A review of the recent advances in antimicrobial coatings for urinary catheters

More than 75% of hospital-acquired or nosocomial urinary tract infections are initiated by urinary catheters, which are used during the treatment of 15-25% of hospitalized patients. Among other purposes, urinary catheters are primarily used for draining urine after surgeries and for urinary incontinence. During catheter-associated urinary tract infections, bacteria travel up to the bladder and cause infection. A major cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infection is attributed to the use of non-ideal materials in the fabrication of urinary catheters. Such materials allow for the colonization of microorganisms, leading to bacteriuria and infection, depending on the severity of symptoms. The ideal urinary catheter is made out of materials that are biocompatible, antimicrobial, and antifouling. Although an abundance of research has been conducted over the last forty-five years on the subject, the ideal biomaterial, especially for long-term catheterization of more than a month, has yet to be developed. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances (over the past 10years) in developing antimicrobial materials for urinary catheters and to outline future requirements and prospects that guide catheter materials selection and design.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This review article intends to provide an expansive insight into the various antimicrobial agents currently being researched for urinary catheter coatings. According to CDC, approximately 75% of urinary tract infections are caused by urinary catheters and 15-25% of hospitalized patients undergo catheterization. In addition to these alarming statistics, the increasing cost and health related complications associated with catheter associated UTIs make the research for antimicrobial urinary catheter coatings even more pertinent. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the history, the latest progress in development of the coatings and a brief conjecture on what the future entails for each of the antimicrobial agents discussed.

Building an antifouling zwitterionic coating on urinary catheters using an enzymatically triggered bottom-up approach

Catheter associated urinary tract infections are common during hospitalization due to the formation of bacterial biofilms on the indwelling device. In this study, we report an innovative biotechnology-based approach for the covalent functionalization of silicone catheters with antifouling zwitterionic moieties to prevent biofilm formation. Our approach combines the potential bioactivity of a natural phenolics layer biocatalytically conjugated to sulfobetaine-acrylic residues in an enzymatically initiated surface radical polymerization with laccase. To ensure sufficient coating stability in urine, the silicone catheter is plasma-activated. In contrast to industrial chemical methods, the methacrylate-containing zwitterionic monomers are polymerized at pH 5 and 50 °C using as an initiator the phenoxy radicals solely generated by laccase on the phenolics-coated catheter surface. The coated catheters are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and colorimetrically. Contact angle and protein adsorption measurements, coupled with in vitro tests with the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus in static and dynamic conditions, mimicking the operational conditions to be faced by the catheters, demonstrate reduced biofilm formation by about 80% when compared to that of unmodified urinary catheters. The zwitterionic coating did not affect the viability of the human fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) over seven days, corresponding to the extended useful life of urinary catheters.

Implementation of an enhanced recovery programme following pancreaticoduodenectomy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Patients undergoing PD were managed according to an ERAS protocol. Outcome measures included postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospitalization and 30-day readmission rate. Key protocol targets were: nasogastric tube (NGT) removal [postoperative day (PoD) 1]; resumption of oral fluids (PoD 1); urinary catheter removal (PoD 3); high-dependency unit (HDU) discharge (PoD 3); tolerating diet (PoD 4); drain removal (PoD 5), and hospital discharge (PoD 6).

RESULTS

Data were collected for 50 patients (24 male; median age 67 years). Rates of mortality, morbidity and readmission were 4%, 46% and 4%, respectively. The median length of postoperative hospitalization was 10 days. The proportions of patients achieving key targets were: 78% for NGT removal; 82% for resumption of oral fluids; 48% for urinary catheter removal; 82% for HDU discharge; 86% for tolerating diet; 84% for meeting mobility targets, and 72% for drain removal. One patient was discharged by PoD 6, eight patients by PoD 7, 15 patients by PoD 8 and 26 patients (52%) by PoD 10. Discharge was delayed in 16 patients for social or transport-related reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS protocol was implemented safely. Achieving certain targets was challenging. Non-medical causes remain a significant factor in delayed discharge following PD.

