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Ethanol-lock therapy
Ethanol-lock therapy uses a high-concentration ethanol solution instilled into central venous catheters to prevent and treat catheter-related bloodstream infections by antimicrobial action against biofilm-forming organisms.
Ethanol-lock therapy uses a high-concentration ethanol solution instilled into central venous catheters to prevent and treat catheter-related bloodstream infections by antimicrobial action against biofilm-forming organisms. Used for Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with central venous catheters, Treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ethanol-lock therapy |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia |
| Drug class | Antimicrobial lock solution |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
The therapy involves periodically filling the catheter lumen with a concentrated ethanol solution (typically 70-100%) that remains in contact with the catheter surface between uses. Ethanol exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi that colonize catheters and form biofilms, which are resistant to systemic antibiotics. This local approach reduces infection risk without systemic drug exposure.
Approved indications
- Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with central venous catheters
- Treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections
Common side effects
- Catheter dysfunction or occlusion
- Local irritation or thrombophlebitis
- Systemic ethanol absorption (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of Combined Nanofat Injection With Either Platelet Rich Fibrin or Microneedling Versus Nanofat Injection Alone in the Treatment of Facial Atrophic Post Acne Scars (NA)
- Triamcinolone Acetonide Injections in Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Plaques With a Novel Needle-free Drug-delivery System. (NA)
- Mino-Lok Therapy (MLT) for the Treatment of CRBSI/CLABSI (PHASE3)
- Ethanol-lock Therapy for the Prevention of Non-tunneled Catheter-related Infection in Pediatric Patients (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Ethanol Lock Therapy for the Prevention of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections (NA)
- Preemptive Ethanol Lock Therapy in Pediatric Bloodstream Infection (PHASE4)
- Prophylactic Ethanol Lock Therapy (ELT) in Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Ethanol Lock Therapy for Treatment and Secondary Prophylaxis of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (PHASE3)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |