Francesca Sforza
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Francesca Sforza has a total of 10 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Alberto Berardi
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
1 shared publication - Cecilia Baraldi
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41224 Modena, Italy
1 shared publication - Cinzia Valenza
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41224 Modena, Italy
1 shared publication - Francesca Miselli
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
1 shared publication - Francesco Candia
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41224 Modena, Italy
1 shared publication - Leonardo Casadei
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41224 Modena, Italy
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 18 October 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Antibiotics
- Vol. 13 (10) , 988
Can a Shorter Dwell Time Reduce Infective Complications Associated with the Use of Umbilical Catheters?
Background: Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are the standard of care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to administer fluids, parenteral nutrition and medications, although complications may occur, including central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs). However, the dwell time to reduce CLABSI risk remains an open issue. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study of newborns hospitalized in the Modena NICU with at least one UVC inserted over a 6-year period (period 1: January 2011–December 2013; period 2: January 2019–December 2021). We selected a non-consecutive 6-year period to emphasize the differences in UVC management practices that have occurred over time in our NICU. The UVC dwell time and catheter-related complications during the first 4 weeks of life were examined. Results: The UVC dwell time was shorter in period 2 (median 4 days vs. 5 days, p < 0.00001). Between the two periods, the incidence of CLABSIs remained unchanged (p = 0.5425). However, in period 2, there was an increased need for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) after UVC removal, with a rise in PICC infections after UVC removal (p = 0.0239). Conclusions: In our NICU, shortening UVC dwell time from 5 to 4 days did not decrease the UVC-related complications. Instead, the earlier removal of UVCs led to a higher number of PICCs inserted, possibly increasing the overall infectious risk.
- 18 October 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Antibiotics
- Vol. 13 (10) , 988
Open AccessCan a Shorter Dwell Time Reduce Infective Complications Associated with the Use of Umbilical Catheters?
Background: Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are the standard of care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to administer fluids, parenteral nutrition and medications, although complications may occur, including central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs). However, the dwell time to reduce CLABSI risk remains an open issue. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study of newborns hospitalized in the Modena NICU with at least one UVC inserted over a 6-year period (period 1: January 2011–December 2013; period 2: January 2019–December 2021). We selected a non-consecutive 6-year period to emphasize the differences in UVC management practices that have occurred over time in our NICU. The UVC dwell time and catheter-related complications during the first 4 weeks of life were examined. Results: The UVC dwell time was shorter in period 2 (median 4 days vs. 5 days, p < 0.00001). Between the two periods, the incidence of CLABSIs remained unchanged (p = 0.5425). However, in period 2, there was an increased need for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) after UVC removal, with a rise in PICC infections after UVC removal (p = 0.0239). Conclusions: In our NICU, shortening UVC dwell time from 5 to 4 days did not decrease the UVC-related complications. Instead, the earlier removal of UVCs led to a higher number of PICCs inserted, possibly increasing the overall infectious risk.