Understanding surgical residents' postoperative practices and barriers and enablers to the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Guideline

INTRODUCTION

An Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) was developed at the University of Toronto. Before implementation, general surgery residents were surveyed to assess their current stated practices and their perceived barriers and enablers to early discharge.

METHODS

The survey, which consisted of 33 questions related to the postoperative management of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (LAC), open colectomy (OC) and open low anterior resection (LAR), was distributed to all residents. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to test differences. Open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Of 77 residents surveyed, 58 (75%) responded. Residents stated that a fluid diet would be ordered on POD#0 and regular diet on POD#1 by 67.9% and 49.1%, respectively, following LAC, and 50.0% and 25.9%, respectively, following OC. On POD#1, 89.3% expected patients to ambulate following LAC compared with 67.9% following OC. Residents indicated that urinary catheters would be removed on POD#1 by 87% following LAC and by 81.3% following OC, and by POD#3 by 89.1% following LAR. However, in patients with an epidural, approximately 50% of residents stated that they would wait until it was removed. Overall, 76.4% of residents agreed that an ERAS CPG should be adopted. Residents cited setting expectations, encouragement of early ambulation and feeding, and good pain control as enablers to early discharge. However, patient and family expectations, surgeon preferences, and beliefs of the health care team were mentioned as barriers to early discharge.

CONCLUSION

Residents have a reasonable approach to the management of patients who underwent LAC, but there are gaps that exist in their management, especially following OC and LAR. Although most residents agreed with the implementation of an ERAS CPG, barriers exist, and strategies aimed at ensuring adherence with the recommendations are required.

Short and Long-Term Outcomes of Epidural or Intravenous Analgesia after Esophagectomy: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

As a well-established technique for postoperative pain relief, the benefits of epidural analgesia (EDA) have been under debate recently. This study aimed to determine whether EDA could improve perioperative outcomes and survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2012, 587 consecutive cases undergoing McKeown-type esohpageactomy were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

After propensity-matching, incorporating baseline characteristics, 178 cases were included in each group, and patients characteristics distributions were well-balanced between two groups. Compared with intravenous analgesia, the use of EDA significantly decreased the incidence of pneumonia from 32% to 19.7% (P = 0.008), and anastomotic leakage from 23.0% to 14.0% (P = 0.029). The change in CRP level of EDA group was significantly decreased (preoperative, 6.2 vs. 6.2; POD 1, 108.1 vs. 121.3; POD 3, 131.5 vs. 137.8; POD 7, 69.3 vs. 82.1 mg/L; P = 0.044). EDA patients had a significantly longer duration of indwelling urinary catheter (P<0.001), and lower levels in both systolic (P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.001). There weren't significant differences in overall survival (log-rank P = 0.47) and recurrence (Gray-test P = 0.46) between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that EDA could attenuate inflammatory response and reduce the incidence of pneumonia and anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy, at the price of delayed urinary catheter removal and lower blood pressure. EDA remains an important component of multimodal perioperative management after esophagectomy.

Self-management intervention for long-term indwelling urinary catheter users: randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

People using long-term indwelling urinary catheters experience multiple recurrent catheter problems. Self-management approaches are needed to avoid catheter-related problems.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to determine effectiveness of a self-management intervention in prevention of adverse outcomes (catheter-related urinary tract infection, blockage, and accidental dislodgement). Healthcare treatment associated with the adverse outcomes and catheter-related quality of life was also studied.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted. The intervention involved learning catheter-related self-monitoring and self-management skills during home visits by a study nurse (twice during the first month and at 4 months-with a phone call at 2 months). The control group received usual care. Data were collected during an initial face-to-face home interview followed by bimonthly phone interviews. A total of 202 adult long-term urinary catheter users participated. Participants were randomized to treatment or control groups following collection of baseline data. Generalized estimating equations were used for the analysis of treatment effect.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in reported blockage in the first 6 months (p = .02), but the effect did not persist. There were no significant effects for catheter-related urinary tract infection or dislodgment. Comparison of baseline rates of adverse outcomes with subsequent periods suggested that both groups improved over 12 months.

