The Effectiveness of Taurolidine Antimicrobial Locks in Preventing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) in Children Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: We assessed the efficacy of taurolidine lock (TL) in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and related hospitalizations in children with parenteral nutrition (PN) in the home setting. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series study. All children with intestinal failure in a single center in southern Israel who were administered PN and treated with TL between 2017 and 2024 were included. The rates of CRBSI episodes, related hospitalizations and pathogen distribution in the pre-TL and post-TL periods were compared. Results: Overall, 14 patients were included. The median pre-TL and post-TL periods were 990 and 1260 days, respectively. The rate of CRBSI episodes due to bacterial infection per 1000 days declined by 45%, from 6.2 to 3.7, with p = 0.0008, while fungal CRBSI rates were low (<10% of all positive cultures) and did not decline significantly. Similarly, the hospitalization episode rate per 1000 days declined by 41%, from 7.6 to 4.5, with p = 0.001. Conclusions: Taurolidine lock treatment for children with central-line PN resulted in a substantial decrease in CRBSI episodes and related hospitalizations.