Use of local treatment in managing infections: Focus on antimicrobial locks, beads, and cement

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose The purpose of this review is to describe important considerations with local antimicrobial therapies such as locks, beads, and cement for adjunctive infection management or prevention. Summary Local delivery of antimicrobials with locks, beads, and cement has been used for infection management with retained devices in an effort to improve clinical success. However, their use has been controversial due to conflicting clinical data and logistical issues. Antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) has been used for both adjunctive treatment and prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections for certain pathogens and based on patient-specific scenarios. ALT has been a controversial method for sterilizing the catheter lumen by delivering high concentrations of antibiotics with or without heparin into the catheter for prolonged durations. Studies differ regarding the selection and concentrations of antibiotics, dwell duration, presence of heparin in the ALT, clinical outcomes/definitions, and use for prevention or treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Antibiotic beads and cement have been used for various surgical procedures but are predominately considered in orthopedic surgeries. Despite the widespread use of the antibiotic-loaded bone cement in orthopedics, studies differ regarding the selection and concentrations of antibiotics, clinical outcomes/definitions, and use for prevention or treatment of infections. Conclusion Although antimicrobial locks, beads, and cement are commonly used for adjunctive treatment or prevention of infections, more data are needed to support their use to provide clinical efficacy and safety with consistent antimicrobial selection and logistics.