DISCUSSION

A simple-to-use catheter problems calendar and the bimonthly interviews might have functioned as a modest self-monitoring intervention for persons in both groups. A simplified intervention using a self-monitoring calendar is suggested-with optimal and consistent fluid intake likely to add value.

Green synthesis of Kocuran-functionalized silver glyconanoparticles for use as antibiofilm coatings on silicone urethral catheters

Microbial infections due to biofilm formation on medical implants are serious complications arising after surgery which can be prevented by using antimicrobial coatings on biomaterial surfaces. We developed a simple, rapid and green chemistry approach for synthesis of silver glyconanoparticles (AgNPs) using Kocuran, an exopolysaccharide produced by Kocuria rosea strain BS-1. Kocuran-capped AgNPs exhibited a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak around 435 nm. They were mono-dispersed, spherical with an average particle size of 12 nm. XRD and SAED studies suggested that AgNPs were crystalline in nature. AgNPs had a zeta potential of -33.9 mV and were anionic charged. They showed colloidal stability at different pH (6 to 10), temperatures (30 °C to 100 °C), in NaCl, NaNO3 and BSA solutions. Kocuran-capped AgNPs exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and cell death was mainly due to hydroxyl radical induction and depletion of NADH. They also inhibited the biofilm development by S. aureus and E. coli and confocal scanning laser microscopic images revealed the damage of intact cell architecture. In vitro evaluation of Kocuran-capped silver glyconanoparticles on human gingival fibroblasts demonstrated good cell proliferation as compared to commercial AgNPs suggesting that they are biocompatible and non-toxic in nature. This is a first report on Kocuran-functionalized AgNPs exhibiting potential antibacterial and antiadhesive properties for use as antimicrobial coatings against bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on silicone urethral catheters.

Real-Time MRI-Guided Catheter Tracking Using Hyperpolarized Silicon Particles

Visualizing the movement of angiocatheters during endovascular interventions is typically accomplished using x-ray fluoroscopy. There are many potential advantages to developing magnetic resonance imaging-based approaches that will allow three-dimensional imaging of the tissue/vasculature interface while monitoring other physiologically-relevant criteria, without exposing the patient or clinician team to ionizing radiation. Here we introduce a proof-of-concept development of a magnetic resonance imaging-guided catheter tracking method that utilizes hyperpolarized silicon particles. The increased signal of the silicon particles is generated via low-temperature, solid-state dynamic nuclear polarization, and the particles retain their enhanced signal for ≥ 40 minutes--allowing imaging experiments over extended time durations. The particles are affixed to the tip of standard medical-grade catheters and are used to track passage under set distal and temporal points in phantoms and live mouse models. With continued development, this method has the potential to supplement x-ray fluoroscopy and other MRI-guided catheter tracking methods as a zero-background, positive contrast agent that does not require ionizing radiation.

Tension compared to no tension on a Foley transcervical catheter for cervical ripening: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervical ripening of an unfavorable cervix can be achieved by placement of a transcervical catheter. Advantages of this method include both lower cost and lower risk of tachysystole than other methods. Despite widespread use with varying degrees of applied tension, an unanswered question is whether there is an advantage to placing the transcervical catheter to tension compared with placement without tension.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether tension placed on a transcervical balloon catheter that is inserted for cervical ripening results in a faster time to delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial; 140 women who underwent cervical ripening (Bishop score, ≤6) were assigned randomly to a balloon catheter with applied tension vs no tension. Tension was created when the catheter was taped to the patient's thigh and tension was reapplied in 30-minute increments. There were 67 patients in the tension group and 73 patients in the no tension group. Low-dose oxytocin (maximum, 6 mU/min) was administered after catheter placement. The primary outcome was time from catheter insertion to delivery. A secondary outcome was time from insertion to catheter expulsion. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine whether the data were distributed normally. Survival curves that used lifetables were constructed from time of catheter insertion to delivery and from time of catheter insertion to catheter expulsion and were compared with the use of the Wilcoxon (Gehan) Breslow statistic. A probability value of <.05 was set to denote statistical significance.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The median time from catheter insertion to delivery was not significantly different between the tension group and the no tension group (16.2 vs 16.9 hours; P=.814). The median time from catheter insertion to expulsion, however, was significantly less in the tension group vs the no tension group (2.6 vs 4.6 hours; P<.001), respectively. Vaginal delivery within 24 hours was not significantly different between the tension and no tension groups (41/52 [79%] vs 37/52 [71%]; P=.365) nor were there significant differences in cesarean delivery rates between the tension and no tension groups (17/67 [25%] vs 27/73 [37%]; P=.139).

