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Objectives: On the basis of its safety and accuracy, automation is recommended for parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in practices related to the automation of PN and to perform a cost study comparing manual vs automated production costs., Methods: We conducted a micro-costing study using 1 year of manual production data for adult, neonatal and paediatric PN bagsat a hospital. We used the data to estimate the costs of automating the production process for adult, neonatal and paediatric bags., Results: Major modification to the PN production process resulted in: rationalisation of raw materials, computerisation and optimisation of human needs. Switching from a manual to an automated process reduced the cost of neonatal/paediatric custom bags (€130.73 vs €124.58) and semi-custom bags (€172.08 vs €166.86); but increased the cost of adult bags (€93.06 vs €127.92)., Conclusions: The changes resulting from the automation and revision of the production process globally increased annual expenditures by approximately 9.7%. However, automation minimised the risk of misproduction, bag contamination, and led to a more secure production process that reduced risks incurred by the teams. In view of the gain in patient and staff safety (linked to the use of an automated compounding device) the moderate economic impact (<10%) should not deter the automation of PN production circuits., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Manual feeding by parents using a syringe, a widespread practice in Sweden since the 1980s, favors parents' involvement in childcare tasks. This approach is used in our neonatal unity since 2007., Objective: To study the behavioral changes of preterm children during nasogastric tube feeding: manual milk administration by parents (MAP) versus electric syringe administration (ESA) over a 30-minute period., Method: This is a randomized, crossover study conducted in the neonatology unit of Toulouse. Preterm children under 33 weeks of age and over 7 days of life were included. A video recording was performed to assess the children's behavioral response, using the Dsilna score. The reviewer was blinded., Results: 15 preterm children with a median gestational age of 30.1 weeks and a median birth weight of 1.210 g were included from March to October 2012. The facility, environment, and state of alertness of children were similar in both groups. Signs of well-being were significantly more prevalent in the MAP group versus the ESA group (36.2 (±8.0) versus 30.7 (±9.5)), (p = 0.04), particularly "hand-to-mouth, mouth gestures, seeking suction and sucking". Although not significant, motor withdrawal signs were more apparent and fluctuating in the ESA group. Qualitative analysis of NIDCAP observations confirms this data., Conclusion: There are behavior changes of preterm children during nasogastric tube feeding. This pilot study showed previously undescribed results: MAP is associated with more common well-being signs and could be more widely used in neonatal units., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken in intestinal failure (IF) patients with long term CVCs to evaluate differential time to positivity (DTP) against paired quantitative blood cultures (PP) for the diagnosis of CRBSI., Methods: A list of patients with a diagnosis of CRBSI was obtained from the intestinal failure unit database for a five year period, 2013 to 2017. Microbiology records were reviewed to obtain further information about blood culture and pour plate examinations. Organisms and times of collection, loading and positivity were recorded. Patients with a contemporaneous set of central and peripheral PP and blood cultures were included in an analysis of the sensitivity of DTP compared to PP., Results: There were 61 (45.5%) episodes in 56 patients where complete sets of central and peripheral blood cultures and PP were received. All 61 episodes had positive central blood cultures, 59 (96.7%) had positive central line PP and 17 (27.9%) had positive peripheral PP. Using PP as the gold standard, DTP sensitivity was 96.0% for 50 episodes where PP were consistent with CRBSI. Sensitivity increased to 100% for 17 episodes where there were no delays in either collection or loading of blood cultures., Conclusions: This is the first evaluation to support the use of DTP as a sensitive test in diagnosing CRBSI in patients with IF and provides confidence to IF centers where pour plate cultures are not available., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. The results presented in this paper have not been published previously., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Introduction: a black precipitate was observed in the filter during the infusion of a parenteral nutrition without lipids. There are similar findings published in which copper and sulphur (from cysteine) were found in the composition of the precipitate. Objective: to determine if copper and cysteine are involved in the formation of the precipitate. Methods: samples of the parenteral nutrition solution were taken before and after its passage through the filter. Amino acids concentrations were analysed in both samples by ion exchange chromatography and post-column derivatization with ninhydrin in a Biochrom 30 device. Copper concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in a PerkinElmer AAnalyst™ 200 device. Results: a decrease in cysteine concentration of 29.3% was found. The concentration of copper decreased by 75.9%. Conclusions: the decrease in the concentrations of cysteine and copper in the filtered solution suggest that both are involved in the formation of the black precipitate observed in the filter.

