Drug shortage-associated increase in catheter-related blood stream infection in children

Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been shown to reduce the incidence of catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) in intestinal failure (IF) patients. Dosing and frequency remains undefined. Scrutiny of pharmaceutical facilities by the Food and Drug Administration led to the voluntary shutdown of the sole supplier of ethanol, resulting in a nationwide shortage. To conserve supply, we reduced ELT frequency from a daily regimen. We examined the impact that reduction in ELT frequency had on CRBSI in pediatric IF patients.

We retrospectively reviewed our parenteral nutrition-dependent IF children. Primary outcome measure was CRBSI per 1000 catheter days after ELT frequency reduction. Data were compared (paired t test) to the same group over 1 year before ethanol shortage and to historical controls.

During the shortage 13 outpatients received ELT. Eight met study criteria. Mean ± SD age was 9.1 ± 7.8 years. Mean CRBSI rate per 1000 catheter days was 0.7 ± 1.3 before ELT shortage. This increased to 6.2 ± 2.5 after frequency reduction (P < .001). This CRBSI rate was similar to historical IF children not on ELT (8.0 ± 5.4). Seven children developed CRBSI after frequency reduction, 6 requiring hospitalization, 2 to the ICU. Mean length of stay (15.5 days) averaged $104,783(± 111,034) in hospital charges. Organisms included Gram-negatives (6), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (1), and Candida spp (1).

ELT frequency reduction resulted in complete failure in CRBSI prophylaxis. The nationwide shortage of this drug has been costly both financially and in patient morbidity.