Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) Incidence and the Role of Obesity: A Prospective, Observational Study in Greece

The role of cystatin C (Cys-C) as a marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in pregnancy is undetermined. Measurements of Cys-C and creatinine (Cr) were taken at 14–17+6, 18–23+6, 27–31+6 weeks' gestation, at delivery and 2–6 weeks postpartum in a prospective observational study of 27 women. There was no difference between Cys-C levels in early and late second trimester, but they were significantly higher in early third trimester ( P < 0.001) than second trimester, despite no concurrent increase in Cr. Cys-C was also significantly higher at delivery than at all other times in pregnancy ( P < 0.001) and fell to postpartum values higher than second trimester measurements ( P < 0.01), but lower than delivery ( P<0.001). In conclusion, changes in Cys-C may be influenced by pregnancy-related changes in glomerular filtration and therefore we would advise against their use as a marker of GFR in pregnancy.

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Clinical experience with a chlorhexidine-coated PICC: A prospective, multicenter, observational study

The Journal of Vascular Access ◽

10.1177/11297298211049648 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112972982110496

Author(s):

Michael A Winkler ◽

Timothy R Spencer ◽

Nasir Siddiqi ◽

Jessica E Wallace ◽

John Z Gallien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Observational Study ◽

Bloodstream Infections ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Central Line ◽

Primary Treatment ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Multicenter Observational Study ◽

Treatment Indications ◽

Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: This study evaluated a chlorhexidine-coated peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and the incidence of associated complications within both inpatient and outpatient populations. Methods: This IRB-approved, multicenter, prospective observational study was performed at three large teaching hospitals in the US. All adults who required a PICC for ⩾14 days were considered. Patients were monitored throughout entire catheter dwell. Duplex venous ultrasounds were performed before insertion, after 10 to 14 days of dwell time, and upon removal. Data was collected from the hospital, outpatient clinic, and patient PICC diary records. Results: A total of 103 patients, 56% male, with mean BMI 29 ± 8.8, were enrolled. The majority (79%) of patients were from high-risk groups—cancer, infectious diseases, transplant, and trauma. Primary treatment indications were antibiotics (66.99%) and chemotherapy (25.24%). Double lumen PICCs (59.2%) were favored clinically, as was basilic vein placement (71.84%). Mean catheter dwell was 47.01 ± 25.82 days. Three (3, 2.9%) central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) were reported. Four patients (4.6%) reported symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (CRT), confirmed with ultrasound. Three patients (3.4%) had ultrasound-confirmed fibroblastic sleeve (FS). Eight patients (9.2%) who entered the study with pre-existing superficial thrombosis, had complete resolution at the time of catheter removal. The incidence of CLABSI was 0.82/1000 days. The combined CRT and FS rate was 6.9%. Conclusion: Based upon the observational findings of this study, chlorhexidine-coated PICC technology may be considered for use in patient populations who are at moderate to high-risk for catheter-related complications in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

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The role of rehabilitation measures in reintegration of children with brain tumours or leukaemia and their families after completion of cancer treatment: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014505 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. e014505 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mona Leandra Peikert ◽

Laura Inhestern ◽

Corinna Bergelt

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Quantitative Study ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Daily Life ◽

Oncological Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Measures

IntroductionFor ill children as well as for their parents and siblings, childhood cancer poses a major challenge. Little is known about the reintegration into daily life of childhood cancer survivors and their families. The aim of this prospective observational study is to further the understanding of the role of rehabilitation measures in the reintegration process of childhood leukaemia or brain tumour survivors and their family members after the end of cancer treatment.Methods and analysisThis prospective observational study consists of three study arms: a quantitative study in cooperation with three German paediatric oncological study registries (study arm 1), a quantitative study in cooperation with a rehabilitation clinic that offers a family-oriented paediatric oncological rehabilitation programme (study arm 2) and a qualitative study at 12-month follow-up including families from the study arms 1 and 2 (study arm 3). In study arm 1, children, parents and siblings are surveyed after treatment (baseline), 4–6 months after baseline measurement and at 12-month follow-up. In study arm 2, data are collected at the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation measure and at 12-month follow-up. Families are assessed with standardised questionnaires on quality of life, emotional and behavioural symptoms, depression, anxiety, fear of progression, coping and family functioning. Furthermore, self-developed items on rehabilitation aims and reintegration into daily life are used. Where applicable, users and non-users of rehabilitation measures will be compared regarding the outcome parameters. Longitudinal data will be analysed by means of multivariate analysis strategies. Reference values will be used for comparisons if applicable. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the medical ethics committee of the Medical Chamber of Hamburg. Data will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

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