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with material and manpower costs and requires preparation time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost of PN using multichamber bags (MCBs) compared with hospital-compounded bags (COBs). The secondary aim of this study was to assess and compare preparation time and errors related to the production and preparation processes of PN bags., Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational, cost-accounting study was conducted in 10 Spanish hospital pharmacy services. The cost assessments included components, raw materials, and hospital staff. Only PN bags with equivalent volume and nutrition value were included in the analyses. Assessment of errors related to PN was performed simultaneously with the cost and time comparison analyses., Results: Among the 597 PN bags (295 MCBs, 302 COBs) evaluated, 392 PN bags (295 MCBs, 97 COBs) had an equivalent volume and nutrition value. The mean (standard deviation) total cost of the MCB was $62.11 ($12.34) per bag compared with $67.54 ($8.50) per bag for COBs, resulting in a significant cost savings of $5.71. On average, the time required to prepare an MCB was 38 minutes shorter (P < .001). Significantly fewer total number (percent) of errors was observed in the preparation of MCBs (3 [1.0%]) compared with COBs (15 [5.0%]); P < .01)., Conclusion: The use of MCBs results in significant savings in cost and preparation time, which may have a beneficial effect on the economic burden associated with PN as well as a reduction in errors related to PN preparation., (© 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Long-term tunneled central venous catheters are widely used in several clinical indications, that is, hemodialysis, chemotherapy, and total parenteral nutrition. However, central venous catheters are associated with a number of complications, including catheter occlusion and sepsis, which may necessitate earlier catheter removal. In most cases manual traction is sufficient to remove the catheter. Nevertheless, in some cases severe adhesions, formed between the catheter and the vessel wall, complicate simple catheter removal. We present four cases of entrapped long-term central venous catheters and describe methods (e.g. endoluminal balloon dilatation and wire snare) performed by experienced cardiologists at high-volume center to remove them. We claim that permanent central venous catheters removal procedures may be unpredictable and hazardous. Therefore, entrapped central venous catheters should be extracted by experienced operators in specialized high-volume centers.

Objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) parenteral nutrition support on immune function and nutritional support in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. 140 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer were selected as participants and were divided into study group and the control group by random number table, with 70 cases in each group. Patients in the two groups underwent standard gastrectomy under general anesthesia by the same group of doctors. The study group received postoperative PICC catheter parenteral nutrition, and the control group received central venous catheter (CVC) nutrition support. Comparative study was done using t test and Chi-square test. The serum levels of ALB, TFN, PA, Hb, CD4 + , CD8+, CD4 + /CD8+, IgA, IgG, IgM and CD3+ in the two groups were observed before and after treatment, and the postoperative complications of the two groups were compared. After treatment, the levels of ALB, TFN, PA and Hb in the two groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Levels of CD3+, CD4 + , CD4 + /CD8+, IgA, IgG and IgM also amplified significantly after treatment in both the groups, while CD8+ decreased significantly (P<0.05). What's more, the improvement degree of the study group was significantly greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). The time of drawing drainage tube, recovering intestinal function, getting off bed and the length of hospital stay in the study group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the study group and control group were 8.6% (6/70 cases) and 11.4% (8/70 cases) respectively, and there was no significant difference (P>0.05). PICC catheter parenteral nutrition support and improve the nutritional status of patients, it was proved a safe and effective nutritional support which improve the cellular immune function and accelerated the recovery of gastrointestinal function.

Introduction: Preterm infants require intravenous (IV) access for administration of medications, IV fluids, and parenteral nutrition. The scalp is a common site for obtaining IV access, and in children with hydrocephalus or wide fontanelles and sutures, there is a high probability of penetrating the meninges and brain matter with the scalp IV needle. If this penetration occurs and remains unnoticed, the contents of the IV infusion can infiltrate into the brain and cause severe brain damage., Case Presentation: A 3-day-old female neonate, born with myelomeningocele, was receiving total parenteral nutrition through a scalp-vein IV. She experienced a sudden increase in head circumference, a bulging fontanelle, and respiratory distress. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated subdural fluid collection, and the patient underwent emergency surgery. The dura, when opened, exuded milky-white fluid consistent in color with parenteral nutrition. Postoperative imaging showed a parenchymal abnormality caused by the intracranial and intraparenchymal infusion of parenteral nutrition. Four years later, the child had a shunt and had mild cognitive impairment., Discussion: In cases of accidental intracranial administration of parenteral nutrition, we recommend that aggressive therapy be pursued to minimize the risks of developing comorbidities such as meningitis and to allow for maximal functional recovery.

