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Geistlich TauroSept®

CRBSIs (catheter-related bloodstream infections) continue to be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and cause high treatment costs.

TauroSept CRBSI

Optimal avoidance of infection and infection control are an absolute necessity when dealing with central vascular access devices (CVADs). Nevertheless, the incidence of CRBSI in Europe is 1.1 – 4.2 per 1000 catheter days despite the most varied preventive measures and the mortality of CRBSI is still between 5 and 25%.(1, 2, 3) The risk of CRBSI increases steadily depending on the duration of catheterisation. Already 24 hours after insertion of a CVAD, the vascular device can be coated with a biofilm. This typically consists of polysaccharides, fibrin, fibronectin or laminin and is formed by both microorganisms and endogenous substances.(4)

References:

  1. Mermel, L. A. (2001). “New technologies to prevent intravascular catheter-related bloodstream
  2. infections.” Emerg Infect Dis 7(2): 197–9.
  3. Munoz, P., E. Bouza, et al. (2004). “Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and outcome
  4. of patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections in Europe (ESGNI-006 Study).” Clin Microbiol Infect 10(9): 843-5.
  5. Tacconelli, E., G. Smith, et al. (2009). “Epidemiology, medical outcomes and costs of catheter-
  6. related bloodstream infections in intensive care units of four European countries: literature- and registry-based estimates.” J Hosp Infect 72(2): 97–103.
  7. Donlan, R. M., Costerton J. W. (2002). “Biofilms: Survival mechanisms of clinically relevant
  8. microorganisms.” CMR.15.2.167–193.
  9. Bouza, E., R. San Juan, et al. (2004). “A European perspective on intravascular catheter-related
  10. infections: report on the microbiology workload, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility (ESGNI-005 Study).” Clin Microbiol Infect 10(9): 838–42.
Geistlich Taurosept®
Biofilm coated catheter could lead to CRBSI.

Microorganisms can reach the bloodstream via the outer surface of the CVAD or through the lumen; they lodge in the biofilm and are protected against immune mechanisms (phagocytosis, antibodies) and also partially against antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria are responsible for about 50 – 70 % of CRBSI. In a European CRBSI prevalence study, gram-positive bacteria were detected in 71 %, gram-negative bacteria in 22 % and fungi in 7 %. The 5 most common microorganisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp., Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. (5)

References:

  1. Mermel, L. A. (2001). “New technologies to prevent intravascular catheter-related bloodstream
  2. infections.” Emerg Infect Dis 7(2): 197–9.
  3. Munoz, P., E. Bouza, et al. (2004). “Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and outcome
  4. of patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections in Europe (ESGNI-006 Study).” Clin Microbiol Infect 10(9): 843-5.
  5. Tacconelli, E., G. Smith, et al. (2009). “Epidemiology, medical outcomes and costs of catheter-
  6. related bloodstream infections in intensive care units of four European countries: literature- and registry-based estimates.” J Hosp Infect 72(2): 97–103.
  7. Donlan, R. M., Costerton J. W. (2002). “Biofilms: Survival mechanisms of clinically relevant
  8. microorganisms.” CMR.15.2.167–193.
  9. Bouza, E., R. San Juan, et al. (2004). “A European perspective on intravascular catheter-related
  10. infections: report on the microbiology workload, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility (ESGNI-005 Study).” Clin Microbiol Infect 10(9): 838–42.

User Benefits

The best prevention against the development of CRBSIs is observation of strict hygiene guidelines when inserting and manipulating a CVAD. In addition, the instillation of antimicrobial solutions like Geistlich TauroSept® into the device lumen (antimicrobial lock) has been shown to be clinically effective. (1, 2, 3, 4)

Geistlich TauroSept® is intended for instillation in CVADs between treatments in order to lock the catheter, to prevent bacterial and fungal growth leading to microbial infection in the CVAD lumen as well as to maintain device patency by avoiding clotting of blood.

Overview of Geistlich TauroSept®:

  • Broad bactericidal and fungicidal spectrum
  • Prevention of biofilm formation
  • No development of bacterial resistance
  • Favourable safety profile

References:

  1. Bisseling, T. M., M. C. Willems, et al. (2010). “Taurolidine lock is highly effective in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients on home parenteral nutrition: a heparin- controlled prospective trial.” Clin Nutr 29(4): 464–8.
  2. Jurewitsch, B. and K. N. Jeejeebhoy (2005). “Taurolidine lock: the key to prevention of recurrent catheter-related bloodstream infections.” Clin Nutr 24(3): 462–5.
  3. Olthof, E. D., M. W. Versleijen, et al. (2014). “Taurolidine Lock Is Superior to Heparin Lock in the Prevention of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections and Occlusions.” PLoS One 9 (11): e111216.
  4. Sherertz, R. J., M. S. Boger, et al. (2006). “Comparative in vitro efficacies of various catheter lock solutions.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 50(5): 1865–8.

