Taurolidine 5g/250ml intraperitoneal solution bottles

Antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) prevents microbial colonisation in central vein catheters and treats existing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Our objective was to assess the current scientific literature on the application of ALT and to address the following key questions: 1. Which patients are candidates for ALT? 2. In what clinical contexts is ALT employed? 3. When has ALT been used, and what are the trends in its application over time? 4. How is ALT administered, including specific agents such as antibiotics or ethanol? 5. Is there sufficient existing literature to support conducting a comprehensive systematic re-view on ALT? The scoping review followed a five-stage methodological framework, adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 1024 studies were identified, with 336 ultimately included in the final analysis. The findings showed that ALT involves the use of ethanol and taurolidine for preventing CLAB-SIs, while ALT is used alongside systemic antimicrobial treatment for CRBSIs when catheter re-moval is not feasible. In conclusion, ALT demonstrates its potential to improve clinical outcomes, including better post-infection survival rates and prolonged catheter retention. Further systematic reviews are needed to strengthen these findings and provide clearer guidance for clinical practice.

Abstract licence: CC BY

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preventative strategies targeted at lowering these injections.MethodsA comprehensive assessment of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) was carried out to discover relevant papers published from 2013-2024. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational research on therapy for intravenous injection and catheter-related infections. The primary outcome examined was the incidence or prevalence of infections caused by intravenous injections. According to preliminary data from 31 studies, preventive interventions dramatically reduce the incidence of intravenous injection and catheter-related infections. Subgroup analyses indicate effectiveness differences depending on intervention type and patient variables.ResultsChlorhexidine-based therapies can lower infection risk by 29% (Risk Ratio: 0.71), but taurolidine provides a statistically significant 53% benefit (RR = 0.47). The total risk ratio varies from 0.71 to 0.84, indicating a 29% reduction in infection rates in nations having Needlestick Safety and Prevention Acts. In contrast, the absence of such regulation may result in a 6% to 8% rise in infection rates (RR = 0.96).ConclusionPreventative interventions, notably chlorhexidine and taurolidine, can considerably reduce the risk of intravenous injection and catheter-related infections. Chlorhexidine may lower the risk of infection by 29%, whereas taurolidine reduces it by 53%. Nations with Needlestick Safety and Prevention Acts may expect a one-third reduction in infection rates. Conversely, the absence of such laws may result in a significant rise in infection rates.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC