INTRODUCTION: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) or ports are increasingly used in oncology settings to provide long-term, easy venous access. This study reports our experience and results with 1180 cases in Singapore. METHOD: Data from January 2019 to January 2022, obtained from a hospital-approved secure database application called the Research Electronic Data Capture registry, were reviewed and analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1180 patients underwent TIVAD implantation with a 100% technical success rate. The mean age of the cohort was 61.9 years. The mean dwell duration was 342 days (standard deviation [SD] 223; range 3-1911). By 1 February 2022, 83% of patients were still using the TIVAD, 13.6 % underwent removal after completion of treatment, 2.1% were removed due to infection, 0.6% due to malfunction, 0.6% due to port extrusion and 0.1% at patient's request. The right internal jugular vein (IJV) was the most commonly accessed site (83.6%), followed by the left IJV (15.6%). The early post-procedure complications were pain (24.7%), bruising (9.2%), swelling (3.6%), bleeding (0.5%), fever (0.4%), itchiness (0.2%) and allergic dermatitis (0.1%). The delayed post-procedure complications were TIVAD site cellulitis (3.80%); discharge (1.10%); skin erosion with device extrusion (0.60%); malpositioned catheter (0.33%), which was successfully repositioned, catheter-related bloodstream infections (0.25%); migration of TIVAD leading to catheter dislodgement (0.25%); venous thrombosis (0.25%); fibrin sheath formation requiring stripping (0.10%) and TIVAD chamber inversion (0.10%). CONCLUSION TIVAD implantation via the jugular vein under radiological guidance provides a safe, reliable and convenient means of long-term venous access in oncology patients. By sharing our experience and acceptable outcomes from a large oncology cohort, we aim to increase the awareness and adoption of TIVAD usage in oncology patients, especially in Asia.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Catheterization, Central Venous/instrumentation* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Catheters, Indwelling/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Jugular Veins/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology* ; Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for further reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) according to investigation of the prevention and control of CLABSI in intensive care unit (ICU) in Shandong Province. METHODS: The questionnaire was developed by experts from Shandong Critical Care Medical Quality Control Center, combining domestic and foreign guidelines, consensus and research. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit survey subjects online from October 11 to 31, 2023 in the province to investigate the management status of central venous catheter (CVC) in ICU units of secondary and above hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 201 valid data were collected, involving 186 hospitals in the province, with a total of 201 ICU units, mainly comprehensive ICU (91%). The beds in ICU units were mainly single rooms (89%) and triple rooms (79%), and the ratio of doctors to total beds was 0.54 : 1. The training on the knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infection in each ICU unit was mainly irregular (49%), and 96% of the catheter operators were authorized by the hospital. In terms of CVC selection, 89% of ICU units used dual-chamber CVC, and 86% of ICU units used catheters without antibiotic coating. When selecting the placement site, for conventional CVC catheterization, 65% preferred subclavian vein. Femoral vein was preferred in 87% of ICU units undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy. 95% of ICU units had established standardized operation procedure (SOP) for CVC placement. 86% of ICU units were capable of ultrasound positioning or guided puncture at the time of catheterization. During catheterization, 88% of ICU units met the sterile dress code. Before and after catheterzation, 81% and 77% of ICU units standardized hand hygiene. Only 31% of ICU units were covered from head to toe by aseptic wipes. For the choice of skin disinfectant, the majority of ICU units (72%) only used iodophor. After tube placement, 54% of ICU units chose sterile transparent dressing and 25% chose sterile gauze dressing. 98% of ICU units were sutured to secure the catheter. Regarding catheter replacement and removal, 45% of ICU units could not be removed or replaced within 2 days in emergency situations where the principle of sterility was not guaranteed. When CLABSI was suspected, 55% of ICU units were able to obtain the catheter tip, transcatheter blood culture, and contralateral peripheral vein blood culture at the same time. For CVC replacement frequency, most ICU units (75%) would not be replaced regularly, and some ICU units would be replaced regularly, but the frequency of replacement was different. For CLABSI prevention and control, 82% of ICU units developed a verification form or supervision form. When analyzing the sources of CLABSI data, most of them were filled in by themselves (60%). As for the frequency of data analysis, 57% were once a month. CONCLUSIONS All ICU units in Shandong Province are standardized in terms of the authorization of operators, the formulation of SOP, the formulation and implementation of verification form and supervision form, ultrasound-guided puncture, and hand hygiene before and after catheterization. However, there are still deficiencies in the training on knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infections, maximum aseptic coverage, catheter replacement and removal, and the reporting sources of CLABSI data, which need to be strengthened in the follow-up work. At present, the selection of CVC, the selection of catheterization site, the selection of skin disinfectant and the selection of dressings after catheterization still need further research.
Intensive Care Units ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology* ; Catheterization, Central Venous/methods* ; Cross Infection/epidemiology* ; Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects* ; Infection Control/methods*