Background: Parenteral nutrition for intestinal failure (IF) often requires a tunneled central venous catheter (CVC). The purpose of this study was to characterize complications after CVC placement and contributors to line loss in pediatric IF patients., Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of pediatric (<18 y) IF patients who had a silicone tunneled CVC newly inserted or exchanged from 2012 to 2016 in an IF center was conducted. Patient demographics, procedure service (surgery versus interventional radiology), procedure type (new versus exchange), vessel, and complications related to CVCs were evaluated. Complications included dislodgement, infection, break, occlusion/malfunction, and others. An ethanol-lock protocol for silicone CVCs in IF patients was instituted in January 2012., Results: Twenty-nine IF patients with tunneled CVCs were identified with 182 lines and 18,534 line d. Median age at line insertion was 17.1 mo (interquartile range [IQR] 7.6-31.5) with a median of five catheters (IQR 2-8) per patient. There were 19.2 complications per 1000 line d. Occlusions/malfunctions were the most common complication (6.0/1000 line d) followed by breaks (5.6/1000 line d). Median life of catheters was 51.5 d (IQR 21-129). On regression, adjusting for age, insertion service, and procedure type, shorter line life was associated with younger age (P = 0.04) and placement by interventional radiology (P < 0.01). Dislodgement was associated with newly placed lines relative risk 6.5 (95% CI 2.2-28.8)., Conclusions: CVCs in pediatric IF patients have frequent complications and short line lifetimes. Dislodgement of CVC was an unexpectedly common complication with loss of access in newly placed lines. There may be modifiable processes to mitigate CVC complications., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recommendations prescribe daily intravenous administration set (IVAS) replacement for parenteral nutrition (PN) comprising intravenous fat emulsions (IVFE) due to risk of micro-organism growth and resultant central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), but system disconnection for this practice may allow contamination and CLABSIs., Materials and Methods: Laboratory experiments and model development were used to simulate PN administration after contamination from healthcare workers' hands. This study observed the growth of micro-organisms known to cause CLABSIs in a variety of PN and other IV fluids and developed a model to investigate the effect of delaying IVAS replacement on microbial growth for up to 7 days., Results: Micro-organisms grew at different rates and were affected by solution type. In static experiments, growth was supported in IVFE and all-in-one PN, but suppressed in 50% glucose. Growth patterns were consistent over time for Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in IVFE, all-in-one PN, and 0.9% sodium chloride in both static and dynamic experiments. C. albicans grew exponentially to clinically significant numbers in all-in-one PN and IVFE IVAS after 30 hours, but negligible growth of S. epidermidis or S. aureus occurred for 7 days., Conclusion: All-in-one PN and IVFE support the C. albicans growth after minimal initial contamination, with micro-organisms migrating from the fluid bag to the central venous access device. Improved aseptic nontouch technique during clinical practice is vital to prevent contamination. Daily IVAS replacement of for all-in-one PN and IVFE should continue until the safety of prolonging IVAS replacement is confirmed by randomized trials., (© 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Purpose: Our aim is to assess parenteral nutrition (PN) bag prescription in hospitalized patients and evaluate clinical outcomes linked to PN therapy., Methods: We performed an observational longitudinal retrospective study on PN prescription in a General Public Hospital in Turin, Italy, on ninety-five patients receiving PN prescribed by the Nutrition Support Team (NST). We described patients' demography and assessed nutritional outcomes, as well as PN bag prescription in different wards. Medians were calculated for several clinical parameters before and after PN therapy. A z-test for proportions has been performed to better understand the impact of various conditions on clinical outcomes and to compare differences between administered nutrients and required amounts., Results: The NST resulted responsible for only 18% of bags prescribed in the geriatrics ward and for 48% in the surgery wards. PN was not able to fulfill nutritional requirements resulting in a median lack of 3.1 calories and 0.23 g of proteins per kilogram of reference body weight per day. Despite this, PN therapy was able to improve total blood proteins and calcium blood levels in our cohort. The NST changed the prescription in 55.8% of the pre-existing PN regimens., Conclusions: More strict adherence to guidelines is needed in order to maximize effectiveness of PN and observe a positive impact on clinical parameters., (Copyright © 2018 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report here the isolation of Mucor velutinosus from multiple blood cultures performed on samples from Broviac catheters and culture of a Broviac insertion-site wound sample from a 6-year-old boy with a history of intestinal failure secondary to chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, parenteral nutrition, and jejunostomy tube dependence. Examination of a slide from the culture revealed the presence of wide nonseptate hyphae with sporangiophores, columella, and chlamydospores. The fungal isolate was sent to the National Institutes of Health for further evaluation and was identified as Mucor velutinosus by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and genomic sequencing. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous amphotericin B and prompt removal of his central line. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of M velutinosus bloodstream infection in a child without cancer.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a highly complex medication and its provision can be prone to a variety of errors. Safe administration of this therapy requires that the competency of clinicians, particularly nurses, be demonstrated using a standardized process. In this document, a standardized model for PN administration competency is proposed based on a competency framework, the ASPEN-published interdisciplinary core competencies, discipline-specific standards of practice, safe practice recommendations, and clinical guidelines. ASPEN recognizes that all healthcare institutions may not currently meet the aspirational goals of this document. This framework will guide institutions and agencies in developing tools and procedures and maintaining competency of staff members around safe PN administration. The ASPEN Board of Directors has approved this document., (© 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Guidelines recommend using single-lumen central vascular access devices (CVADs) for the administration of parenteral nutrition (PN) or lipid-based solutions, or a dedicated lumen on a multilumen CVAD. Publications reviewed by the authors reported comparative rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) in patients with CVADs who received PN through a dedicated lumen compared with those who had PN administered through multilumen CVADs. Two studies included 650 patients with 1349 CVADs. CR-BSIs were equally distributed between the 2 groups. Both studies were poorly reported and had significant risk of bias. These results should be interpreted with caution.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of the peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) accessed via the superficial femoral vein in patients with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS)., Methods: From October 2010 to December 2014, 221 cancer patients with SVCS in our center received real-time ultrasound-guidance of the superficial femoral vein inserted central catheters (FICCs) at the mid-thigh. PICC insertion via upper extremity veins had also been investigated in 2604 cancer patients without SVCS as control. The average catheterization time, one-time puncture frequency, catheter duration and complications were compared between two groups., Results: In the FICC group, the mean catheterization time was 31.60 ± 0.15 minutes, one-time puncture frequency was 1.05 ± 0.08, and catheter duration was 168.95 ± 20.47 days. There was no significant difference compared with the upper extremity veins PICC group: 31.11 ± 3.86 minutes, 1.03 ± 0.30, and 173.58 ± 39.81 days, respectively. The major complications included skin allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) dressings, exudation, catheter-related infection, catheter occlusions, unplanned catheter withdrawal, venous thrombosis, mechanical phlebitis, and catheter malposition. It is interesting that a higher rate of catheter malposition was observed in the upper extremity veins PICC group than in the FICC group (2.15% vs. 0.00%). There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups., Conclusions: Real-time ultrasound-guided PICCs accessed via the superficial femoral vein at the mid-thigh is a new modified technique with low complications, which can be a feasible and safe alternative venous access for patients with SVCS.