CONCLUSION

Application of tension did not result in faster delivery times but did result in faster times to catheter expulsion.

Randomized prospective trial of tubeless versus conventional minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) without nephrostomy drainage tubes.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 32 eligible patients with kidney stones at our hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to a conventional mPCNL group (ureteric Double-J stents and nephrostomy drainage tubes) or a tubeless mPCNL group (ureteric catheter but no drainage tubes). A single experienced surgeon performed all operations.

RESULTS

At baseline, the two groups had similar age, maximum stone diameter, and gender distribution. There were no significant differences in operation time, presence of postoperative fever, stone clearance, and level of postoperative serum hemoglobin. However, the tubeless mPCNL group had significantly shorter hospital stays (3 vs. 4 days, p = 0.032) and significantly less back pain (5 patients vs. 14 patients, p = 0.003) than the conventional mPCNL group.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were found between conventional and tubeless mPCNL in safety issues and stone clearance rate. However, patients treated with tubeless mPCNL had shorter hospitalization stays and were less likely to experience back pain.

Risk Factors for Bacteremia in Patients With Urinary Catheter-Associated Bacteriuria

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated bacteriuria is complicated by secondary bacteremia in 0.4% to 4.0% of cases. The directly attributable mortality rate is 12.7%.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for bacteremia associated with catheter-associated bacteriuria.

METHODS

Data were acquired from a large electronic clinical and administrative database of consecutive adult inpatient admissions to 2 acute care hospitals during a 7-year period. Data on patients with catheter-associated bacteriuria and bacteremia were compared with data on control patients with catheter-associated bacteriuria and no bacteremia, matched for date of admission plus or minus 30 days. Urine and blood cultures positive for the same pathogen within 7 days were used to define catheter-associated bacteriuria and bacteremia. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for bacteremia.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 158 cases and 474 controls. Independent predictors of bacteremia were male sex (odds ratio, 2.76), treatment with immunosuppressants (odds ratio, 1.68), urinary tract procedure (odds ratio, 2.70), and catheter that remained in place after bacteriuria developed (odds ratio, 2.75). Patients with enterococcal bacteriuria were half as likely to become bacteremic as were patients with other urinary pathogens (odds ratio, 0.46). Odds of secondary bacteremia increased 2% per additional day of hospital stay (95% CI, 1.01-1.04) and decreased 1% with each additional year of age (95% CI, 0.97-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

The results add new information about increased risk for bacteremia among patients with catheters remaining in place after catheter-associated bacteriuria and confirm evidence for previously identified risk factors.

Comparative effectiveness of interventions for managing postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although many drugs or interventions have been studied to manage catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD), their comparative effectiveness is unknown. We attempted to assess the comparative effectiveness of the strategies to manage CRBD in patients undergoing urologic surgery including amikacin, solifenacin, darifenacin, butylscopolamine, dexmedetomidine, gabapentin, glycopyrrolate, ketamine, oxybutynin, resiniferatoxin, tolterodine, tramadol, caudal block, dorsal penile nerve block, lidocaine-prilocaine cream.

METHODS

We performed an arm-based network meta-analysis including 29 trials with 2841 participants. Goodness of model fit was evaluated by deviance information criteria (DIC). The incidence of CRBD at 0, 1, and 6 h after surgery and the incidence of moderate to severe CRBD at 0, 1, and 6 h after surgery were compared.

