the 7th day of mechanical ventilation, confirmed by masked assessors. The analysis was reported in the modified intention-to-treat population, which comprised all randomly assigned patients except those who withdrew or did not give consent to continue and those who did not receive the allocated treatment because they met a criterion for non-eligibility. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02265406.

FINDINGS

From Oct 14, 2015, to May 27, 2020, 345 patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive ceftriaxone (n=171) or placebo (n=174); 330 received the allocated intervention and 319 were included in the analysis (162 in the ceftriaxone group and 157 in the placebo group). 166 (52%) participants in the analysis were men and 153 (48%) were women. 15 patients did not receive the allocated intervention after randomisation and 11 withdrew their consent. Adjudication confirmed 93 cases of VAP, including 74 early infections. The incidence of early VAP was lower in the ceftriaxone group than in the placebo group (23 [14%] vs 51 [32%]; hazard ratio 0·60 [95% CI 0·38-0·95], p=0·030), with no microbiological impact and no adverse effects attributable to ceftriaxone.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with acute brain injury, a single ceftriaxone dose decreased the risk of early VAP. On the basis of our findings, we recommend that an early, single dose of ceftriaxone be included in all bundles for the prevention of VAP in patients with brain injury who require mechanical ventilation.

FUNDING

French Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen versus noninvasive ventilation for the management of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Whether high-flow nasal oxygen can improve clinical signs of acute respiratory failure in acute heart failure (AHF) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of high-flow oxygen with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on respiratory rate in patients admitted to an emergency department (ED) for AHF-related acute respiratory failure.

DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, randomized pilot study in three French EDs. Adult patients with acute respiratory failure due to suspected AHF were included. Key exclusion criteria were urgent need for intubation, Glasgow Coma Scale <13 points or hemodynamic instability.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly assigned to receive high-flow oxygen (minimum 50 l/min) or noninvasive bilevel positive pressure ventilation.

OUTCOMES MEASURE

The primary outcome was change in respiratory rate within the first hour of treatment and was analyzed with a linear mixed model. Secondary outcomes included changes in pulse oximetry, heart rate, blood pressure, blood gas samples, comfort, treatment failure and mortality.

MAIN RESULTS

Among the 145 eligible patients in the three participating centers, 60 patients were included in the analysis [median age 86 (interquartile range (IQR), 90; 92) years]. There was a median respiratory rate of 30.5 (IQR, 28; 33) and 29.5 (IQR, 27; 35) breaths/min in the high-flow oxygen and NIV groups respectively, with a median change of -10 (IQR, -12; -8) with high-flow nasal oxygen and -7 (IQR, -11; -5) breaths/min with NIV [estimated difference -2.6 breaths/min (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.5-5.7), P = 0.052] at 60 min. There was a median SpO2 of 95 (IQR, 92; 97) and 96 (IQR, 93; 97) in the high-flow oxygen and NIV groups respectively, with a median change at 60 min of 2 (IQR, 0; 5) with high-flow nasal oxygen and 2 (IQR, -1; 5) % with NIV [estimated difference 0.8% (95% CI, -1.1-2.8), P = 0.60]. PaO2, PaCO2 and pH did not differ at 1 h between groups, nor did treatment failure, intubation and mortality rates.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in changes in respiratory rate among patients with acute respiratory failure due to AHF and managed with high-flow oxygen or NIV. However, the point estimate and its large confidence interval may suggest a benefit of high-flow oxygen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04971213 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Telemedicine in Nursing Home Residents Requiring a Call to an Emergency Medical Communication Center

OBJECTIVES

To compare the proportion of nursing home residents dispatched to an emergency department (ED) after a call to the emergency medical communication center (EMCC) according to the availability or nonavailability of telemedicine.

DESIGN

This prospective, observational trial was conducted in the EMCC and 74 nursing homes in a French county.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

All nursing home residents who needed to contact the EMCC between June 2019 and April 2020 were included in the study. We excluded calls notifying the death of a resident, for completing data from a previous call, and for nursing home staff.

METHODS

The primary outcome was the proportion of residents dispatched to an ED after their first call to the EMCC. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of second calls, proportion of residents dispatched to an ED after a second call, and proportion of death within 30 days.

RESULTS

We included 3103 calls in the final analysis (355 from equipped nursing homes and 2748 from unequipped nursing homes). The proportion of patients dispatched to an ED after the first call was lower among telemedicine-equipped than among telemedicine-unequipped nursing homes (41% vs 50%; odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.90). The proportion of a second call for the same purpose within 72 hours, proportion of dispatching to an ED at the second call, and proportion of deaths within 30 days were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The use of telemedicine by nursing home residents requiring a call to the EMCC is associated with a reduction in the number of dispatches to an ED without any increase in the number of 72-hour callbacks or 30-day mortality rates.

Risk of infections in intravascular catheters in situ for more than 10 days: a post hoc analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe the infectious risk during the dwell time for different catheter types. Furthermore, we wanted to identify risk factors for infections from catheters in place for >10 days.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis using prospectively collected data from four randomized controlled trials. First, we evaluated the infectious risk after 10 days of analysing the significance of the interaction between dwell time and catheter type in a Cox model. Second, we investigated risk factors for infection in catheters in place for >10 days using multivariable marginal Cox models.

RESULTS

We included 15 036 intravascular catheters from 24 intensive care units. Infections occurred in 46 (0.7%) of 6298 arterial catheters (ACs), 62 (1.0%) of 6036 central venous catheters (CVCs) and 47 (1.7%) of 2702 short-term dialysis catheters (DCs). The interaction between dwell time beyond 10 days and catheter type was significant for CVCs (p 0.008) and DCs (p < 0.001), thus indicating an increased risk of infection after 10 days. The interaction was not significant for ACs (p 0.98). Therefore, we selected 1405 CVCs and 454 DCs in place for >10 days for further analyses. In the multivariable marginal Cox model, we observed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for infection for femoral CVC (HR, 6.33; 95% CI, 1.99-20.09), jugular CVC (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.13-7.07), femoral DC (HR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.54-13.33) and jugular DC (HR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.42-14.21) compared with subclavian insertions.

