'Triple-Threat' Approach Reduces Life-Threatening Central Line Infections in Children With Cancer

[xchrom]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120903123612.htm

ScienceDaily (Sep. 3, 2012) — Hospitals can dramatically reduce the number of life-threatening central line infections in pediatric cancer patients by following a set of basic precautions, by encouraging families to speak up when they observe noncompliance with the protocol and by honest analysis of the root cause behind every single infection, according to a new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study.

In a report in the October issue of Pediatrics, published online Sept. 3, the researchers say this triple-threat approach has prevented one in five infections over two years.

Previous studies from Johns Hopkins and other institutions have demonstrated that meticulous daily care of the central line can cut the number of bloodstream infections in critically ill patients, but this is the first study, the researchers say, to focus on the most vulnerable of pediatric patients -- those undergoing cancer treatment and bone marrow transplants.

A central venous catheter, or central line, is a tube inserted into a major blood vessel in the neck, chest or groin as a portal for medication, fluids or blood draws. Inserted incorrectly or mishandled after insertion, the central line can become a gateway for bacteria and other germs into the patient's bloodstream, causing invasive disease and organ damage. Because nurses and doctors access the catheter several times a day -- as much as 10 to 30 times daily in oncology patients, researchers say -- proper handling of the device is critical.

[hedgehog]

1. My Dad had life saving neurosurgery after a hemorrhagic stroke -

weeks in intensive care, all kinds of the latest brain scans; he was doing great and then almost died from blood poisoning from a urinary catheter. (He's fine now!)

The most exotic, latest and greatest medicine is not as important as washing your hands!