We describe six knees in five patients, referred to us after accidental irrigation with chlorhexidine 1% in aqueous solution during arthroscopy. All six knees developed persisting pain, swelling and crepitus with loss of range of movement. Radiographs showed loss of joint space in all three compartments due to extensive chondrolysis, with many loose bodies and synovitis. Histological examination showed partial necrosis of the cartilage, with slight non-specific inflammation and fibrosis of synovial specimens. Care is needed in checking irrigation fluids, and these should have a distinctive colour.

Objective. To compare two different systems for the reconstitution and preparation of cytotoxic drug-containing infusion bags. The Classical System (open) uses Luer lock syringes and needles, and the PhaSealA System (closed) uses special devices. Methods. Both wipe samples of the Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) plus surroundings and urine analysis of technicians and pharmacists involved in the preparatory activities were used. Analyses were performed using gas chromatography in tandem with mass spectroscopy. Results. An important difference has been found in the surface contamination rate and in the number, periods and values of contaminated urine samples in favour of the closed PhaSealA System. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2001) 6, 146-152.

An i.v. hyperalimentation regimen applied to malnourished hemodialysis patients results in a rise of body weight and in a limited, but significant, change of some parameters of nutritional status. The rise in body weight is at least in part attributable to an increase of body fat, without changes in plasma lipid levels.

Aims:  To evaluate the susceptibility to microbial contamination that occurs during simulated handling of protective devices for the preparation of cytotoxic drug solutions. Methods and Results:  Four devices, i.e. Chemoprotect spike, Clave connector, PhaSeal and Securmix were challenged with low and high inocula of micro‐organisms. The cells, transferred to the connected vials during repeated manipulations of the devices were counted by means of solid‐phase cytometry. Of the four devices, PhaSeal afforded the lowest transfer of micro‐organisms. Secondly, the efficiency of procedures for the disinfection of an artificially contaminated rubber stopper was compared prior to connection of the vial to the PhaSeal device. Spraying or swabbing alone was inadequate, as opposed to a combination of spraying [0·5% or 2·0% (w/v) chlorhexidine in isopropanol] and swabbing [70% (v/v) isopropanol]. Conclusions:  Although Phaseal afforded the lowest transfer of micro‐organisms, adequate disinfection of the vial prior to connection remains required. Significance and Impact of the Study:  Unlike aspects of operator protection, which are well documented, the microbiological safety of protective devices for the preparation of cytotoxic drugs has not been addressed in the literature. This study estimates the susceptibility to microbial contamination during handling of four commonly used devices.

No abstract