Application

Instruction for use

Geistlich TauroSept® can be used with any vascular access device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular catheter utilized. Specific catheter volumes are associated with each device and must be strictly followed. Use of the device by patients requires proper training by authorized health care personnel. If legally required, the training must be documented.

Precautions

Patients

Interactions

Device handling

Presentation and package sizes

Each original pack contains 5 glass vials containing 6 ml or 10 ml of Geistlich TauroSept®. The product is sterile. Opened Geistlich TauroSept® vials can be stored for 48 hours and multiple withdrawal is possible. The content of a vial is for a single patient only and must be used within 48 hours after the first puncture. Write time and date when the vial was opened on the vial label. Re-sterilisation is not possible! Do not use if the packaging is damaged. If the packaging is opened and no date and time indicating first opening are legible on the vial, the product must not be used.

Scientific Evidence

Prevention and treatment of CVAD infections through broad anti-microbial activity

Geistlich TauroSept® contains the antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agent taurolidine 2 %. Unlike antibiotics, taurolidine acts via a chemical reaction with the microbial cell wall. Microbes are killed and resulting toxins are inactivated; the destruction time in vitro is 15–30 minutes. Taurolidine has an extremely broad antimicrobial and antimycotic spectrum, which also includes methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant bacteria (MRSA, VISA and VRE). (1, 2, 3, 4) Preventive instillation of Geistlich TauroSept® helps to avoid impending CVAD colonisation. (5, 6, 7) When CVAD colonisation already exists the microbial contamination can be eliminated by the therapeutic use of Geistlich TauroSept® in combination with systemic antibiotics. In many cases the removal of the CVAD can be avoided or delayed for a long time. (8, 9)

Reliability in long-term use due to the absence of development of microbial resistance

In many years of clinical use development of microbial resistance due to taurolidine has never been observed. Because of the special mechanism of action of taurolidine, in which a reaction with the microbial cell wall occurs directly, development of resistance is unlikely and not to be expected in contrast to antibiotics. (10, 11)

Interference with biofilm development through inhibition of microbial colonisation

Even at low concentrations, taurolidine causes a loss of microbial fimbriae and flagellae. Due to the change in the microbial surfaces, the capacity to form colonies is lost and the adhesion of microbes to the surfaces of epithelia and biomaterials is prevented. These antiadhesive properties of taurolidine counteract the biofilm formation. (12, 13)

Promotion of intraluminal haemodynamics by reducing local pathological coagulation phenomena

Depending on duration of exposure and concentration, taurolidine causes inhibition of staphylocoagulase-mediated coagulation, which cannot be influenced by heparin. The risk of pathological staphyloco-agulase-induced coagulation occurring especially at the CVAD tip is therefore reduced. (14)

Safety in use due to outstanding systemic tolerability

Taurolidine is also licensed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the local treatment of infections such as peritonitis; up to 200 ml of taurolidine 2 % are instilled daily into the abdominal cavity and absorbed fully through the peritoneum. So far, no systemic side effects have been identified. The safety of taurolidine has also been confirmed in clinical studies with long-term intravenous administration of high doses (up to 20 g daily).15 In the body, taurolidine is metabolised rapidly via the metabolites taurultam and methylol taurinamide, which also have an anti-microbial action, to taurine, an endogenous aminosulphonic acid, CO2 and H2O. Therefore, no toxic effects are known or expected in the event of accidental injection.16

References:

