Effectiveness of a bundle of measures for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections

Assessing infection related to short-term central venous catheters in the perioperative setting

Central venous catheter (CVC) cannulation can be accompanied by serious complications. The appearance of catheter-related infections is associated with high morbimortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidences of colonization and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in short-term CVCs in the elective surgery setting, as well as to analyze the related risk factors. Prospective observational study including patients undergoing elective surgery with a CVC inserted perioperatively. Patients with current infection, taking preoperative antibiotics, those planning to have CVC for longer than 14 days, those under 18 years old, and those refusing to participate were excluded. Patients without cultures at the moment of CVC retrieval were not included. 200 patients were included, with a mean catheter duration of 6.8 ± 3.1 days, and a total duration of 1,358 days. Incidence of colonized catheters was 6% (8.84/1000 catheter-days), and 3.5% had CLABSI (5.15/1000 catheter-days). Catheter duration was longer in patients whose CVCs had been removed due to suspected infection (p < 0.0001). The risk factors for catheter colonization were a history of oncological disease (p = 0.022), ischemic heart disease (p = 0.019), as well as jugular venous catheterization (p = 0.019). No relationship was detected between colonization and operator experience (p = 0.050), ultrasound-guided cannulation (p = 0.565), or number of attempts (p = 0.379). The risk factors for CLABSI were: age over 60 years (p = 0.041) and oncological disease (p = 0.021). CLABSI was neither related to operator experience (p = 0.178), ultrasound-guided cannulation (p = 0.373), or number of attempts (p = 0.379). Although CVCs were in place for a short time and in a controlled setting, we observed high incidences of colonization and CLABSI. The risk of catheter colonization depends on other factors rather than catheter duration.

Design and content validation of a checklist about infection-prevention performance of intensive care nurses in simulation-based scenarios

OBJECTIVE

To design, develop and validate a new tool, called NEUMOBACT, to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention through simulation scenarios involving central venous catheter (CVC), endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and mechanically ventilated patient care (PC) stations.

BACKGROUND

Simulation-based training is an excellent way for nurses to learn prevention measures in VAP and CRB.

DESIGN

Descriptive metric study to develop NEUMOBACT and analyse its content and face validity that followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist for patient-reported outcome measurement instruments.

METHODS

The first version was developed with the content of training modules in use at the time (NEUMOBACT-1). Delphi rounds were used to assess item relevance with experts in VAP and CRB prevention measures, resulting in NEUMOBACT-2. Experts in simulation methods then assessed feasibility, resulting in NEUMOBACT-3. Finally, a pilot test was conducted among 30 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to assess the applicability of the evaluation tool in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Seven national experts in VAP and CRB prevention and seven national simulation experts participated in the analysis to assess the relevance and feasibility of each item, respectively. After two Delphi rounds with infection experts, four Delphi rounds with simulation experts, and pilot testing with 30 ICU nurses, the NEUMOBACT-FINAL tool consisted of 17, 26 and 21 items, respectively, for CVC, ETS and PC.

CONCLUSION

NEUMOBACT-FINAL is useful and valid for assessing ICU nurses' knowledge and skills in VAP and CRB prevention, acquired through simulation.

RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Our validated and clinically tested tool could facilitate the transfer of ICU nurses' knowledge and skills learning in VAP and CRB prevention to critically ill patients, decreasing infection rates and, therefore, improving patient safety.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Experts participated in the Delphi rounds and nurses in the pilot test.

Fifteen years of central catheter applications and outcomes in intensive care patients: A single-center pediatric experience

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical outcome of central line placement in the pediatric age group and to evaluate the risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the outcomes and CLABSI risk factors of pediatric patients aged 0-17 years admitted to intensive care units who had central catheters placed between January 2005 and December 2020.

RESULTS

Of the 2718 catheter admissions, 1502 catheter admissions were eligible for the regression and other outcome analyses. Fifty-seven percent of the study group were umbilical artery and vein catheters and 43% were other central catheter admissions, including ultrasound-guided catheter admissions. Logistic regression analysis showed us that right internal jugular vein (RIJV) (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.15-2.02, p = 0.030) was the insertion site and ultrasound-guided interventional radiology catheter placement was the technique (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.07-2.90, p = 0.024), duration of catheter stay (OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.06-1.08, p < 0.001), catheter placement in patients older than 2 years (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.69-3.45, p < 0.001), were risk factors for CLABSI.

CONCLUSION

Although CLABSI has variable risk factors, the most important risk factor seems to be the length of catheter stay.