DISCUSSION

We showed that the risk of catheter infection for CVCs and DCs increased 10 days after insertion, thus suggesting routine replacement for nonsubclavian catheters in situ for >10 days.

Impact of Radial Arterial Location on Catheter Lifetime in ICU Surgical Intensive Care

The use of arterial catheters is frequent in intensive care for hemodynamic monitoring of patients and for blood sampling, but they are often removed because of dysfunction. The primary objective is to compare the prevalence of radial arterial catheter dysfunction according to location in relation to the radiocarpal joint in intensive care patients.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized, controlled, single-center study.

SETTING

The surgical ICU of the university hospital of Poitiers in France.

PATIENTS

From January 2016 to April 2017, all patients over 18 years old admitted to the surgical ICU and requiring an arterial catheter were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Randomization into two groups: catheter placed near the wrist (within 4 cm of the radiocarpal joint) and catheter placed away the wrist. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of dysfunction. We also compared the prevalence of infection and colonization.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One hundred seven catheters were analyzed (14 failed placements with no difference between the two groups, and 16 catheters excluded for missing data), with 58 catheters in near the wrist group and 49 in away the wrist group. We did not find any significant difference in the number of catheter dysfunctions between the two groups (p = 0.56). The prevalence density of catheter dysfunction was 30.5 of 1,000 catheter days for near the wrist group versus 26.7 of 1,000 catheter days for away the wrist group. However, we observed a significant difference in terms of catheter-related infection in favor of away the wrist group (p = 0.04). In addition, distal positioning of the catheter was judged easier by the physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The distal or proximal position of the arterial catheter in the radial position has no influence on the occurrence of dysfunction. However, there may be an association with the prevalence of infections.

Incidence, complications and costs of peripheral venous catheter-related bacteraemia: A retrospective, single centre study

The aim of the present study was to estimate the current incidence, complications and costs of BSI attributable to PVC. Patients with PVC-related BSI (cases) were matched with patients without PVC-related BSI (controls). From January 1st, 2018 to March 31th, 2020 9,833 out of 113,068 patients visiting the emergency department (9%) were hospitalised in a medical ward after insertion of a PVC. Among them, 581 (6%) had at least one positive blood culture (BC). Twenty-five (4%) of these were judged as having a PVC-related BSI. Major complications were noted in nine patients. One patient presented severe sepsis requiring admission to intensive care unit for eleven days followed by thoracic (T4 to T7) spondylodiscitis requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Another patient developed mitral valve endocarditis also requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy. One patient developed a pre-sacral abscess three months after initial PVC infection and required hospital readmission for 19 days for drainage. Median [IQR] hospital stay costs were €11,597 [€8,479-€23,759] for cases and €6,789 [€4,019-€10,764] for controls, leading to median additional costs of €5,587. In conclusion, even though the risk of developing PVC-related BSI in patients admitted to medical wards may seem low, complications of PVC-related BSI are severe, and the associated mortality remains high. The financial resources used to treat these complications could be better spent on prevention, including the use of high-quality materials and technologies, and improved training of health care providers.

Development and validation of a multivariable model predicting the required catheter dwell time among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in three randomized trials

BACKGROUND

The anatomic site for central venous catheter insertion influences the risk of central venous catheter-related intravascular complications. We developed and validated a predictive score of required catheter dwell time to identify critically ill patients at higher risk of intravascular complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively conducted a cohort study from three multicenter randomized controlled trials enrolling consecutive patients requiring central venous catheterization. The primary outcome was the required catheter dwell time, defined as the period between the first catheter insertion and removal of the last catheter for absence of utility. Predictors were identified in the training cohort (3SITES trial; 2336 patients) through multivariable analyses based on the subdistribution hazard function accounting for death as a competing event. Internal validation was performed in the training cohort by 500 bootstraps to derive the CVC-IN score from robust risk factors. External validation of the CVC-IN score were performed in the testing cohort (CLEAN, and DRESSING2; 2371 patients).

RESULTS

The analysis was restricted to patients requiring mechanical ventilation to comply with model assumptions. Immunosuppression (2 points), high creatinine > 100 micromol/L (2 points), use of vasopressor (1 point), obesity (1 point) and older age (40-59, 1 point; ≥ 60, 2 points) were independently associated with the required catheter dwell time. At day 28, area under the ROC curve for the CVC-IN score was 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.66-0.72] in the training cohort and 0.64, 95% CI [0.61-0.66] in the testing cohort. Patients with a CVC-IN score ≥ 4 in the overall cohort had a median required catheter dwell time of 24 days (versus 11 days for CVC-IN score < 4 points). The positive predictive value of a CVC-IN score ≥ 4 was 76.9% for > 7 days required catheter dwell time in the testing cohort.

CONCLUSION

The CVC-IN score, which can be used for the first catheter, had a modest ability to discriminate required catheter dwell time. Nevertheless, preference of the subclavian site may contribute to limit the risk of intravascular complications, in particular among ventilated patients with high CVC-IN score. Trials Registration NCT01479153, NCT01629550, NCT01189682.

Development and validation of a multivariable prediction model of central venous catheter-tip colonization in a cohort of five randomized trials

Background

The majority of central venous catheters (CVC) removed in the ICU are not colonized, including when a catheter-related infection (CRI) is suspected. We developed and validated a predictive score to reduce unnecessary CVC removal.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from five multicenter randomized controlled trials with systematic catheter-tip culture of consecutive CVCs. Colonization was defined as growth of ≥103 colony-forming units per mL. Risk factors for colonization were identified in the training cohort (CATHEDIA and 3SITES trials; 3899 CVCs of which 575 (15%) were colonized) through multivariable analyses. After internal validation in 500 bootstrapped samples, the CVC-OUT score was computed by attaching points to the robust (> 50% of the bootstraps) risk factors. External validation was performed in the testing cohort (CLEAN, DRESSING2 and ELVIS trials; 6848 CVCs, of which 588 (9%) were colonized).