  1. Olthof, E. D., R. J. Rentenaar, et al. (2013). “Absence of microbial adaptation to taurolidine in patients on home parenteral nutrition who develop catheter related bloodstream infections and use taurolidine locks.” Clin Nutr 32 (4): 538–42.
  2. Olthof, E. D., R. Nijland, et al. (2015). “Microbiocidal effects of various taurolidine containing catheter lock solutions.” Clin Nutr 34 (2): 309–14.
  3. Torres-Viera, C., C. Thauvin-Eliopoulos, et al. (2000). “Activities of taurolidine in vitro and in experimental enterococcal endocarditis.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 44(6): 1720-4.
  4. Traub, W. H., B. Leonhard, et al. (1993). “Taurolidine: in vitro activity against multiple-antibiotic-resistant, nosocomially significant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, and diverse Enterobacteriaceae.” Chemotherapy 39(5): 322–30.
  5. Bisseling, T. M., M. C. Willems, et al. (2010). “Taurolidine lock is highly effective in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients on home parenteral nutrition: a heparin- controlled prospective trial.” Clin Nutr 29(4): 464–8.
  6. Jurewitsch, B., T. Lee, et al. (1998). “Taurolidine 2 % as an antimicrobial lock solution prevention of recurrent catheter-related bloodstream infections.” JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 22(4): 242–4.
  7. Olthof, E. D., M. W. Versleijen, et al. (2014). “Taurolidine Lock Is Superior to Heparin Lock in the Prevention of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections and Occlusions.” PLoS One 9 (11): e111216.
  8. Koldehoff, M. and J. L. Zakrzewski (2004). “Taurolidine is effective in the treatment of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in cancer patients.” Int J Antimicrob Agents 24(5): 491–5.
  9. Weber, M., F. Meyer, et al. (2009). “[Spectrum of indications and perioperative management in i. v. port-a-cath explantation-alternative administration of taurolin in case of i. v. port-a-cath infection].” Zentralbl Chir 134(4): 350–6.
  10. Gorman, S. P., D. F. McCafferty, et al. (1987). “Reduced adherence of micro-organisms to human mucosal epithelial cells following treatment with Taurolin, a novel antimicrobial agent.” J Appl Bacteriol 62(4): 315–20.
  11. Blenkharn, J. I. (1987). “The antibacterial and anti-endotoxin activity of taurolidine in combination with antibiotics.” Surg Res Comm 2: 149–155.
  12. Blenkharn, J. I. (1988). “Sustained anti-adherence activity of taurolidine (Taurolin) and noxythiolin (Noxyflex S) solutions.” J Pharm Pharmacol 40(7): 509–11.
  13. Gorman, S. P., D. F. McCafferty, et al. (1987). “Reduced adherence of micro-organisms to human mucosal epithelial cells following treatment with Taurolin, a novel antimicrobial agent.” J Appl Bacteriol 62(4): 315–20.
  14. Reinmuller, J. (1999). “[The influence of taurolidine on physiological and pathological blood coagulation and implications for its use].” Zentralbl Chir 124 Suppl 4: 13–8.
  15. Gong, L., H. E. Greenberg, et al. (2007). “The pharmacokinetics of taurolidine metabolites in healthy volunteers.” J Clin Pharmacol 47(6): 697–703.
  16. Knight, B. I., G. G. Skellern, et al. (1981). “The characterisation and quantitation by high- performance liquid chromatography of the metabolites of taurolin.” Br J Clin Pharmacol 12 (3): 439–40.
Geistlich TauroSept®
Number of infection-free days until event with taurolidine catheter lock (continuous line) versus heparin catheter lock (interrupted line). Heparin: n=14, taurolidine: n=16. (1)

Quality & Safety

Safety in use due to outstanding systemic tolerability

Taurolidine is also licensed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the local treatment of infections such as peritonitis; up to 200 ml of taurolidine 2 % are instilled daily into the abdominal cavity and absorbed fully through the peritoneum. So far, no systemic side effects have been identified. The safety of taurolidine has also been confirmed in clinical studies with long-term intravenous administration of high doses (up to 20 g daily). (1) In the body, taurolidine is metabolised rapidly via the metabolites taurultam and methylol taurinamide, which also have an anti-microbial action, to taurine, an endogenous aminosulphonic acid, CO₂ and H₂O. (2) Therefore, no toxic effects are known or expected in the event of accidental injection.

References:

  1. Gong, L., H. E. Greenberg, et al. (2007). “The pharmacokinetics of taurolidine metabolites in healthy volunteers.” J Clin Pharmacol 47(6): 697–703.
  2. Knight, B. I., G. G. Skellern, et al. (1981). “The characterisation and quantitation by high- performance liquid chromatography of the metabolites of taurolin.” Br J Clin Pharmacol 12 (3): 439–40.

Studies

Here you will find the links to the relevant studies for the use of Geistlich TauroSept®. These links lead to external websites. Please note that some studies can only be downloaded in connection with a registration on the respective website.

Downloads
Geistlich TauroSept® - What your catheter needs
Clinical Study Summary - Author: Neusser Matthias Alexander, MD

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