Background: Complications of intravenous lipid administration are relatively uncommon. However, inadvertent rapid infusion of intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) is an inherent risk when fats are infused separately from the dextrose-amino acid solution., Case Report: Extremely preterm infant, born at 25 weeks and 6 days of gestational age weighing 920 g, who inadvertently received a massive overdose of IVFE due to a device failure. He developed lethargy, apnea, metabolic acidosis and hemodynamic instability requiring mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Despite discontinuation of IVFE and supportive care, clinical course and metabolic acidosis worsened, so a double-volume exchange transfusion was performed. The procedure was well tolerated, without complications. Serum triglyceride concentration as well as other laboratory data normalized immediately after the exchange transfusion. The patient was extubated to continuous positive airway pressure and inotropic support was discontinued 24 hours after the procedure. He was discharged home at 40 weeks of corrected age with normal magnetic resonance imaging and neurological examination., Conclusion: In cases of profound, symptomatic hypertriglyceridemia due to lipid overdose, double-volume exchange transfusion should be considered, even in extremely preterm infants.

Central venous access devices (CVADs) form an important component of modern paediatric healthcare, especially for children with chronic health conditions such as cancer or gastrointestinal disorders. However device failure and complications rates are high.Over 2½ years, a child requiring parenteral nutrition and associated vascular access dependency due to 'short gut syndrome' (intestinal failure secondary to gastroschisis and resultant significant bowel resection) had ten CVADs inserted, with ninesubsequently failing. This resulted in multiple anaesthetics, invasive procedures, injuries, vascular depletion, interrupted nutrition, delayed treatment and substantial healthcare costs. A conservative estimate of the institutional costs for each insertion, or rewiring, of her tunnelled CVAD was $A10 253 (2016 Australian dollars).These complications and device failures had significant negative impact on the child and her family. Considering the commonality of conditions requiring prolonged vascular access, these failures also have a significant impact on international health service costs., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Griffith University has received unrestricted investigator initiated research grants to support research projects undertaken by AJU from product manufacturers (3M, Adhezion, Angiodynamics, B. Braun, Centurion Medical Products). Griffith University has received consultancy payments on AJU’s behalf from manufacturers (3M, BD). Griffith University has received unrestricted investigator initiated research and education grants to support projects undertaken by TK from product manufacturers (3M, Adhezion, Angiodynamics, Baxter, Centurion Medical Products). Griffith University has received consultancy payments on TK’s behalf from manufacturers (BD and Angiodynamics). Griffith University has received unrestricted investigator initiated research or educational grants on CRM’s behalf from product manufacturers (3M, Adhezion, Angiodynamics; B. Braun, Becton Dickinson; Carefusion; Centurion Medical Products; Entrotech, Smiths Medical, Teleflex). Griffith University has received consultancy payments on CRM’s behalf from manufacturers (3M, B. Braun, BD, ResQDevices, Smiths Medical). Griffith University has received an unrestricted investigator initiated research or educational grant on MC’s behalf from manufacturers (Baxter, BD)., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Clinical Question: Is parenteral nutrition via peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) associated with better delivery of nutrition and growth and fewer adverse events compared with short peripheral cannulas in neonates?, Bottom Line: Compared with short peripheral cannulas, parenteral nutrition via PICCs is associated with better nutrient delivery and lower rates of subsequent catheters or cannulas placed and is not associated with increased rates of invasive infection.

Purpose: The intestinal failure (IF) population is dependent upon central venous catheters (CVC) to maintain minimal energy requirements for growth. Central venous catheter infections (CVCI) are frequent and an independent predictor of intestinal failure associated liver disease. A common complication in children with long-term CVC is the risk of line breakage. Given the often-limited usable vascular access sites in this population, it has been the standard of practice to perform repair of the broken line. Although widely practiced, it is unknown if this practice is associated with increased line colonization rates and subsequent line loss., Methods: A retrospective review of our institutional IF population over the past 8years (2006-2014) was performed. Utilizing a prospectively constructed database, all pediatric patients (n=13, ages 0-17 years) with CVC dependency enrolled in the Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Program with IF were included who underwent a repair and/or replacement procedure of their line. The control replacement group was CVCs that were replaced without being repaired (36), the experimental repair group was CVCs that were repaired (8). The primary outcome of interest was the mean number of days in each group from the intervention (replacement or repair) to line infection/colonization. Mann-Whitney tests for significance were performed with p-values <0.05 being the threshold value for significance., Results: There were no catheter repair associated CVCI. The mean number of days from the replacement or repair of a CVC to its removal owing to infection/colonization was 210.0 and 162.8days respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in time to removal owing to line infection (p=0.55)., Conclusion: Repair of central venous catheters in the pediatric population with intestinal failure does not lead to an increased rate of central venous catheter infection and should be performed when possible., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Small studies suggest differences in efficacy and safety exist between olive oil-based (OLIVE) and soybean oil-based (SOYBEAN) parenteral nutrition regimens in hospitalized adult patients. This large, prospective, randomized (1:1), open-label, multi-center, noninferiority study compared the delivery, efficacy, and safety of OLIVE (N = 226) with SOYBEAN (N = 232) in Chinese adults (≥18 years) admitted to a surgical service for whom parenteral nutrition was required., Methods: Treatments were administered for a minimum of 5 days up to 14 days (to achieve approximately 25 kcal/kg/day, 0.9 g/kg/day amino acids, 0.8 g/kg/day lipid). Impact of treatment on anabolic/catabolic and serum inflammatory, chemistry, and hematological markers, safety, and ease of use were assessed. The primary efficacy variable was serum prealbumin level at Day 5., Results: OLIVE (n = 219) was not inferior to SOYBEAN (n = 224) based on the prealbumin least square geometric mean [LSGM] ratio [95% CI] 1.12 [1.06, 1.19]; P = 0.002), improved the anabolic/catabolic status of patients enrolled in the study, and was well tolerated compared with SOYBEAN. Improved anabolic status was supported by significantly higher levels of prealbumin at Day 5, albumin at Day 5 and IGF-1 at Day 14 in the OLIVE group, while catabolism was similar between groups. C-reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, procalcitonin, and oxidation were similar in each group, but infections were significantly lower with OLIVE (3.6% versus 10.4%; P < 0.01)., Conclusions: OLIVE provided effective nutrition, was well tolerated, was associated with fewer infections, and conferred greater ease-of-use than SOYBEAN., Trial Registration: NTC 01579097.