Results

In the training cohort, obesity (1 point), diabetes (1 point), type of CVC (dialysis catheter, 1 point), anatomical insertion site (jugular, 4 points; femoral 5 points), rank of the catheter (second or subsequent, 1 point) and catheterization duration (≥ 5 days, 2 points) were significantly and independently associated with colonization . Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the CVC-OUT score was 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.67–0.72]. In the testing cohort, AUC for the CVC-OUT score was 0.60, 95% CI [0.58–0.62]. Among 1,469 CVCs removed for suspected CRI in the overall population, 1200 (82%) were not colonized. The negative predictive value (NPV) of a CVC-OUT score < 6 points was 94%, 95% CI [93%–95%].

Conclusion

The CVC-OUT score had a moderate ability to discriminate catheter-tip colonization, but the high NPV may contribute to reduce unnecessary CVCs removal. Preference of the subclavian site is the strongest and only modifiable risk factor that reduces the likelihood of catheter-tip colonization and consequently the risk of CRI.

Clinical Trials Registration: NCT00277888, NCT01479153, NCT01629550, NCT01189682, NCT00875069.

Photography tele-transmission by regular ambulance staff for the management of mild traumatic injury: the NiCEPHORE randomised-controlled trial

Background

Handling emergency calls in French emergency medical call centres (EMCCs) can be challenging considering the frequent lack of relevant information. Tele-transmission device use in regular ambulances seems like a good solution to provide the EMCC physician with a more accurate assessment of the scene, particularly for mild traumatic injury (MTI). We measured the impact of ambulance staff tele-transmitted photography on prehospital dispatching optimisation for patients calling the EMCC with MTI.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, single-centre, randomised-controlled trial comparing two groups of patients calling the EMCC with MTI who were or were not allocated to photography tele-transmission by ambulance staff. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients referred away from the nearest hospital (left at home for outpatient care; referred to a higher-level hospital; handled by a medical intensive care ambulance for advanced pre-hospital care) used as a marker of better orientation.

Results

Between 29 April 2019 and 21 July 2020, 165 patients were randomised and 152 analysed. Photography tele-transmission resulted in better patient dispatching (24/73 [33%] patients in the intervention group vs 9/79 [11%] patients in the control group, OR 3.80 [1.63–8.90]; p = 0.03), without increasing the proportion of patients initially left at home for outpatient care and visiting an ED within 10 days for secondary trauma-related care (1/14 [7%] vs 1/4 [25%], OR 0.25 [0.01–24.1]; p = 0.41). The proportion of patients unnecessarily referred to an ED was 7% [4/59 patients] in the intervention group vs 16% [12/75 patients] in the control group (OR 0.38 [0.09–1.36]; p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Photography tele-transmission by regular ambulance staff could improve the dispatching of patients calling French EMCCs with MTI.

Trial registration The study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04034797).

Impact of Skin Disinfection on Cutaneous Microbiota, before and after Peripheral Venous Catheter Insertion

Introduction. Patients with invasive medical devices are at high risk for infection. Skin colonization is the initial stage of these infections, leading to the recommendation of practices requiring disinfection using antiseptics. Microbial communities playing a major role in skin health could be impacted by antiseptic procedures. Aim. To characterize and compare the bacterial communities of skin samples from patients before an antisepsis procedure, and after removal of the medical device itself, according to the nature of the antiseptic molecule (povidone iodine or chlorhexidine). Methods. The study focused on alterations in bacterial communities depending on the nature of the antiseptic procedure and type of intravascular device. After amplification of 16S rDNA, libraries (n = 498 samples) were sequenced using MiSeq platform. Results. Using an in-house pipeline (QIIME2 modules), while no alteration in skin microbiota diversity was associated with antiseptic procedure or PVC type, according to culture results (p < 0.05), alterations were at times associated with restricted diversity and higher dissimilarity (p < 0.05). Antiseptic procedures and PVC types were associated with the modification of specific bacterial representations with modulation of the Bacillota/Bacteroidota (Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) ratio (modulation of C. acnes, Prevotella, Lagierella, and Actinomyces spp.) (p < 0.05). At baseline, the microbiota shows certain bacteria that are significantly associated with future PVC colonization and/or bacteremia (p < 0.05). All of these modulations were associated with altered expression of metabolic pathways (p < 0.05). Discussion. Finally, this work highlights the need to optimize the management of patients requiring intravascular devices, possibly by modulating the skin microbiota.

Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study suggests continuous infusion of ceftaroline daily dose in ventilated critical care patients with early-onset pneumonia and augmented renal clearance

OBJECTIVES

Ceftaroline could be suitable to treat early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) because of its antibacterial spectrum. However, augmented renal clearance (ARC) is frequent in ICU patients and may affect ceftaroline pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of ARC on ceftaroline pharmacokinetics and evaluate whether the currently recommended dosing regimen (600 mg every 12 h) is appropriate to treat VAP in ICU patients.

METHODS

A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using pharmacokinetic data from 18 patients with measured creatinine clearance (CLCR) ranging between 83 and 309 mL/min. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to determine the PTA and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) against Streptococcus pneumoniae and MRSA for five dosing regimens. Study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03025841).

RESULTS

Ceftaroline clearance increased non-linearly with CLCR, with lower concentrations and lower probability of reaching pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets when CLCR increases. For the currently recommended dosing regimen, the probability of having unbound ceftaroline concentrations above the MIC over the entire dose range is greater than 90% for MICs below 0.125 mg/L. Considering the distribution of MICs, this regimen would not be effective against MRSA infections (CFR between 21% and 67% depending on CLCR), but would be effective against S. pneumoniae infections (CFR >86%).

