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Increased utilization of midline catheters not associated with a decreased risk of deep vein thrombosis or sepsis when compared with PICC lines. “Though many institutions have started to adopt and utilize midline catheters in an attempt to decrease the complications associated with central lines, there have not been many studies, which compared the two [...]
The risk of experiencing a bloodstream infection was significantly higher in patients with PICCs. The risk of experiencing a bloodstream infection was significantly higher in patients with PICCs. To reduce PICC-related blood stream infections and their related mortality, it is important to limit the overuse of PICCs and to implement a ‘no PICC’ policy [...]
Newer PICC lines substantially decrease the risk of occlusion of the catheter, swelling of the arm, blood clots, and blood infections. “This incidence of PICC thrombosis is relatively high, and nearly half are asymptomatic”… Dr. Yuxiu Liu, MD. Oncology Department, the Hospital of Qingdao University. What did Dr. Liu’s study “Peripherally inserted central catheter [...]
Obsolete technology poses risks for infant sepsis, safer technology exists that reduces the risk of blood clots and infection. “This large cohort study suggests that neonatal infections among extremely low-birth-weight infants are associated with poor neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in early childhood” … Dr. Barbara J. Stoll, MD, JAMA, November 17, 2004, Vol. 292, [...]
Study reveals that NP's in the ER use more resources and achieve less favorable outcomes compared to physicians, emphasizing the importance of experience “We find that, compared to physicians, NPs (nurse practitioners) use more medical resources: They require longer lengths of stay and incur higher costs. Yet, they achieve less favorable patient outcomes as [...]
Patients are being discharged on home nutrition by TPN by way of PICC lines and Ports. The most common serious complication is line sepsis or blood clots. “In the non-specifically unwell patient a clinician should not be misled by a normal white cell count and apyrexia (no elevation of temperature)," states Anna Clare, author [...]
The CDC urges all US hospitals to establish sepsis programs and raise the bar on care standards, as they offers resources to enhance existing programs. “CDC is calling on all US hospitals to have a sepsis program and raising the bar on sepsis care…(and) For those hospitals that already have sepsis programs underway and [...]
Misdiagnosis of thoracic epidural abscess can result in paraplegia, wheelchair dependence, bowel and bladder incontinence, and loss of sexual function. “Based on the results, investigators recommend an early MRI of the spine, laboratory workup, abscess culture followed by empiric antibiotics, and immediate surgical decompression when neurological deficits are present” … Michael Steinmetz, MD Greg [...]
Prompt surgical decompression and evacuation with concurrent antibiotic treatment seem to be state-of-the-art therapy for such a condition. “Irrespective of the age group, in the presence of acute neurological deterioration, surgical treatment should be performed aiming to preserve the patient’s neurological status or to prevent further worsening. Concurrent antibiotic treatment … is mandatory to [...]
We are evaluating missed diagnoses of epidural abscesses that lead to quadriplegia, paraplegia, and cauda equina syndrome. “We are evaluating missed diagnoses of epidural abscesses that lead to quadriplegia, paraplegia, and cauda equina syndrome from emergency rooms across the country. This population requires a low threshold for MRI imaging because of high risk for [...]