title: Use of ethanol locks to prevent recurrent central line sepsis.
abstract: Catheter-related sepsis (CRS) is a common complication of long-term parenteral nutrition. Conventional antibiotic therapy is often effective in the short-term but, because of poor activity against intraluminal microbial biofilms, may not prevent relapse. Ethanol is an effective antiseptic. We describe a case of a patient with recurrent CRS successfully treated with 70% ethanol locks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Sarah C L
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Metcalf
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Chambers
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Pithie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000431:Ethanol