Factors Predicting Efficacy of Ethanol Lock Therapy as Catheter Salvage Strategy for Pediatric Catheter-Related Infections

Aim: Catheter-related infections are difficult to cure, and failure rates are high. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethanol lock therapy (ELT) as catheter salvage strategy in children with central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and to identify factors associated with treatment failure.

Methods: Data were collected of all the children who received ELT for treatment of CLABSI during 2013-2018, due to failure of standard therapy or multiple catheter-related infections. Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk-factors for ELT failure were performed. Catheter salvage rates were compared to those achieved using systemic antimicrobials alone in an historical control group.

Results: A total of 123 ELT episodes among 95 patients were analyzed. The majority of patients had underlying hemato-oncological disorders. Approximately half the episodes occurred in patients with implantable ports. Early and late treatment failure rates of ELT were 16% (20/123) and 7% (9/123), respectively. Overall, successful catheter salvage was achieved in 78% (96/123) of episodes, compared to 54% using systemic antimicrobials alone (p<0.001); including mycobacterium, candida and most staphylococcus aureus infections. Adverse events were reported in 9% (11/123) of episodes and were mostly mechanical. Multivariate analysis identified four risk-factors for ELT failure: gram-positive bacteria, elevated C-reactive protein, signs of tunnel infection and low absolute neutrophil counts.

Conclusions: Our findings support the use of ELT for catheter salvage in children with CLABSI who failed standard therapy or had multiple catheter-related infections. The identified variables associated with ELT failure may help identify patients who can most benefit from ELT.