Background: Neonatal parenteral nutrition may be delivered via peripheral cannulas or central venous catheters (umbilical or percutaneous). As the result of complications associated with umbilical catheters, many neonatal units prefer to use percutaneous catheters after initial stabilisation. Although they can be difficult to place, these catheters may be more stable than peripheral cannulae and require less frequent replacement. These delivery methods may be associated with different risks of adverse events, including acquired invasive infection and extravasation injury., Objectives: To determine the effects of infusion of parenteral nutrition via percutaneous central venous catheters versus peripheral cannulae on nutrient input, growth and development and complications among hospitalised neonates receiving parenteral nutrition in terms of adverse consequences such as bacteraemia or invasive fungal infection, cardiac tamponade or other extravasation injuries., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2015) and EMBASE (1980 to June 2015), as well as conference proceedings and previous reviews., Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials that compared delivery of intravenous fluids (primarily parenteral nutrition) via percutaneous central venous catheters versus peripheral cannulae in hospitalised neonates., Data Collection and Analysis: We extracted data using standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Group, with separate evaluation of trial quality and data extraction by two review authors., Main Results: We found six trials recruiting a total of 549 infants. One trial showed that use of a percutaneous central venous catheter was associated with a smaller deficit between prescribed and actual nutrient intake during the trial period (mean difference (MD) -7.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -11.02 to -3.2). Infants in the percutaneous central venous catheter group needed significantly fewer catheters/cannulae (MD -4.3, 95% CI -5.24, -3.43). Meta-analysis of data from all trials revealed no evidence of an effect on the incidence of invasive infection (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.25; typical risk difference (RD) -0.01, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.06)., Authors' Conclusions: Data from one small trial suggest that use of percutaneous central venous catheters to deliver parenteral nutrition increases nutrient input. The significance of this in relation to long-term growth and developmental outcomes is unclear. Three trials suggest that use of percutaneous central venous catheters decreases the number of catheters/cannulae needed to deliver nutrition. No evidence suggests that percutaneous central venous catheter use increases risks of adverse events, particularly invasive infection, although none of the included trials was large enough to rule out an effect on uncommon severe adverse events such as pericardial effusion.

Over the last 50 years, parenteral nutrition has been recognised as an invaluable and potentially lifesaving tool in the physician's arsenal in the management of patients with intestinal failure or inaccessibility; however, it may also be associated with a number of potentially life-threatening complications. A recent NCEPOD report (2010) identified a number of inadequacies in the overall provision and management of parenteral nutrition and recommendations were made with the aim of improving clinical practice in the future. This paper focuses on the practical aspects relating to parenteral nutrition for adults, including important concepts, such as patient selection, as well as general management. We also explore the various pitfalls and potential complications and how these may be minimised.

Background & Aims: Patients with Intestinal failure (IF) on long-term nutritional support (IF Type 3) through parenteral nutrition (PN) require invasive venous access to provide nutritional compounds. Central venous catheters (CVC) are at risk of complications including microbial infections and occlusion. Occlusions can be resolved by administering parenteral solutions to achieve patency. However, we report an alternative methodology for salvaging occluded CVCs and achieving patency using endoluminal brushing., Methods: Patients admitted with a CVC occlusion to one of the two national IF centres in the UK, were entered into a prospectively managed database and the data were then analysed retrospectively. The study used data from patients who had CVC occlusions from December 2003 to March 2006 (Cohort 1) and from April 2006 to September 2010 (Cohort 2). Cohort 1 included occluded CVCs managed using endoluminal brushing and the split of cohorts was determined by the availability of endoluminal brushes. Cohort 2 included occluded CVCs managed using a 'standard' technique of urokinase with or without adjuncts such as Ethanol, Hydrochloric acid or Sodium hydroxide. If therapy failed, the CVC was removed. Data were recorded on success of achieving patency and occurrence of re-occlusion., Results: 66 episodes of CVC occlusion from 44 patients occurred in Cohort 1, compared to 68 episodes in 45 patients in Cohort 2. There was no difference in gender, age, median time on TPN prior to occlusive episode or disease aetiology. The number of CVCs where patency was achieved was 57 (86%) in Cohort 1 compared to 34 (50%) in Cohort 2 (p < 0.0001). Consequently, the number of CVCs replaced were 9 (14%) in Cohort 1 compared to 34 (50%) in Cohort 2 (p < 0.0001). There were no complications associated with endoluminal brushing or 'standard' therapy., Conclusion: This is the first report of the safe and effective use of endoluminal brushing to manage occluded CVCs in patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Nutrition science continues to flourish, building on recent advances in genetics, bioengineering, and technological Sciences. The article presents the main directions of modern nutrition and the prospects for its development in the multidisciplinary hospital.

