Mechanical Complications in Central Lines Using Taurolidine Versus Ethanol Lock Therapy in Children With Intestinal Failure

Objectives: Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) is effective in reducing rates of catheter-related-bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in the pediatric intestinal failure (IF) population; however, ELT may increase the risk of line occlusion and breakage, significantly impacting preservation of vascular access. During a period of ethanol shortage, Health Canada temporarily approved the use of taurolidine lock therapy (TLT) in pediatric iF patients previously utilizing ELT. This provided a unique opportunity to directly compare rates of central venous catheter (CVC) complications, including CRBSi, breaks, occlusions, repairs and replacements in patients who utilized both ELT and TLT. Methods: A retrospective study of pediatric IF patients managed by three Western Canadian intestinal rehabilitation programs was performed. Event rates in patients who used both ELT and TLT during the study period were compared using Poisson regression analysis. Results: In 13 patients with 10,187 catheter days (CDs), TLT (vs ELT) had lower rates of CVC breaks (1.11 vs 5.19/1000 CDs, P 
Source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original Articles: Gastroenterology Source Type: research