Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jan 1990
Comparative StudyIncreased infection rate in double-lumen versus single-lumen Hickman catheters in cancer patients.
Over the 48-month period from January 1983 through December 1986, 51 single-lumen (SL) and 94 double-lumen (DL) indwelling central venous (Hickman) catheters were placed in 118 patients with malignant disease. We reviewed these cases retrospectively to determine the types and frequency of complications requiring catheter removal. The catheters were in place a total of 18,397 days. ⋯ SL catheters that became infected averaged 213 days of use before removal, whereas DL catheters becoming infected averaged only 78 days before removal (P less than or equal to .02). The infection rate was significantly less in SL (one infection per 1,210 days) than in DL catheters (one infection per 496 days) (P less than or equal to .02). Thus because of its significantly reduced risk of infection, the single-lumen Hickman may be the preferred catheter for long-term venous access in many patients.
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Southern medical journal · Jan 1990
Case ReportsComplications in the emergency transport of pregnant women.
Emergency transport of pregnant women is increasing in frequency. The physiologic changes of pregnancy cause a gravid woman and her fetus to be particularly vulnerable during transport. As the uterus enlarges, it compresses the vena cava and the aorta of the mother when she is in the supine position. ⋯ In addition, aortocaval compression is associated with placental abruption. This report presents three cases that illustrate the tragic outcomes of transporting pregnant women in the supine position. Pregnant women should be transported in a position of lateral tilt.