O'Keefe et al identified risk factors for recurrent infection in a patient receiving home parenteral nutrition. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Patient selection: home parenteral nutrition
Outcome: recurrent sepsis
25% of patients in the study never experienced an infection.
17% had frequent infections.
Risk factors for recurrent sepsis:
(1) younger age (45 years +/- 12, versus 66.9 +/- 14.3)
(2) Crohn's disease
(3) jejunostomy
(4) central vein thrombosis
(5) smoking
(6) poor catheter care technique
Blood cultures can be helpful in monitoring the patient.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