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended dosing regimen of ceftaroline seems sufficient for covering S. pneumoniae in ICU patients with ARC, but not for MRSA. Among the dosing regimens tested it appears that a constant infusion (50 mg/h) after a loading dose of 600 mg could be more appropriate for MRSA infections.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of bundled innovative devices versus standard approach in the prevention of unscheduled peripheral venous catheters removal due to complications in France

The objective of the study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of bundled devices (BDs) versus standard devices (SDs) for the prevention of unscheduled peripheral venous catheter (PVC) removal due to complication from a French investigator-initiated, open-label, single center, randomized-controlled, two-by-two factorial trial (CLEAN-3 study). A 14-day time non homogeneous semi-markovian model was performed to be fitted to longitudinal individual patient data from CLEAN-3 database. This model includes five health states and eight transitional events; a base case scenario, two scenario analyses and bootstrap sensitivity analyses were performed. The cost-effectiveness criterion was the cost per patient with unscheduled PVC removal avoided. 989 adult (age≥18 years) patients were analyzed to compare the BDs group (494 patients), and the SDs group (495 patients). The assessed intervention was a combination of closed integrated catheters, positive displacement needleless-connectors, disinfecting caps, and single-use prefilled flush syringes compared with the use of open catheters and three-way stopcocks for treatment administration. For the base case scenario, an unscheduled 1st PVC removal before discharge was significantly more frequent in the SDs group (235 patients (47.5%) in the SDs group and 172 patients (34.8%) in the BDs group, p = 0.00006). After adjustment for 1st catheter time, the number of patients with unscheduled PVC removal per day was of 16 (95%CI: 15; 18) patients (out of 100) in the BDs group and of 26 (95%CI: 24; 28) patients (out of 100) in the SDs group. The mean cost per patient (adjusted on catheter-time) was of €144 (95%CI: €135-€154) for patients in the SDs group versus €102 (95%CI: €95-€109) for patients in the BDs group; the mean saving per patient was of €42 (95%CI: €32-€54). As a consequence, the assessed BDs strategy was less costly and more effective than the SDs strategy. Trail registration: CLEAN-3 study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03757143.

Guidelines for the choice of intravenous fluids for vascular filling in critically ill patients, 2021

PURPOSE

To provide recommendations for the appropriate choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 24 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation, SFAR) and the French Society of Emergency Medicine (Société française de médecine d'urgence, SFMU) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guideline elaboration process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide their assessment of quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised. Some recommendations were left ungraded.

METHODS

Four fields were defined: patients with sepsis or septic shock, patients with haemorrhagic shock, patients with acute brain failure, and patients during the peripartum period. For each field, the panel focused on two questions: (1) Does the use of colloids, as compared to crystalloids, reduce morbidity and mortality, and (2) Does the use of some specific crystalloids effectively reduce morbidity and mortality. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. The analysis of the literature and the recommendations were then conducted according to the GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFMU guideline panel provided nine statements on the appropriate choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients. After two rounds of rating and various amendments, strong agreement was reached for 100% of the recommendations. Out of these recommendations, two have a high level of evidence (Grade 1 +/-), six have a moderate level of evidence (Grade 2 +/-), and one is based on expert opinion. Finally, no recommendation was formulated for two questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement among experts has been obtained to provide a sizable number of recommendations aimed at optimising the choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients.

Nebulized Antibiotics for Healthcare- and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Global emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria has increased the risk of treatment failure, especially for healthcare- or ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP). Nebulization of antibiotics, by providing high intrapulmonary antibiotic concentrations, represents a promising approach to optimize the treatment of HAP/VAP due to multidrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, while limiting systemic antibiotic exposure. Aminoglycosides and colistin methanesulfonate are the most common nebulized antibiotics. Although optimal nebulized drug dosing regimen is not clearly established, high antibiotic doses should be administered using vibrating-mesh nebulizer with optimized ventilator settings to ensure safe and effective intrapulmonary concentrations. When used preventively, nebulized antibiotics reduced the incidence of VAP without any effect on mortality. This approach is not yet recommended and large randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm its benefit and explore the impact on antibiotic selection pressure. Compared with high-dose intravenous administration, high-dose nebulized colistin methanesulfonate seems to be more effective and safer in the treatment of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis and VAP caused by multidrug resistant and extensive-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria. Adjunctive nebulized aminoglycosides could increase the clinical cure rate and bacteriological eradication in patients suffering from HAP/VAP due to multidrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. As nebulized aminoglycosides broadly diffuse in the systemic circulation of patients with extensive bronchopneumonia, monitoring of plasma trough concentrations is recommended during the period of nebulization. Large randomized controlled trials comparing high dose of nebulized colistin methanesulfonate to high dose of intravenous colistin methanesulfonate or to intravenous new β-lactams in HAP/VAP due to multidrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria are urgently needed.

Peripheral venous catheter colonisation after skin disinfection with 0.5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite, preceded or not by one application of 70% ethanol (DACLEAN): A single centre, randomised, open-label, pilot study

Few data are available on the efficacy of 0.5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite (SH) for skin disinfection before peripheral catheter insertion. A total of 239 patients were randomly assigned to either one application of SH alone or one application of SH preceded by one application of 70% ethanol (ET-SH). Catheter colonisation, defined as a catheter tip culture growing more than 1000 CFU of a micro-organism per mL, occurred in 29 patients (33% - 89 colonisations per 1000 catheter days) in the SH group and in 31 patients (33% - 126 colonisations per 1000 catheter days) in the ET-SH.

Practices and intravascular catheter infection during on- and off-hours in critically ill patients

Background

The potential relationship between intravascular catheter infections with their insertion during weekend or night-time (i.e., off-hours or not regular business hours) remains an open issue. Our primary aim was to describe differences between patients and catheters inserted during on- versus off-hours. Our secondary aim was to investigate whether insertions during off-hours influenced the intravascular catheter infectious risks.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis using the databases from four large randomized-controlled trials. Adult patients were recruited in French ICUs as soon as they required central venous catheters or peripheral arterial (AC) catheter insertion. Off-hours started at 6 P.M. until 8:30 A.M. during the week; at weekend, we defined off-hours from 1 P.M. on Saturday to 8.30 A.M. on Monday. We performed multivariable marginal Cox models to estimate the effect of off-hours (versus on-hours) on major catheter-related infections (MCRI) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).

Results

We included 7241 patients in 25 different ICUs, and 15,208 catheters, including 7226 and 7982 catheters inserted during off- and on-hours, respectively. Catheters inserted during off-hours were removed after 4 days (IQR 2, 9) in median, whereas catheters inserted during on-hours remained in place for 6 days (IQR 3,10; p < 0.01) in median. Femoral insertion was more frequent during off-hours. Among central venous catheters and after adjusting for well-known risk factors for intravascular catheter infection, we found a similar risk between off- and on-hours for MCRI (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.61–1.37, p = 0.65) and CRBSI (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.65–1.68, p = 0.85). Among central venous catheters with a dwell-time > 4 or > 6 days, we found a similar risk for MCRI and CRBSI between off- and on-hours. Similar results were observed for ACs.

