We reviewed infectious complications during 7,671 days of central venous (Hickman) catheter use in 47 patients receiving intensive cytotoxic and supportive therapy for malignant disease. Colonization of the catheter was identified in eight cases of septicemia, two associated with endocarditis. Septicemia was successfully treated in four of five patients after removal of the catheter and in two of three in whom the catheter remained in situ. Infection of the exit site occurred in five patients but in only one was there associated septicemia. Poor patient compliance with the recommended regimen for catheter care was suspected. Thus, the overall rate of catheter-related infection was 1.6 per 1,000 days. Guidelines are discussed for removal of the catheter for suspected catheter-related infection.
Obiective: To determine, through structured methodologic review of published articles, the effectiveness of short-course (≤2 weeks) antibiotic therapy for catheter-related Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Data Sources: English-language publications on catheter-related S. aureus bacteremia identified using MEDLINE (1966 to the present) and bibliographic review of relevant articles and textbooks. Study Selection: Any study reporting outcome data for patients with catheter-related S. aureus bacteremia who were treated with short-course therapy. Data Extraction: Epidemiologic criteria were applied to assess the quality of protection provided by each study against four important types of biases
We report on a 2.5-month-old infant with ischemia of the left leg and compartment following intraosseous needle application during resuscitation. Unfortunately, this event led to major limb amputation. The cause, mechanism, and prevention of this severe complication are discussed in this article.