Objective To verify the relationship between catheter-related urinary tract infection(CAUTI)and stress hyperglycemia during catheter retention in stroke patients. Methods We used nosocomial infection monitoring system to track the status of CAUTI in stroke patients in a hospital.The study cohort was all the patients who received retention catheterization from January 2016 to March 2020.According to the nested case-control design,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between stress hyperglycemia and CAUTI in stroke patients with indwelling catheter. Results A total of 322 cases of CAUTI and 644 cases of non-CAUTI were enrolled in this study.The length of stay in the case group was(20.68 ± 3.73)d,significantly longer than that[(13.00 ± 4.01)d]in the control group(t=29.473,P <0.001).Compared with non-stress hyperglycemia,stress hyperglycemia posed a higher risk of CAUTI in the stroke patients with indwelling catheter(OR=2.020,95% CI=1.447-2.821,P=0.000)and led to the higher incidence of CAUTI in one thousand days(P<0.001). Conclusion Stress hyperglycemia in the stroke patients with indwelling catheter can significantly increase the risk of CAUTI.
Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology* ; Cross Infection/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia/complications* ; Stroke/complications* ; Urinary Catheterization ; Urinary Tract Infections/epidemiology*

Catheter-Related Infections ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Critical Care ; Cross Infection ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Electronic Health Records ; Hospitalization ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Length of Stay ; Singapore ; Urinary Catheterization ; adverse effects ; Urinary Tract Infections ; diagnosis ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence of central venous catheter-related infection (CRI) in burn patients and its risk factors, so as to guide the clinical practice.

METHODSClinical data of 5 026 days of 480 cases of central venous catheterization altogether in 228 burn patients admitted to our ward from June 2011 to December 2014, conforming to the study criteria, were retrospectively analyzed. (1) The incidence of CRI and that of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in patients (the infection rates per thousand days were calculated) and mortality due to them, and detection of concerning bacteria were recorded after each case of catheterization. (2) The incidence of CRI after each case of catheterization in patients was recorded according to the classification of their gender, age, total burn area, full-thickness burn area, cause of injury, severity of inhalation injury, location of catheterization, whether catheterization through wound or not, duration of catheterization, and the data were processed with chi-square test. Indexes with statistically significant differences were selected, and they were processed with multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis to screen the independent risk factors of CRI. (3) To all cases of catheterization and cases with catheterization through wound, incidence of CRI after each case of catheterization in patients at each time period was recorded according to the sorting of duration of catheterization. Data were processed with chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, and the values of P were adjusted by Bonferroni.

