Methods A retrospective review of 91 patients with sepsis treated with antibiotics, IV fluids and NE for hypotension. Data on HDUand 30-day mortality, standardized mortality ratio (SMR) as well as adverse events (necrosis and arrhythmia) were collected. The route of administration of fluids and NE, via peripheral venous catheter (PVC) or central venous catheter (CVC), was registered. All patien...

DESCRIPTION A 48-year-old caucasian woman with a history of trauma was treated for osteomyelitis of the left ankle with ceftriaxone and continuous perfusion of vancomycin through a central venous catheter. After 2 months of therapy, the patient suddenly presented with fever, chills, neck and basithoracic pain. Basic observation revealed tachycardia, without any focus of infection. Extensive thr...

PURPOSE To review the literature on prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE database, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of review articles and book chapters were searched for relevant articles. Primary authors were contacted directly if data were incomplete. STUDY SELECTION Studies met the following criteria unless otherwise stated: Trials ...