Treatment of chronic diseases in children is a special medical problem. Maintaining constant access to the central vascular system is necessary for long-term hemato-oncological and nephrological therapies as well as parenteral nutrition. Providing such access enables chemotherapic treatment, complete parenteral nutrition, long-term antibiotic therapy, hemodialysis, treatment of intensive care unit patients, monitoring blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and stimulation of heart rate in emergency situations as well as treatment of patients suffering from complications, especially when chances of access into peripheral veins are exhausted. Continuous access to the central vascular system is desirable in the treatment of chronically ill children. Insertion of a central venous catheter line eliminates the unnecessary pain and stress to a child patient accompanying injection into peripheral vessels. In order to gain long-term and secure access to the central venous system, respecting the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention contained in the updated 'Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections' is necessary.

Purpose: Survey of intravascular catheter management is an essential step in the control and prevention of catheter-related infection. In recent years, most surveillance studies only included catheters from intensive care units (ICUs). Data regarding the level of care and adherence to international guidelines in a whole general institution are scarce. Our objective was to evaluate the care situation of intravascular catheters in our adult units of a General Hospital., Methods: We surveyed adults hospitalized in non-psychiatric/maternity wards. In a week, a nurse visited all the adult hospitalized patients. Data were registered in a protocol that included variables, such as no. of catheters, location of catheter, type of catheter, date of placement and the need of an indication of each catheter in the visit day., Results: We included in the study a total of 753 adult patients. Of them, 653 (86.7%) had one or more inserted catheters at the moment of the study visit (total: 797 catheters). Of all the catheters, 144 (18.0%) were central venous catheters and 653 (81.9%) were peripheral lines. The hospitalization units where the patients were admitted were ICU, 52 (6.9%); and non-ICU, 601 (92.0%). There were 183 (22.9%) catheters with no need to remain in place in the day of the study. Overall, we found 464 (71.0%) patients with one or more opportunities for catheter care improvement., Conclusions: A rapid survey of the care situation of intravascular catheters is feasible and easy to do with our methodology. The data show great opportunity for improvement, mainly in the non-ICU areas.

Parenteral nutrition is crucial when the use of the gastrointestinal tract is not feasible. This article addresses the main techniques for parenteral access in children, its indications, insertion details and maintenance, and complications. The type of venous access is mainly dictated by the expected duration of parenteral nutrition and by the body weight/stature. The peripheral access is viable and advantageous for parenteral nutrition of short duration (< 2 weeks); a tunneled central venous catheter (Broviac) is usually necessary in long-term parenteral nutrition (> 3 weeks); a peripherally introduced central catheter is an increasingly used alternative. Parenteral accesses are effective and safe, but the morbidity and mortality is not negligible particularly in cases of short bowel syndrome. Most complications are related to the catheter placement and maintenance care, and can be largely avoided when the procedures are carried out by experienced staff under strict protocols.

Patient security is one of the key aspects of the Health-System. Parenteral Nutrition is included in the ISMP's list of high-alert medication, being its appropiate use an essential element in maximizing effectiviness while minimizing the potential risk of errors associated with its use. Multi-chamber bags offer several advantages versus pharmacy bespoke bags. However, their apparent simplicity may induce to misuse, asuming their use requires limited consideration, thus increasing the risk of potential errors. For this reason, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacist's Clinical Nutrition Group considered it essential to develop a list of safety practices regarding the use of parenteral nutrition multi-chamber bags. These recommendations are based on practices globally accepted to diminish errors in PN therapy., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

The article deals with results of the first Russian national observational study of nutritional support in children in the ICU. We assessed a frequency of use of enteral and parenteral nutrition and analyzed preparations for enteral and parenteral nutrition. The article discusses methods of the calculation of malnutrition in children in critical states.

