Ethanol-Lock Therapy for the Prevention of Central Venous Access Device Infections in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure

Background: Central venous access device (CVAD) infections are a major complication in pediatric patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) and are particularly prevalent in patients with intestinal failure. This study evaluated the outcomes of outpatient ethanol-lock therapy (ELT) for the prevention of CVAD infections in children with intestinal failure. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, the primary outcome measure was the rate of bloodstream infection (BSI) due to CVAD infections per 1,000 catheter days, and secondary measures included type of organisms cultured and complications of ELT. Results: Over the course of 2 years, 15 patients received outpatient ELT. Sixty-seven percent were male; patients had a mean +/- standard deviation age at enrollment of 5.6 +/- 6.9 years and body weight of 19.9 +/- 15.4 kg. Mean duration of ELT was 263 +/- 190 days. Mean BSI rate per 1,000 catheter days significantly decreased from 8.0 before ELT to 1.3 after ELT (P < .01). Seventy-three percent of patients remained infection free throughout the entire study period. Adverse events potentially related to ELT included thrombosis (n = 1), difficulty withdrawing blood from the CVAD, requiring thrombolytic administration (n = 3), and repair of the CVAD for leakage/tear (n = 20). The rate of CVAD repair for leakage/tear with ELT was compared to prior rates per 1,000 catheter days and was found to be elevated after initiation of ELT (6.4 +/- 10.0 vs 3.1 +/- 5.2; P = .20). No signs and symptoms of ethanol intoxication were observed. Conclusions: ELT for the prevention of CVAD infections in pediatric intestinal failure patients significantly decreased BSI rates and may be used for extended periods of time in an outpatient setting. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011;35:67-73)