RESULTS

Random effect model was selected according to DIC. Most of the drugs significantly decreased the incidence of CRBD except amikacin, tramadol at 0 and 1 h after surgery. Dexmedetomidine, solifenacin, caudal block, dorsal penile nerve block, resiniferatoxin, and gabapentin 1200 mg p.o. significantly decreased the incidence of CRBD at 6 h after surgery (gabapentin 1200: Odds ratio [OR] 0.02; SUCRA 95.6). Dexmedetomidine and tolterodine significantly decreased the incidence of moderate to severe CRBD at 0, 1, and 6 h after surgery (tolterodine at 6 h: OR 0.05; SUCRA 73.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Gabapentin was ranked best regarding the overall incidence of CRBD, while tolterodine was ranked best in reducing the severity of CRBD. However, a firm conclusion cannot be made from our analysis due to small-study number and heterogeneity regarding study setting and outcome measurement.

Emerging medical and engineering strategies for the prevention of long-term indwelling catheter blockage

Urinary catheters have been used on an intermittent or indwelling basis for centuries, in order to relieve urinary retention and incontinence. Nevertheless, the use of urinary catheters in the clinical setting is fraught with complication, the most common of which is the development of nosocomial urinary tract infections, known as catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Infections of this nature are not only significant owing to their high incidence rate and subsequent economic burden but also to the severe medical consecutions that result. A range of techniques have been employed in recent years, utilising various technologies in attempts to counteract the perilous medical cascade following catheter blockage. This review will focus on the current advancement (within the last 10 years) in prevention of encrustation and blockage of long-term indwelling catheters both from engineering and medical perspectives, with particular emphasis on the importance of stimuli-responsive systems.

Pseudo-renal failure: bladder rupture with urinary ascites

We report a case of pseudo-renal failure caused by urinary ascites due to spontaneous bladder rupture following transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TUR-BT). A 63-year-old man presented with 2 months of abdominal distension due to ascites. Laboratory findings showed elevated serum creatinine and hyperkalaemia. Peritoneal fluid urea, creatinine and potassium levels were greater than those in serum levels. CT scan showed partial wall thinning in the bladder wall, and cystography indicated fragility in the dome where the latest TUR-BT was performed. Pseudo-renal failure (laboratory abnormalities of acute kidney injury in the setting of normal kidney function) from urinary ascites and reverse intraperitoneal dialysis was diagnosed. Symptoms and laboratory abnormalities improved promptly with insertion of a urinary catheter. This report aims to increase recognition of urinary ascites when a patient with genitourinary surgical procedures or radiation therapy, or blunt abdominal trauma, presents with ascites and elevated creatinine simultaneously.

Nonpharmacologic and Medication Minimization Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of ICU Delirium: A Narrative Review

Delirium is a multifactorial entity, and its understanding continues to evolve. Delirium has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and cost for hospitalized patients, especially for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recent literature on delirium focuses on specific pharmacologic risk factors and pharmacologic interventions to minimize course and severity of delirium. While medication management clearly plays a role in delirium management, there are a variety of nonpharmacologic interventions, pharmacologic minimization strategies, and protocols that have been recently described. A PubMed search was performed to review the evidence for nonpharmacologic management, pharmacologic minimization strategies, and prevention of delirium for patients in the ICU. Recent approaches were condensed into 10 actionable steps to manage delirium and minimize medications for ICU patients and are presented in this review.

Optimal timing of urinary catheter removal following pelvic colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common postoperative complication in colorectal surgery. In pelvic colorectal operations, the optimal duration for postoperative urinary catheter use is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare early (POD 1), intermediate (POD 3), and late (POD 5) urinary catheter removal.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed databases were searched. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they compared patients with urinary catheter removal on POD 1 or earlier to patients with urinary catheter removal on POD 2 or later in major pelvic colorectal surgeries. The primary outcome was rate of postoperative AUR. The secondary outcome was rates of postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI).

