Background: For peripherally compatible infusates planned for

Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is common among patients requiring intravenous antibiotics beyond hospitalization. However, OPAT is associated with catheter-related adverse events (AEs), which occur more frequently than drug-related AEs and may lead to care interruptions or harm. We compared AEs related to the most common venous catheters used for OPAT: midline catheters (midlines) [...]

Background: The Michigan PICC-DVT Risk Score (MRS) identified five predictors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs): presence of another central venous catheter (CVC) when device is placed, white blood cell (WBC) count at time of insertion, active cancer, number of catheter lumens, and history of venous thromboembolism (VTE)1. We [...]

Background: Vascular access devices (VADs) play an integral role in the treatment of patients, since they can be utilized for the administration of intravenous medications (including antibiotics and chemotherapy), and often on a long term basis. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a type of VAD, which is frequently utilized in different populations. Once [...]

Background: The midline catheter (midline) has emerged as a reliable vascular access device for peripherally compatible infusates. Current guidelines recommend midlines when the intended dwell is ≤14 days since little is known about its safety beyond this period. We sought to describe characteristics and outcomes of midlines that dwell for >14 days. Methods: Trained abstractors [...]

Background: Intravenous vancomycin treatment is often necessary beyond hospitalization. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are usually placed for this indication. Whether the less invasive midline catheters (midlines) are safe alternatives for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) with vancomycin is unclear. We compared the safety of midlines and PICCs among patients receiving vancomycin for OPAT. Methods: [...]