Conclusions

Off-hours did not increase the risk of intravascular catheter infections compared to on-hours. Off-hours insertion is not a sufficient reason for early catheter removal, even if femoral route has been selected.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00940-3.

Quality indicators development and prioritisation for emergency medical call centres: a stakeholder consensus

Introduction

Emergency medical regulation is a risky activity. In France, emergency medical societies have proposed activity and performance indicators, but their lists are non-exhaustive, unstructured and used heterogeneously among emergency medical call centres (Centres de Réception et de Régulation des Appels, CRRA). Our objective was to build by means of regional stakeholder consensus an operational quality dashboard for CRRAs.

Methods

We conducted an observational step in a French CRRA from June to September 2018 and at the same time listed existing activity and quality indicators through a rapid international literature review. We adapted and classified all indicators identified in a structured table. We prioritised them from April to September 2019 by seeking consensus with one regulator physician and one medical regulation assistant from the 13 CRRAs of the largest French region. We used an adapted Delphi method with a prioritisation scale from 1 to 9.

Results

The rapid review of literature included 33 studies among the 414 identified and, with the first observational step, resulted in a list of 360 quality indicators covering the following areas: material resources, human resources, quality approach, call handling and postcall support. 15 of the 26 members participated in the entire process. Seventy indicators were considered as priorities with strong agreement among participants. We built an operational dashboard of quality indicators deemed high priority and provided 70 descriptive indicator sheets.

Conclusion

Our study allowed to build an operational quality dashboard for CRRAs as a ready-to-use support for an internal audit, for prioritisation of quality approach actions and for national and international benchmarking.

Continuous Pneumatic Regulation of Tracheal Cuff Pressure to Decrease Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Trauma Patients Who Were Mechanically Ventilated: The AGATE Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most frequent health care-associated infection in severely ill patients, and aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal content around the cuff of the tracheal tube is the main route of contamination.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is continuous regulation of tracheal cuff pressure using a pneumatic device superior to manual assessment three times daily using a portable manometer (routine care) in preventing VAP in patients with severe trauma?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this open-label, randomized controlled superiority trial conducted in 13 French ICUs, adults (age ≥ 18 years) with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15) and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via a secure Web-based random number generator in permuted blocks of variable sizes to one of two groups according to the method of tracheal cuff pressure control. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients developing VAP within 28 days following the tracheal intubation, as determined by two assessors masked to group assignment, in the modified intention-to-treat population. This study is closed to new participants.

RESULTS

A total of 434 patients were recruited between July 31, 2015, and February 15, 2018, of whom 216 were assigned to the intervention group and 218 to the control group. Seventy-three patients (33.8%) developed at least one episode of VAP within 28 days following the tracheal intubation in the intervention group compared with 64 patients (29.4%) in the control group (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.20; P = .71). No serious adverse events related to the use of the pneumatic device were noted.

INTERPRETATION

Continuous regulation of cuff pressure of the tracheal tube using a pneumatic device was not superior to routine care in preventing VAP in patients with severe trauma.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02534974; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Chlorhexidine plus alcohol versus povidone iodine plus alcohol, combined or not with innovative devices, for prevention of short-term peripheral venous catheter infection and failure (CLEAN 3 study): an investigator-initiated, open-label, single centre, randomised-controlled, two-by-two factorial trial

BACKGROUND

Two billion peripheral venous catheters are sold globally each year, but the optimal skin disinfection and types of devices are not well established. We aimed to show the superiority of disinfection with 2% chlorhexidine plus alcohol over 5% povidone iodine plus alcohol in preventing infectious complications, and of closed integrated catheters, positive displacement needleless-connectors, disinfecting caps, and single-use prefilled flush syringes used in combination (innovation group) over open catheters and three-way stopcocks for treatment administration (standard group) in preventing catheter failure.

METHODS

We did an open-label, randomised-controlled trial with a two-by-two factorial design, for which we enrolled adults (age ≥18 years) visiting the emergency department at the Poitiers University Hospital, France, and requiring one peripheral venous catheter before admission to the medical wards. Before catheter insertion, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) using a secure web-based random-number generator to one of four treatment groups based on skin preparation and type of devices (innovative devices or standard devices; 2% chlorhexidine plus alcohol or 5% povidone iodine plus alcohol). Primary outcomes were the incidence of infectious complications (local infection, catheter colonisation, or bloodstream infections) and time between catheter insertion and catheter failure (occlusion, dislodgment, infiltration, phlebitis, or infection). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03757143.

FINDINGS

1000 patients were recruited between Jan 7, and Sept 6, 2019, of whom 500 were assigned to the chlorhexidine plus alcohol group and 500 to the povidone iodine plus alcohol group (250 with innovative solutions and 250 with standard devices in each antiseptic group). No significant interaction was found between the two study interventions. Local infections occurred less frequently with chlorhexidine plus alcohol than with povidone iodine plus alcohol (0 [0%] of 496 patients vs six [1%] of 493 patients) and the same was observed for catheter colonisation (4/431 [1%] vs 70/415 [17%] catheters among the catheters cultured; adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 0·08 [95% CI 0·02-0·18]). Median time between catheter insertion and catheter failure was longer in the innovation group compared with the standard group (50·4 [IQR 29·6-69·4] h vs 30·0 [16·6-52·6] h; p=0·0017). Minor skin reactions occurred in nine (2%) patients in the chlorhexidine plus alcohol group and seven (1%) patients in the povidone iodine plus alcohol group.

INTERPRETATION

For skin antisepsis, chlorhexidine plus alcohol provides greater protection of peripheral venous catheter-related infectious complications than does povidone iodine plus alcohol. Use of innovative devices extends the catheter complication-free dwell time.

FUNDING

Becton Dickinson.

Local signs at insertion site and catheter-related bloodstream infections: an observational post hoc analysis using individual data of four RCTs

Background

Little is known on the association between local signs and intravascular catheter infections. This study aimed to evaluate the association between local signs at removal and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), and which clinical conditions may predict CRBSIs if inflammation at insertion site is present.

