Treatment of long-term catheter-related bloodstream infections with a taurolidine block: a single cancer center experience

Purpose: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a common problem in cancer patients with long-term catheters. The effectiveness of taurolidine, a new antimicrobial solution, in the management of CRBSIs is still unknown. A retrospective analysis of patients with proven CRBSIs treated with a taurolidine block in combination with systemic antibiotic treatment was performed to define its role in the management of CRBSIs. Methods: Twenty-four episodes of CRBSIs in 23 cancer patients with permanent use of the long-term catheter were treated with a taurolidine block for 3 consecutive days in combination with systemic antibiotic treatment. Results: Treatment was successful in 16 of 24 events (67%). Explantation was performed in 8 cases (33%): in 3 patients due to a second positive blood culture, and in 1 patient due to recurrent fever after the conservative treatment. In 4 patients, the conservative approach was prematurely stopped due to persisting fever. Conclusion: Taurolidine-based treatment may be a promising, noninvasive therapeutical approach in the management of long-term catheter-related bloodstream infections in cancer patients.