RESULTS(1) Infection rate of CRI per thousand days was 50.14‰ (252/5 026), resulting in the mortality rate of 3.51% (8/228). Infection rate of CRBSI per thousand days was 18.70‰ (94/5 026), resulting in the mortality rate of 2.19% (5/228). Respectively 319 and 105 strains of pathogens were detected in CRI and CRBSI, in which the top four bacteria detected were Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the most common fungus found was smooth Candida. (2) There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of CRI after each case of catheterization among patients with different gender, age, cause of injury, severity of inhalation injury, and location of catheterization (with χ(2) values from 0.427 to 6.991, P values above 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of CRI after each case of catheterization among patients with different total burn area, full-thickness burn area, whether catheterization through wound or not, duration of catheterization (with χ(2) values from 7.202 to 14.246, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) Total burn area, whether catheterization through wound or not, and duration of catheterization were the independent risk factors of CRI (with odd ratios respectively 1.495, 1.670, 1.924, 95% confidence intervals respectively 1.096-2.040, 1.077-2.590, 1.303-2.841, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) In all cases enduring catheterization, the incidence of CRI in patients after each episode of catheterization was close between cases enduring catheterization shorter than or equal to 3 days and those longer than 3 days and shorter than or equal to 5 days (χ(2) <0.001, P>0.05); the incidence of CRI in patients after each episode of catheterization was significantly higher in cases enduring catheterization longer than 5 days and shorter than or equal to 7 days, longer than 7 days and shorter than or equal to 14 days, and longer than 14 days than the former two periods (with χ(2) values from 3.625 to 13.495, P values below 0.05). In the cases with catheterization through wound, the incidence of CRI of patients after each episode of catheterization was close between cases enduring catheterization shorter than 5 days and those longer than or equal to 5 days and shorter than 7 days (P>0.05); the incidence of CRI of patients after each episode of catheterization was significantly higher in cases enduring catheterization longer than or equal to 7 days and shorter than 14 days and longer than or equal to 14 days than those with longer than or equal to 5 days and shorter than 7 days (with χ(2) values respectively 6.828 and 4.940, P values below 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe infection rate of CRI per thousand days in burn patients is relatively low, while that of CRBSI is relatively high, both resulting in relatively low mortality, and Acinetobacter baumannii is the main pathogen. Total burn area, whether catheterization through wound or not, and duration of catheterization are independent risk factors of CRI in burn patients, and with which its occurrence could be predicted. It is suggested that central venous catheterization should be removed within 5 days, and catheterization through wounds should be avoided as much as possible. If catheterization through wound is unavoidable, removal of the catheter within 7 days is recommended.

Acinetobacter baumannii ; isolation & purification ; Burns ; complications ; Catheter-Related Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infections are major causes of both early and late death after lung transplantation (LT). The development of prophylaxis strategies has altered the epidemiology of post-LT infections; however, recent epidemiological data are limited. We evaluated infections after LT at our institution by time of occurrence, site of infections, and microbiologic etiologies. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing lung or heart-lung transplantation between October 2008 and August 2014 at our institution were enrolled. Cases of infections after LT were initially identified from the prospective registry database, which was followed by a detailed review of the patients' medical records. RESULTS: A total of 108 episodes of post-LT infections (56 bacterial, 43 viral, and nine fungal infections) were observed in 34 LT recipients. Within 1 month after LT, the most common bacterial infections were catheter-related bloodstream infections (42%). Pneumonia was the most common site of bacterial infection in the 2- to 6-month period (28%) and after 6 months (47%). Cytomegalovirus was the most common viral infection within 1 month (75%) and in the 2- to 6-month period (80%). Respiratory viruses were the most common viruses after 6 months (48%). Catheter-related candidemia was the most common fungal infection. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis developed after 6 months. Survival rates at the first and third years were 79% and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study was performed in a single center, we provide valuable and recent detailed epidemiology data for post-LT infections. A further multicenter study is required to properly evaluate the epidemiology of post-LT infections in Korea.
Adult ; Bacterial Infections/diagnosis/*microbiology/mortality ; Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology/virology ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology ; Female ; Heart-Lung Transplantation/*adverse effects/mortality ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Lung Transplantation/*adverse effects/mortality ; Male ; Medical Records ; Middle Aged ; Mycoses/diagnosis/*microbiology/mortality ; Pneumonia, Bacterial/microbiology ; Registries ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Virus Diseases/diagnosis/mortality/*virology

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of infections associated with implantable venous access ports (IVAPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2003 through November 2011, 1747 IVAPs were placed in our interventional radiology suite. One hundred forty four IVAPs were inserted in patients with hematologic malignancy and 1603 IVAPs in patients with solid tumors. Among them, 40 ports (23 women and 17 men; mean age, 57.1 years; range, 13-83) were removed to treat port-related infections. We evaluated the incidence of port-related infection, patient characteristics, bacteriologic data, and patient progress. Univariable analyses (t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test) and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for IVAP related infection. RESULTS: Overall, 40 (2.3%) of 1747 ports were removed for symptoms of infection with an incidence rate of 0.067 events/1000 catheter-days. According to the univariable study, the incidences of infection were seemingly higher in the patients who received the procedure during inpatient treatment (p = 0.016), the patients with hematologic malignancy (p = 0.041), and the patients receiving palliative chemotherapy (p = 0.022). From the multiple binary logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratios of infection in patients with hematologic malignancies and those receiving palliative chemotherapy were 7.769 (p = 0.001) and 4.863 (p = 0.003), respectively. Microorganisms were isolated from 26 (65%) blood samples, and two of the most causative organisms were found to be Staphylococcus (n = 10) and Candida species (n = 7). CONCLUSION: The underlying hematologic malignancy and the state of receiving palliative chemotherapy were the independent risk factors of IVAP-related infection.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analysis of Variance ; Catheter-Related Infections/*epidemiology/microbiology ; Catheters, Indwelling/*adverse effects ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Palliative Care/statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Vascular Access Devices/*adverse effects ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONExternal ventricular drain (EVD) infections can cause serious complications. We performed an audit of EVD infections within our neurosurgical unit. Through this study, we aimed to reduce the incidence of external ventricular drain-related infection, including ventriculities in neurosurgical patients.