RESULTS

From 691 relevant citations, five studies with 928 patients were included. Comparison of urinary catheter removal on POD 1 versus POD 3 demonstrated no significant difference in rate of urinary retention (RR 1.36, 95%CI 0.83-2.21, P = 0.22); however, compared to POD 5, rates of AUR were significantly higher (RR 2.58, 95%CI 1.51-4.40, P = 0.0005). Rates of UTI were not significantly different between POD 1 and POD 3 urinary catheter removal (RR 0.40, 95%CI 0.05-3.71, P = 0.45), but removal on POD 5 significantly increased risk of UTI compared to POD 1 (RR 0.50, 95%CI 0.31-0.81, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Risk of AUR can be minimized with late postoperative urinary catheter removal compared to early removal, but at the cost of increased risk of UTI. Patient-specific factors should be taken into consideration when deciding upon optimal duration of postoperative urinary catheterization.

Urinary tract infection-related hospitalization among older adults receiving home health care

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI)- related hospitalizations are a poor patient outcome in the rapidly growing home health care (HHC) arena that serves a predominantly elderly population. We examined the association between activities of daily living (ADL) and risk of UTI-related hospitalization among this population.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort design, we conducted a secondary data analysis of a 5% random sample of a national HHC dataset, the Outcome and Assessment Information Set for the year 2013. Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization was used as a guiding framework for statistical modeling. We used logistic regression to examine the association between UTI-related hospitalization and predisposing, enabling, or need factors.

RESULTS

Among beneficiaries (n = 24,887) hospitalized in 2013, 1,133 had UTI-related hospitalizations. HHC patients with a UTI-related hospitalization were more likely to have severe ADL dependency, impaired decision making, and lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, than those with a non UTI-related hospitalization (P < .001). Risk factors for UTI-related hospitalization included female sex, (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.66), Medicaid recipient (AOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.09-3.64), severe ADL dependency (AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.16-1.94), the presence of a caregiver to assist with supervision and safety (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06-1.49), treatment for UTI in the previous 14 days (AOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.46-3.29), presence of a urinary catheter (AOR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.98-4.77), and prior history of indwelling or suprapubic catheter (AOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.06-1.94).

CONCLUSIONS

ADL dependency levels are a potentially modifiable risk factor for UTI-related hospitalization on admission to HHC. ADL dependency levels can inform clinical interventions to ameliorate ADL dependency in HHC settings and identify groups of patients at high risk for UTI-related hospitalization.

Reuse of intermittent catheters: a qualitative study of IC users' perspectives

OBJECTIVES

To explore the views of intermittent catheter (IC) users regarding the advantages and disadvantages of single-use or reuse of catheters.

DESIGN

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

SETTING

Participant's own homes in Hampshire and Dorset, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 39 IC users, aged 23-86 years, using IC for at least 3 months.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four main themes: concerns regarding risk of urinary tract infection (UTI); cleaning, preparation and storage; social responsibility; practicalities and location. The main concern was safety, with the fear that reuse could increase risk of UTI compared with single-use sterile catheters. If shown to be safe then around half of participants thought they might consider reusing catheters. The practicalities of cleaning methods (extra products, time and storage) were considered potentially burdensome for reuse; but for single-use, ease of use and instant usability were advantages. Always having a catheter without fear of 'running out' was considered an advantage of reuse. Some participants were concerned about environmental impact (waste) and cost of single-use catheters. The potential for reuse was usually dependent on location. The analysis showed that often the disadvantages of single-use could be off-set by the advantages of reuse and vice versa, for example, the need to take many single-use catheters on holiday could be addressed by reuse, while the burden of cleaning would be obviated by single-use.

CONCLUSIONS

If shown to be safe with a practical cleaning method, some participants would find reuse an acceptable option, alongside their current single-use method. The choice to use a mixture of single-use and reuse of catheters for different activities (at home, work or holiday) could optimise the perceived advantages and disadvantages of both. The safety and acceptability of such an approach would require testing in a clinical trial.