Methods

We used individual data from four multicenter randomized controlled trials in intensive care units (ICUs) that evaluated various prevention strategies for arterial and central venous catheters. We used multivariate logistic regressions in order to evaluate the association between ≥ 1 local sign, redness, pain, non-purulent discharge and purulent discharge, and CRBSI. Moreover, we assessed the probability for each local sign to observe CRBSI in subgroups of clinically relevant conditions.

Results

A total of 6976 patients and 14,590 catheters (101,182 catheter-days) and 114 CRBSI from 25 ICUs with described local signs were included. More than one local sign, redness, pain, non-purulent discharge, and purulent discharge at removal were observed in 1938 (13.3%), 1633 (11.2%), 59 (0.4%), 251 (1.7%), and 102 (0.7%) episodes, respectively. After adjusting on confounders, ≥ 1 local sign, redness, non-purulent discharge, and purulent discharge were associated with CRBSI. The presence of ≥ 1 local sign increased the probability to observe CRBSI in the first 7 days of catheter maintenance (OR 6.30 vs. 2.61 [> 7 catheter-days], p_{heterogeneity} = 0.02).

Conclusions

Local signs were significantly associated with CRBSI in the ICU. In the first 7 days of catheter maintenance, local signs increased the probability to observe CRBSI.

Risk factors and events in the adult intensive care unit associated with pain as self-reported at the end of the intensive care unit stay

Background

The short-term and long-term consequences of the most frequent painful procedures performed in the ICU are unclear. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with pain-related discomfort perceived by critically ill patients during the whole ICU stay as self-reported by patients at the end of their ICU stay.

Methods

The study involved 34 ICUs. Adult patients who survived an ICU stay of 3 calendar days or more were eligible for inclusion. Discomforts, including the pain-related discomfort, were assessed using the French 18-item questionnaire on discomfort in ICU patients, the “Inconforts des Patients de REAnimation” (IPREA). Patients scored each item from 0 (minimal discomfort) to 10 (maximal discomfort). Associations between patient characteristics at ICU admission, life support therapies and main potentially painful procedures performed during the ICU stay and pain-related discomfort scores assessed at the end of the ICU stay were analyzed.

Results

Patients with complete IPREA questionnaires (n = 2130) were included. The median pain-related discomfort score was 3 (IQR 0–5). From the univariate analysis, pain-related discomfort scores were negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with ICU stay duration; surgical patients reported significant higher pain-related discomfort scores than medical patients; chest drain insertion, chest drain removal, use of bladder catheter, central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, complex dressing change, and intra-hospital transport were associated with pain-related discomfort scores. From the multivariate analyses using generalized estimating equations models, only age, chest drain removal, use of a bladder catheter, CVC insertion, and intra-hospital transport were the main risk factors associated with pain-related discomfort scores.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent chest drain removal, bladder catheter, CVC insertion, and intra-hospital transport during their ICU stay reported higher pain-related discomfort scores (with respect to the whole ICU stay and assessed at the end of their ICU stay) than patients who did not experience these events. This study may pave the way for further targeted studies aiming at investigating a causal link between these common procedures in the ICU and adult critically ill patients’ perceptions of their ICU stay regarding recalled pain.

Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02442934, retrospectively registered on May 13, 2015

Ultrasound Guidance and Risk for Central Venous Catheter-Related Infections in the Intensive Care Unit: A Post Hoc Analysis of Individual Data of 3 Multicenter Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US) guidance is frequently used in critically ill patients for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. The effect of US on infectious risk remains controversial, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed mainly noninfectious complications. This study assessed infectious risk associated with catheters inserted with US guidance vs use of anatomical landmarks.

METHODS

We used individual data from 3 large RCTs for which a prospective, high-quality data collection was performed. Adult patients were recruited in various intensive care units (ICUs) in France as soon as they required short-term CVC insertion. We applied marginal Cox models with inverse probability weighting to estimate the effect of US-guided insertion on catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs, primary outcome) and major catheter-related infections (MCRIs, secondary outcome).We also evaluated insertion site colonization at catheter removal.

RESULTS

Our post hoc analysis included 4636 patients and 5502 catheters inserted in 2088 jugular, 1733 femoral, and 1681 subclavian veins, in 19 ICUs. US guidance was used for 2147 catheter insertions. Among jugular and femoral CVCs and after weighting, we found an association between US and CRBSI (hazard ratio [HR], 2.21 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.17-4.16]; P = .014) and between US and MCRI (HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.01-2.38]; P = .045). Catheter insertion site colonization at removal was more common in the US-guided group (P = .0045) among jugular and femoral CVCs in situ for ≤7 days (n = 606).

CONCLUSIONS

In prospectively collected data in which catheters were not randomized to insertion by US or anatomical landmarks, US guidance was associated with increased risk of infection.

Concurrent systemic antibiotics at catheter insertion and intravascular catheter-related infection in the ICU: a post hoc analysis using individual data from five large RCTs

OBJECTIVES

Data on the impact of systemic antibiotics at the time of catheter insertion are scarce. Therefore, we assessed the association between concurrent antibiotic administration at insertion and short-term catheter-related infections.

METHODS

We used individual data gathered from five large, randomized, controlled ICU trials. We analysed adult patients who required arterial, short-term central venous or dialysis catheter insertion in the ICU. The effect of antibiotics at insertion on major catheter-related infection (MCRI), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and colonization was estimated using multivariate marginal Cox and propensity score models.

RESULTS

We included 10 269 patients and 18 743 catheters from 36 ICUs. Antibiotic use was ongoing at the time of 11 361 catheter insertions (60.6%). After adjusting for well-known risk factors for intravascular catheter infection, we observed a similar risk for MCRI (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.62-1.10, p 0.19) and CRBSI (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.60-1.22, p 0.38) between the antibiotic and no-antibiotic groups. A confirmatory analysis using propensity score showed consistent results. No specific antibiotic subclasses reduced the risk of MCRI. Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli were more frequently observed in the antibiotic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ongoing antibiotic administration at the time of catheter insertion was not associated with a decrease risk of catheter-related infections and should not be carried out for preventing such infections. Our results bring new insights to antimicrobial stewardship in critically ill patients and may direct empirical antimicrobial therapy if an intravascular catheter infection is suspected.

