Taurolidine for the prevention of catheter-related infections in children with intestinal insufficiency: preliminary experience in a Chilean tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Taurolidine is a molecule with anti-endotoxic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibits bacterial adhesion, allowing for its use as lock therapy for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in long-term central venous catheters (CVC). Aim: To report a preliminary experience, the first one in Chile, using lock therapy with taurolidine for the prevention of CRBSI and to report its efficacy. Method: A taurolidine-based solution was instilled in the CVC of three children with intestinal insufficiency dependent on parenteral nutrition, attended in a Chilean tertiary hospital, and the rate of CRBSI before and after its use was compared in retrospect. Results: In the two patients who started lock therapy immediately after the installation of their CVC, the rate of CRBSI was brought to zero, whereas in the third patient, who had a 9 months-old CVC with a recurrent CRBSI history, an intercurrent CRBSI forced discontinuation of the prophylaxis. Conclusions: Lock therapy with a taurolidine-based solution prevented CRBSIs when it was begun immediately after installing the CVC, in contrast with an old CVC with a history of recurrent CRBSIs.