The timing of urinary catheter removal after gynecologic surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The present study aimed to assess the effect of removing an indwelling urinary catheter at different times on urinary retention and urinary infection in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery.Electronic databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid from inception to June 2018 were searched. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of removal the indwelling urinary catheter in different time were included.Eight RCTs were included. Data were analyzed by RevMan 5.3 version. There was significant difference in urinary retention (relative risk [RR] 2.46, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.10-5.53), P = .03) between the ≤6 hours and >6 hours indwelling urinary catheter removal groups, while no significant differences were found in the gynecologic surgery excluded the vaginal surgery group and vaginal surgery group. When compared with >6 hours indwelling urinary catheter removal group, the incidence of urinary infection was significantly reduced at the ≤6 hours removal group (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.48-0.89, P = .007). The urinary catheter removal time at ≤6 hours also significantly reduced the incidence of urinary retention (RR = 5.06, 95%CI 1.74-14.69, P = .003), and did not statistically increase the incidence of urinary infection (RR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.08 to 1.20, P = .09), compared with immediate urinary catheter removal after surgery.Removal time of the urinary catheter at ≤6 hours postoperatively seems to be more beneficial than immediate or >6 hours for patients undergoing gynecologic surgery which excluded the vaginal surgery.

Policies for replacing long-term indwelling urinary catheters in adults

BACKGROUND

Long-term indwelling catheters are used commonly in people with lower urinary tract problems in home, hospital and specialised health-care settings. There are many potential complications and adverse effects associated with long-term catheter use. The effect of health-care policies related to the replacement of long-term urinary catheters on patient outcomes is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of different policies for replacing long-term indwelling urinary catheters in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Trials Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 19 May 2016), and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials investigating policies for replacing long-term indwelling urinary catheters in adults were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias of all the included trials. Quality of evidence was assessed by adopting the GRADE approach. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion between the review authors or an independent arbitrator. We contacted the authors of included trials to seek clarification where required.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 107 participants in three different health-care settings: A USA veterans administration nursing home; a geriatric centre in Israel; and a community nursing service in Hong Kong. Data were available for three of the pre-stated comparisons. Priefer and colleagues evaluated different time intervals between catheter replacement (n = 17); Firestein and colleagues evaluated the use of antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of replacement (n = 70); and Cheung and colleagues compared two different types of cleaning solutions (n = 20).All the included trials were small and under-powered. The reporting of the trials was inadequate and as a result, risk of bias assessment was judged to be unclear for the majority of the domains in two out of the three trials. There was insufficient evidence to indicate that (i) there was a lower incidence of symptomatic UTI in people whose catheter was changed both monthly and when clinically indicated (risk ratio (RR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.95; very low quality evidence) compared to only when clinically indicated, (ii) there was not enough evidence to assess the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on reducing: positive urine cultures at 7 days (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.04); infection (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.55 to 3.65); or death (RR 2.12, 95% CI 0.20 to 22.30; very low quality evidence), (iii) there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of asymptomatic bacteruria at 7 days (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.52) between people receiving water or chlorhexidine solution for periurethral cleansing at the time of catheter replacement. However, none of the 16 participants developed a symptomatic catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) at day 14.The following outcomes were considered critical for decision-making and were also selected for the 'Summary of findings' table: (i) participant satisfaction, (ii) condition-specific quality of life, (iii) urinary tract trauma, and (iv) formal economic analysis. However, none of the trials reported these outcomes.None of the trials compared the following comparisons: (i) replacing catheter versus other policy e.g. washouts, (ii) replacing in the home environment versus clinical environment, (iii) clean versus aseptic technique for replacing catheter, (iv) lubricant A versus lubricant B or no lubricant, and (v) catheter user versus carer versus health professional performing the catheter replacement procedure.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence to assess the value of different policies for replacing long-term urinary catheters on patient outcomes. In particular, there are a number of policies for which there are currently no trial data; and a number of important outcomes which have not been assessed, including patient satisfaction, quality of life, urinary tract trauma, and economic outcomes. There is an immediate need for rigorous, adequately powered randomised controlled trials which assess important clinical outcomes and abide by the principles and recommendations of the CONSORT statement.