International recommendations for a vascular access minimum dataset: a Delphi consensus-building study

BACKGROUND

Data regarding vascular access device use and outcomes are limited. In part, this gap reflects the absence of guidance on what variables should be collected to assess patient outcomes. We sought to derive international consensus on a vascular access minimum dataset.

METHODS

A modified Delphi study with three rounds (two electronic surveys and a face-to-face consensus panel) was conducted involving international vascular access specialists. In Rounds 1 and 2, electronic surveys were distributed to healthcare professionals specialising in vascular access. Survey respondents were asked to rate the importance of variables, feasibility of data collection and acceptability of items, definitions and response options. In Round 3, a purposive expert panel met to review Round 1 and 2 ratings and reach consensus (defined as ≥70% agreement) on the final items to be included in a minimum dataset for vascular access devices.

RESULTS

A total of 64 of 225 interdisciplinary healthcare professionals from 11 countries responded to Round 1 and 2 surveys (response rate of 34% and 29%, respectively). From the original 52 items, 50 items across five domains emerged from the Delphi procedure.Items related to demographic and clinical characteristics (n=5; eg, age), device characteristics (n=5; eg, device type), insertion (n=16; eg, indication), management (n=9; eg, dressing and securement), and complication and removal (n=15, eg, occlusion) were identified as requirements for a minimum dataset to track and evaluate vascular access device use and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We developed and internally validated a minimum dataset for vascular access device research. This study generated new knowledge to enable healthcare systems to collect relevant, useful and meaningful vascular access data. Use of this standardised approach can help benchmark clinical practice and target improvements worldwide.

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.

Chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge versus chlorhexidine gel dressing for short-term intravascular catheters: which one is better?

BACKGROUND

Chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG) impregnated dressings may prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). Chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge dressings (sponge-dress) and gel dressings (gel-dress) have never been directly compared. We used the data collected for two randomized-controlled trials to perform a comparison between sponge-dress and gel-dress.

METHODS

Adult critically ill patients who required short-term central venous or arterial catheter insertion were recruited. Our main analysis included only patients with CHG-impregnated dressings. The effect of gel-dress (versus sponge-dress) on major catheter-related infections (MCRI) and CRBSI was estimated using multivariate marginal Cox models. The comparative risks of dressing disruption and contact dermatitis were evaluated using logistic mix models for clustered data. An explanatory analysis compared gel-dress with standard dressings using either CHG skin disinfection or povidone iodine skin disinfection.

RESULTS

A total of 3483 patients and 7941 catheters were observed in 16 intensive care units. Sponge-dress and gel-dress were utilized for 1953 and 2108 catheters, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, gel-dress showed similar risk for MCRI compared to sponge-dress (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.28-2.31, p = 0.68) and CRBSI (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.34-3.70, p = 0.85), less dressing disruptions (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.86, p < 0.001), and more contact dermatitis (OR 3.60, 95% CI 2.51-5.15, p < 0.01). However, gel-dress increased the risk of contact dermatitis only if CHG was used for skin antisepsis (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.38-2.71, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We described a similar infection risk for gel-dress and sponge-dress. Gel-dress showed fewer dressing disruptions. Concomitant use of CHG for skin disinfection and CHG-impregnated dressing may significantly increase contact dermatitis.

TRIALS REGISTRATION

These studies were registered within ClinicalTrials.gov (numbers NCT01189682 and NCT00417235 ).

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure at Emergency Departments: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The use of high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) through nasal cannula for the management of acute respiratory failure at the emergency department (ED) has been only sparsely studied. We conducted a systematic review of randomized-controlled and quasi-experimental studies comparing the early use of HFOT versus conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in patients with acute respiratory failure admitted to EDs.

METHODS

A systematic research of literature was carried out for all published control trials comparing HFOT with COT in adult patients admitted in EDs. Eligible data were extracted from Medline, Embase, Pascal, Web of Science and the Cochrane database. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation, i.e. intubation or non-invasive ventilation as rescue therapy. Secondary outcomes included respiratory rate, dyspnea level, ED length of stay, intubation and mortality.

RESULTS

Out of 1829 studies screened, five studies including 673 patients were retained in the analysis (350 patients treated with HFOT and 323 treated with COT). The need for mechanical ventilation was similar in both treatments (RR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.35; P = 0.31; I² = 16%). Respiratory rate was lower with HFOT (Mean difference (MD) = -3.14 breaths/min; 95% CI = -4.9 to -1.4; P < 0.001; I² = 39%), whereas sensation of dyspnea did not differ. (MD = -1.04; 95% CI = -2.29 to -0.22; P = 0.08; I² = 67%). ED length of stay and mortality were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

The early use of HFOT in patients admitted to an ED for acute respiratory failure did not reduce the need for mechanical ventilation as compared to COT. However, HFOT decreased respiratory rate.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID CRD42019125696.

Population pharmacokinetics of daptomycin in critically ill patients with various degrees of renal impairment

Objectives

The objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of unbound and total concentrations of daptomycin in infected ICU patients with various degrees of renal impairment. From these results, the probability of attaining antimicrobial efficacy and the risks of toxicity were assessed.

Methods

Twenty-four ICU patients with various renal functions and requiring treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections, bacteraemia, or endocarditis with daptomycin were recruited. Daptomycin (Cubicin®) at 10 mg/kg was administered every 24 h for patients with creatinine clearance (CLCR) ≥30 mL/min and every 48 h for patients with CLCR <30 mL/min. Total and unbound plasma concentrations and urine concentrations of daptomycin were analysed simultaneously following a population pharmacokinetic approach. Simulations were conducted to estimate the probability of attaining efficacy (unbound AUCu/MIC >40 or >80) or toxicity (Cmin >24.3 mg/L) targets.

Results

Exposure to unbound daptomycin increased when the renal function decreased, thus increasing the probability of reaching the efficacy targets, but also the risk of toxicity. Modifications of the unbound fraction (fu) of daptomycin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of unbound daptomycin, but did affect the pharmacokinetics of total daptomycin.