Parenteral nutrition product shortages are common and place vulnerable patients at risk for nutrient deficiencies. This case report describes a parenteral nutrition-dependent patient who was found to have zinc deficiency during a parenteral nutrition product shortage. The management of the patient's zinc deficiency is described., (© 2014 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Background & Aims: Catheter-related-blood-stream-infection (CRBSI) might be prevented by optimal catheter connector antisepsis in children with intestinal failure on parenteral nutrition (PN). We changed the disinfectant used from isopropanol 70% to chlorhexidine 2% in 70% isopropanol, which leaves a residue of chlorhexidine on the connector., Methods: We conducted this before/after study in children treated with PN for >28 days. Episodes of CRBSI were recorded for all 42 children treated for >28 days during May-November 2006 before introducing chlorhexidine and for all 50 children treated in May-November 2007 after chlorhexidine was introduced. The number of hospital-acquired CRBSI and number of PN days was counted for each period. The rate of CRBSI/1000 catheter days and the proportion of patients that experienced at least one CRBSI during the two periods were compared., Results: There were 3.1 CRBSI/1000 catheter days prior to using chlorhexidine and 0.4 CRBSI/1000 catheter days after it was introduced, p = 0.03. Prior to chlorhexidine 10/42 (24%) patients experienced at least one episode of CRBSI, compared to 3/50, (6%) after introducing it (p = 0.02). The survival rate in both periods was similar, but after chlorhexidine significantly more children made a full recovery and a lower proportion of children had irreversible intestinal failure (p = 0.01)., Conclusions: Our results support the use of 2% chlorhexidine not only to reduce risk of sepsis for central venous catheter connector antisepsis in catheters used for intravenous nutrition, but also to improve the patients' chances of recovering intestinal function., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and their complications in critically ill premature neonates., Methods: A retrospective collection of data of infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) who underwent PICC placement over a 2-year period. Gestational age, birth weight (BW), sex, site of catheter placement, reason for catheter removal, duration of the catheter use, proven sepsis, type of the reported organism and the rate of complications were collected. The infants were classified into two groups according to BWs: Group 1-VLBW infants (BW between 1,000 and 1,500 g) and Group 2-BW <1,000 g (extremely low birth weight, ELBW group)., Results: During the study period, 90 VLBW infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. PICCs were attempted in 71 patients. A PICC was successfully inserted into 62 patients (87.3%). Totally, 68 PICCs were inserted into 62 infants. PICCs placed in either the upper or the lower extremity have no differences in complication rates. The median time of catheter insertion was 10 (1-22) days for Group 1 and 16 (1-47) days for Group 2 (p=0.001). The median duration of PICCs was 9 (2-18) and 12.0 (3-30) days, respectively (p=0.012). There were no significant differences between groups for the reasons for removal (p=0.859)., Conclusions: PICCs are convenient for the administration of long course antibiotics and parenteral nutrition for both VLBW and ELBW infants. The risk of catheter complications did not increase in ELBW infants. Although the technique of insertion is easy and using PICCs has many benefits, serious and fatal complications may occur in premature neonates in critical states.

Background: The tubing (administration set) attached to both venous and arterial catheters may contribute to bacteraemia and other infections. The rate of infection may be increased or decreased by routine replacement of administration sets. This review was originally published in 2005 and was updated in 2012., Objectives: The objective of this review was to identify any relationship between the frequency with which administration sets are replaced and rates of microbial colonization, infection and death., Search Methods: We searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 6), MEDLINE (1950 to June 2012), CINAHL (1982 to June 2012), EMBASE (1980 to June 2012), reference lists of identified trials and bibliographies of published reviews. The original search was performed in February 2004. We also contacted researchers in the field. We applied no language restriction., Selection Criteria: We included all randomized or controlled clinical trials on the frequency of venous or arterial catheter administration set replacement in hospitalized participants., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors assessed all potentially relevant studies. We resolved disagreements between the two review authors by discussion with a third review author. We collected data for seven outcomes: catheter-related infection; infusate-related infection; infusate microbial colonization; catheter microbial colonization; all-cause bloodstream infection; mortality; and cost. We pooled results from studies that compared different frequencies of administration set replacement, for instance, we pooled studies that compared replacement ≥ every 96 hours versus every 72 hours with studies that compared replacement ≥ every 48 hours versus every 24 hours., Main Results: We identified 26 studies for this updated review, 10 of which we excluded; six did not fulfil the inclusion criteria and four did not report usable data. We extracted data from the remaining 18 references (16 studies) with 5001 participants: study designs included neonate and adult populations, arterial and venous administration sets, parenteral nutrition, lipid emulsions and crystalloid infusions. Most studies were at moderate to high risk of bias or did not adequately describe the methods that they used to minimize bias. All included trials were unable to blind personnel because of the nature of the intervention.No evidence was found for differences in catheter-related or infusate-related bacteraemia or fungaemia with more frequent administration set replacement overall or at any time interval comparison (risk ratio (RR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 1.69; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.70). Infrequent administration set replacement reduced the rate of bloodstream infection (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98). No evidence revealed differences in catheter colonization or infusate colonization with more frequent administration set replacement (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.24; RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.86, respectively). Borderline evidence suggested that infrequent administration set replacement increased the mortality rate only within the neonatal population (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.36). No evidence revealed interactions between the (lack of) effects of frequency of administration set replacement and the subgroups analysed: parenteral nutrition and/or fat emulsions versus infusates not involving parenteral nutrition or fat emulsions; adult versus neonatal participants; and arterial versus venous catheters., Authors' Conclusions: Some evidence indicates that administration sets that do not contain lipids, blood or blood products may be left in place for intervals of up to 96 hours without increasing the risk of infection. Other evidence suggests that mortality increased within the neonatal population with infrequent administration set replacement. However, much the evidence obtained was derived from studies of low to moderate quality.

