Sequential Intravenous-Oral Therapy for Pediatric Streptococcus anginosus Intracranial Infections

Introduction Streptococcus anginosus group is a common cause of pediatric intracranial infections but treatment recommendations, including use of oral therapy, are poorly defined. Methods We performed a retrospective review from 2004-2019 of all patients with Streptococcus anginosus group pyogenic intracranial infections at Children’s Hospital Colorado, highlighting patients transitioned to oral therapy. The primary endpoint was worsening infection necessitating intravenous antibiotics or a source control procedure after transition to oral therapy. Results Of 107 patients with Streptococcus anginosus intracranial infections, 61 were transitioned to exclusive oral therapy after a median intravenous duration of 37 days, overwhelmingly with a levofloxacin-based regimen. Only one failure was noted in a patient who did not fill their prescription. Patients with epidural infections were more likely to be transitioned to oral therapy within the first 28 days of treatment (defined as “early”). Patients with parenchymal infections, bacteremia, co-pathogens, higher inflammatory markers, and requiring >1 source control procedure were less likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Complications of a central catheter and/or intravenous medications contributed to 56% of oral transitions. Conclusions Levofloxacin-based oral regimens were effective and well-tolerated. Patients with less severe infections were more likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Criteria for transitioning patients to oral antibiotics for intracranial infections should be established to minimize risks inherent with central catheters.

Methods for measuring venous peripherally inserted central catheters in newborns

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the results of insertion procedures of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns using two measurement methods. Methods: this is a randomized clinical trial, presenting descriptive and exploratory results of variables. It was held at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected between September 2018 and 2019. The sample analyzed was 88 catheter insertion procedures, distributed in two groups. Study approved by an Institutional Review Board and obtained registration in the country and abroad. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression of data. Results: modified measurement obtained a significant difference for the central catheter tip location. Elective removals and adverse events were not significant between groups; however, poor positioning was related to adverse events. Conclusions: between the two methods analyzed, the modified measurement obtained better results in the proper catheter tip positioning and, consequently, less risk to patients.

External validation of the Michigan PICC catheter–associated bloodstream infections score (MPC score) for predicting the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter–associated bloodstream infections: A single-center study in Japan

The Michigan peripherally inserted central catheter–associated bloodstream infection score (MPC score) had been developed for hospitalized medical patients but had not been externally validated. A retrospective analysis of a clinically heterogeneous case-mix in a university hospital cohort in Japan failed to validate its originally reported good performance.

Application of Electrocardiogram Localization during Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Line Insertion into the Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava of Neonates

Background Most neonates with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes, and this anomaly is only found during cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation, or central venous catheterization. Electrocardiogram (ECG) localization is helpful for the application of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) technique in neonates with PLSVC. Objective To explore the characteristic waveforms of the P wave when a PICC under ECG localization is applied in neonates with PLSVC. Study Design The observation and management strategies for the P wave changes during catheter insertion (CI) of two neonates with PLSVC admitted to our institution between January and July 2020, who underwent PICC line insertion, were summarized. Results The characteristic P wave changes in two children with a PICC line inserted via the PLSVC were observed. When a wide inverted P wave appeared on ECG, the catheter was immediately withdrawn by 0.5 cm, a bidirectional P wave gradually appeared and then disappeared. After that, the catheter was further withdrawn by 0.5 cm. After catheterization, the optimal position of the PICC was confirmed by X-ray photography and bedside B-ultrasound. The PICC line was removed as scheduled after indwelling for 18 and 29 days, respectively, in the two cases, and no PICC-related complications occurred during indwelling. Conclusion The characteristic P wave changes on ECG during CI provide important clinical reference values for the application of the PICC technique under ECG localization in neonates with PLSVC. Key Points