Conclusions

Daptomycin at 10 mg/kg q24h allowed efficacy pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets for ICU patients with CLCR ≥30 mL/min to be reached. For patients with CLCR <30 mL/min, halving the rate of drug administration, i.e. 10 mg/kg q48h, was sufficient to reach these targets. No adverse events were observed, but the toxicity of the 10 mg/kg q24h dosing regimen should be further assessed, particularly for patients with altered renal function.

Short-term dialysis catheter versus central venous catheter infections in ICU patients: a post hoc analysis of individual data of 4 multi-centric randomized trials

PURPOSE

Little is known on catheter-related infections associated with short-term dialysis catheters (DC). Recommendations for infection prevention are mostly derived from those related to central venous catheters (CVC). A comparison of infectious risk of DCs and CVCs would be instrumental for improving infection control prevention strategies. This study aimed to describe differences in infectious risk between DC and CVC.

METHODS

We used individual data from 4 multicenter randomized controlled trials in intensive care units (ICUs) that evaluated various prevention strategies regarding colonization, major catheter-related infections (MCRI) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). We selected only catheters with non-chlorhexidine gluconate impregnated dressings. A marginal Cox model for clustered data was used for the evaluation of the daily hazard rate for catheter-tip colonization, MCRI and CR-BSI.

RESULTS

We included 3029 patients and 4148 catheters (31,547 catheter-days) which comprised 1872 DCs and 2276 CVCs. After adjustment on confounders, we identified an increased risk in DC compared to CVC for colonization (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03-2.04, p = 0.04) and for MCRI (HR 2.97, 95% CI 1.03-8.51, p = 0.04) in the first 7 days of catheter maintenance. The daily hazard rate for colonization and MCRI was generally higher for DC in the first catheter-days, whereas it was similar between DC and CVC for longer catheterizations.

CONCLUSIONS

The daily risk of colonization and MCRI was significantly higher in DC compared to CVC within the first 7 days of catheter maintenance. Targeted prevention strategies for DC should mostly focus on the period following the insertion.

Value of copeptin and the S-100b protein assay in ruling out the diagnosis of stroke-induced dizziness pattern in emergency departments

Background

Dizziness is a frequent reason for visiting emergency departments (EDs). Differentiating stroke from other causes is challenging for physicians. The role of biomarkers has been poorly assessed. We evaluated whether copeptin and S100b protein (PS100b) assessment, alone or in combination, could rule out stroke in patients visiting EDs for dizziness.

Methods

We included patients 18 years of age or older, visiting the adult ED of a French university hospital for a new episode of dizziness evolving for less than 72 h. All patients underwent standardized physical examination (HINT [Head Impulse test, Nystagmus, test of skew deviation] maneuvers), copeptin and S-100b protein (PS100) measurement and injected brain imaging. Stroke diagnosis involved diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging or, if not available, neurological examination and contrast brain CT scan compatible with the diagnosis.

Results

Of the 135 patients participating in the study, 13 (10%) had stroke. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of copeptin/PS100 combination were 100% (95%CI, 77–100%), 48% (40–57%), 14% (11–27%) and 100% (94–100%), respectively. Values for copeptin alone were 77% (CI95% 0.50–0.91), 50% (CI95% 0.49–0.58), 14% (CI95% 0.08–0.24), 93% (CI95% 0.87–0.98), and for PS100 alone were 54% (CI95% 0.29–0.77), 97% (CI95% 0.92–0.99), 64% (CI95% 0.35–0.84), 95% (CI95% 0.90–0.98).

Conclusions

Absence of copeptin and PS100 elevation seems to ruling out the diagnosis of stroke in patients visiting the ED for a new episode of dizziness. These results need to be confirmed in a large-scale study.

Multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial comparing 2% chlorhexidine-70% isopropanol and 5% povidone iodine-69% ethanol for skin antisepsis in reducing surgical-site infection after cardiac surgery: the CLEAN 2 study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Surgical-site infection (SSI) is the second most frequent cause of healthcare-associated infection worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Cardiac surgery is clean surgery with low incidence of SSI, ranging from 2% to 5%, but with potentially severe consequences.Perioperative skin antisepsis with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution is recommended to prevent SSI, but the superiority of chlorhexidine (CHG)-alcohol over povidone iodine (PVI)-alcohol, the two most common alcohol-based antiseptic solutions used worldwide, is controversial. We aim to evaluate whether 2% CHG-70% isopropanol is more effective than 5% PVI-69% ethanol in reducing the incidence of reoperation after cardiac surgery.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The CLEAN 2 study is a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial of 4100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients will be randomised in 1:1 ratio to receive either 2% CHG-70% isopropanol or 5% PVI-69% ethanol for perioperative skin preparation. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients undergoing any re-sternotomy between day 0 and day 90 after initial surgery and/or any reoperation on saphenous vein/radial artery surgical site between day 0 and day 30 after initial surgery. Data will be analysed on the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol has been approved by an independent ethics committee and will be carried out according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

EudraCT 2017-005169-33 and NCT03560193.

A clinical evaluation of two central venous catheter stabilization systems

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly secured with sutures which are associated with microbial colonization and infection. We report a comparison of a suture-free system with standard sutures for securing short-term CVC in an international multicentre, prospective, randomized, non-blinded, observational feasibility study. Consented critical care patients who had a CVC inserted as part of their clinical management were randomized to receive either sutures or the suture-free system to secure their CVC. The main outcome measures were CVC migration (daily measurement of catheter movement) and unplanned catheter removals.

Results

The per cent of unplanned CVC removal in the two study groups was 2% (suture group 2 out of 86 patients) and 6% (suture-free group 5 out of 85 patients). Both securement methods were well tolerated in terms of skin irritation. The time and ease of application and removal of either securement systems were not rated significantly different. There was also no significant difference in CVC migration between the two securement systems in exploratory univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, 42% (36 out of 86) of the CVC secured with sutures and 56% (48 out of 85) of the CVC secured with the suture-free securement system had CVC migration of ≥ 2 mm.

Conclusions

The two securement systems performed similarly in terms of CVC migration and unplanned removal of CVC; however, the feasibility study was not powered to detect statistically significant differences in these two parameters.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN13939744. Registered 9 July 2015, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13939744.