Aim: To evaluate the feeding behaviour and performance of preterm neonates receiving feeds by paladai (a small beaked receptacle)., Methods: We enrolled stable neonates - 10 each in 28-30 weeks [group I] and 31-32 weeks gestation [group II], and offered them paladai feeds. We recorded the feeding sessions on alternate days until they were on full enteral feeds. The outcome variables were (1) feeding behaviour, as assessed by changes in states of wakefulness, oromotor functions and coordination between breathing and swallowing; (2) feeding performance, as assessed by proficiency and efficiency., Results: A total of 47 and 27 sessions were studied in groups I and II, respectively. The median postconceptional age (PCA) at start of paladai feeding was 30 (range, 29-32) and 32 (31-32) weeks in the two groups. The infants accepted paladai feedings in all behavioural states. Incoordination between feeding and breathing was observed in about 25% of the sessions in both the groups. We observed a rapid improvement in feeding performance with experience - the median proficiency improved from 5.5 to 10.1 mL/min and 6.2-11.5 mL/min in groups I and II, respectively. The proficiency of group I infants at a median PCA of 30.9 weeks was higher than that of group II infants at median PCA 31.7 weeks., Conclusion: Stable preterm neonates can be fed with paladai from 30 weeks PCA. The oropharyngeal ability is possibly influenced more by the postnatal experience than by maturity at birth., (©2013 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica ©2013 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.)

Parenteral nutrition (PN) has become an integral part of clinical management of very low birth weight premature neonates. Traditionally different components of PN are prescribed individually considering requirements of an individual neonate (IPN). More recently, standardised PN formulations (SPN) for preterm neonates have been assessed and may have advantages including better provision of nutrients, less prescription and administration errors, decreased risk of infection, and cost savings. The recent introduction of triple-chamber bag that provides total nutrient admixture for neonates may have additional advantage of decreased risk of contamination and ease of administration.

Background: Medical devices such as perfusion materials in polyvinyl chloride may contain di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Several studies have questioned the harmlessness of phthalates, which have been shown to have toxic effects on the reproductive system and general development. This study was designed to assess DEHP exposure in infants and children benefitting from cyclic parenteral nutrition (PN). The results are compared with those obtained from children used as controls and receiving no PN, to estimate the potential risk to this pediatric population, taking into account exposure levels and already published data., Methods: Plasmatic concentrations of DEHP were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography from blood samples taken from 22 children at the start and finish of a 12-hour cyclic PN period and compared with those obtained from 20 control children of comparable age and gender., Results: After a 12-hour cyclic PN period, DEHP migration varied widely among the patients. The concentrations were not quantifiable in 4 children at the start of PN. In 1 child, they were quantifiable neither at the start nor at the end of PN. However, for 17 children, DEHP concentrations were quantifiable at the start of PN and were very variable from one child to another. At the end, DEHP concentrations had significantly but variably increased in these children. No trace of DEHP was found in the blood samples from 20 healthy controls., Conclusion: Considering published data on phthalate toxicity, it would appear advisable to encourage the use of medical devices that are either phthalate or DEHP free.

Background: In recent years the incidence of candidemia caused by non-albicans Candida species has been increasing. Two cryptic species have been described within the Candida glabrata complex, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis, which may be troublesome in laboratory identification and have lower susceptibility to fluconazole., Aims: To describe the first isolation of C. nivariensis in the Iberian Peninsula from a patient suffering from a catheter-related fungemia., Case Report: An 81-year-old man was hospitalized for surgical treatment of an intestinal fistula that was associated to a severe malnutrition. Cultures of the patient's central venous catheter tip and blood yielded white colonies in BD CHROMagar Candida(®) medium, which could not be identified by conventional microbiological methods. Although intravenous fluconazole was administered, blood cultures continued being positive 5 days later. The MIC values of the isolate were as follows: 1 μg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.015 μg/ml for anidulafungin, 0.125 μg/ml for caspofungin, 0.015 μg/ml for micafungin, 4 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.25 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 0.03 μg/ml for voriconazole. Antifungal treatment was changed to intravenous caspofungin for 2 weeks. The intestinal fistula was surgically treated. There was no evidence of relapse during the following month, and the patient was discharged. The isolate was identified as C. nivariensis based on DNA sequencing of the ITS regions of rRNA., Conclusions: C. nivariensis should be regarded as an emerging pathogen which requires molecular methods for a definitive identification. Our patient was successfully treated with caspofungin., (Copyright © 2012 Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The preparation of parenteral nutrition mixture (PNM) in an open chamber requires the use of intermediate containers sterile and non-pyrogenic. A sterilization of containers by moist heat in large autoclaves is the suitable method. However, sterilization by moist heat is not a depyrogenation method. In our study, we report the validation of a sterilization and depyrogenation method for containers by dry heat using a convection oven., Materials and Methods: Sterilization and depyrogenation of material by dry heat have been audited by the reduction of at least three logarithms of original endotoxin rate. The containers were initially artificially contaminated with a suspension of endotoxin for 16 hours. Contaminated containers were placed in an oven with revolving heat at 250 °C for 1 hour. After treatment with dry heat, the residual endotoxin levels in the containers were determined by a kinetic chromogenic method., Results: After treatment with dry heat, the average log reductions of endotoxin levels were respectively, for glass and steel containers, 4.78 ± 0.07 and 4.87 ± 0.03., Discussion and Conclusion: The present validation study confirms the effectiveness of treatment with dry heat for sterilization and depyrogenation of glass and steel containers. This method of sterilization and depyrogenation meets the microbiological quality requirements for the preparation of MNP., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)