Management of Recurrent Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in an Adult Patient Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: Dramatic Effect of Ethanol Lock Therapy

Abstract

We report the use of ethanol lock therapy to dramatically reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in a long-term adult home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patient. This case study demonstrates the efficacy of ethanol lock therapy in eliminating CRBSIs when other treatments have been unsuccessful. We suggest that ethanol lock therapy has an important role in decreasing CRBSI in HPN patients with recurrent CRBSIs.