Taurolidine is effective in the treatment of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in cancer patients.
Taurolidine is an antimicrobial agent that was originally used in the local treatment of peritonitis and was shown to be effective in the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). In this pilot study, we used taurolidine solution as an intravenous (i.v.) lock into the totally implantable intravascular devices of 11 consecutive oncological patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections not responding to systemic antimicrobial chemotherapy. All patients recovered completely from the infection. No adverse drug effects were seen. Three patients were successfully retreated for a recurrent infection. Our data suggest a beneficial role of taurolidine i.v. lock for the therapy of catheter-related bloodstream infections in oncological patients. Taurolidine i.v. lock application is feasible and could especially be useful in infections resistant to antibiotic chemotherapy.
Koldehoff
M
M
Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstreet 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. michael.koldehoff@uni-essen.de
Zakrzewski
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012996:Solutions; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013829:Thiadiazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012996:Solutions; D013829:Thiadiazines; D013654:Taurine; C012566:taurolidine