METHODSWe conducted an audit of the EVD infections in our institution observed over a one-and-a-half year period. This was conducted in three phases. A baseline EVD infection rate was determined for Phase I, from January to June 2007. We introduced the following measures to reduce EVD infection rate in Phase II, from July to December 2007: (1) For Neurosurgery doctors: performing proper surgical techniques to minimise intra-operative infections; educating junior doctors on proper CSF sampling from the EVD; and minimising the number of days the EVD is maintained in situ; (2) For Neurosurgery nurse clinicians: developing Standard Operating Procedures on nursing management of EVDs; conducting EVD care workshops for nurses working in neurosurgical wards; and competency skill checks on the management of EVDs for nurses working in the neurosurgical wards. Silver-coated EVDs were introduced in Phase III of the study from January to June 2008.

RESULTSThe EVD infection rate decreased from a baseline of 6.1% to 3.8% in Phase II; a further reduction from 3.8% to 0% was achieved during Phase III.

CONCLUSIONGood teamwork among doctors and nurses is essential for reducing EVD infection rate. We managed to reduce EVD infections substantially and would continue to strive to remain infection-free in the future.

Adult ; Aged ; Catheter-Related Infections ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Cerebral Ventriculitis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Drainage ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; surgery ; Incidence ; Infection Control ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged

INTRODUCTIONCentral venous catheters (CVCs) are becoming more popular for delivery of outpatient courses of intravenous therapy such as chemotherapy and long-term antibiotics. The incidence of non-tunnelled type CVC-related infections in patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy in an ambulatory setting has not been well studied. We aimed to determine the baseline data on CVC-related infections in this retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2007.

METHODSData on cancer patients with CVCs inserted as outpatients at National Cancer Centre Singapore over a three-year period were collected and analysed retrospectively. Data retrieved from medical records included patients' demographics, the number of catheter days, cancer type and other medical illnesses. Definitions from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for CVC-related infections were used. For data analysis, graphical and quantitative techniques were employed.

RESULTSA total of 88 CVCs were inserted during the study period, with a total of 11,541 catheter days (median 114; range 2-510 days). Infection rate was 0.87 per 1,000 catheter days. The risk of infection was higher when catheters were left in situ for longer periods of time and in patients with solid tumours.

CONCLUSIONThe infection rate for non-tunnelled type CVCs is low in our centre. Hence, its use for chemotherapy on an outpatient basis is relatively safe and convenient in oncologic patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Catheter-Related Infections ; epidemiology ; Central Venous Catheters ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of each type of central venous catheters (CVC) in patients with cancer. We prospectively enrolled patients with cancer who underwent catherization involving a subclavian venous catheter (SVC), peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), or chemo-port (CP) in our department. From March 2007 to March 2009, 116 patients underwent 179 episodes of catherization. A SVC was inserted most frequently (46.4%). Fifty-four complications occurred (30.1%): infection in 23 cases, malpositioning or migration of the tip in 18 cases, thrombosis in eight cases, and bleeding in five cases. Malpositioning or migration of the tip occurred more frequently with a PICC (P<0.001); infection occurred more often with a tunneled catheter (P=0.028) and was observed more often in young patients (P=0.023). The catheter life span was longer for patients with solid cancer (P=0.002) than for those with hematologic cancer, with a CP (P<0.001) than a PICC or SVC, and for an indwelling catheter with image guidance (P=0.014) than a blind procedure. In conclusion, CP is an effective tool for long term use and the fixation of tip is important for the management of PICC.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology/etiology ; Catheterization, Central Venous/*adverse effects ; Catheterization, Peripheral/adverse effects ; Equipment Failure ; Female ; Hemorrhage/epidemiology/etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/*drug therapy ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thrombosis/epidemiology/etiology