Use of ethanol lock therapy for children with intestinal failure on long-term parenteral nutrition

Children with intestinal failure are often dependent on long-term central venous catheters for delivery of all or a portion of their fluid and caloric requirements. Unfortunately, they are at high risk for catheter-associated complications, most commonly infection. Catheterrelated bloodstream infections (CRBSI) can be difficult to treat and can lead to systemic sepsis and critical illness in this patient population.This chapter discusses the role for ethanol lock therapy (ELT) in both the prevention and treatment of CRBSI in children with intestinal failure. The safety and efficacy of this therapy is discussed and the details for use in the pediatric population are provided.