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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Published on: July 13, 2014
Hidden morbidity of ethanol lock therapy
Teerin T Meckmongkol1, Caitlyn Costanzo2, Sean Ciullo2
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, 160 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA. tmeckmon@tenethealth.com.
Pediatric Surgery International
|October 18, 2017
Summary
Ethanol lock therapy did not reduce catheter-related infections in intestinal failure patients. This treatment increased catheter breakage and thrombosis, leading to more hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Clinical practice
- Patient outcomes
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are vital for patients with intestinal failure (IF).
- Catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs) are a significant complication.
- Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) is a strategy to prevent and treat CRBSIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ethanol lock therapy in preventing CRBSIs in patients with intestinal failure.
- To assess the impact of ELT on CVC complications and healthcare utilization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 IF patients treated with ELT from 2006 to 2013.
- Analysis of CRBSI rates, CVC thrombosis, CVC breakage, CVC replacements, hospital admissions, and hospital days.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in CRBSI rates before and after ELT initiation (5.6 vs. 7 per 1000 catheter days).
- Significant increase in CVC thrombosis (0 to 3 per 1000 catheter days, p<0.05) and CVC breakage (0 to 13.7 per 1000 catheter days, p<0.001) with ELT.
- Increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits related to catheters after starting ELT.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol lock therapy was not effective in reducing CRBSI rates in this IF population.
- ELT was associated with increased rates of CVC thrombosis and breakage.
- Methodological factors in ELT administration may influence its effectiveness and complication rates.
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