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Outpatient Intravenous Antibiotics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Neil D. Gross, MD; Renae J. A. McInnes, LPN; Peter H. Hwang, MD

Objective/Hypothesis: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines have greatly facilitated the use of intravenous antibiotics in outpatient medical practice. Otolaryngologic applications for home intravenous therapy through PICC lines have not been well characterized to date. The purpose of the study is to describe indications and complications related to outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study

Methods: Chart review of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who were treated at an academic rhinology practice with outpatient intravenous antibiotics over a 3-year period.

Results: Fourteen patients receiving, in all, 16 courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy through PICC line were identified. The average patient age was 51 years (age range, 36-74 y). The primary indication for intravenous antibiotic use was the treatment of resistant pathogens (50%). The most common organisms treated were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other indications included gastrointestinal intolerance of oral antibiotics and extranasal complications of sinusitis. Eighty-eight percent of patients (14 of 16) were able to complete the entire prescribed course of therapy. Three (19%) catheter-related complications occurred, including thrombophlebitis and deep venous thrombosis. All three complications required removal of the PICC line; one of these patients underwent successful reinsertion of a second catheter and completion of treatment.

Conclusions: Peripherally inserted central catheter line delivery of home intravenous antibiotics can be a welltolerated adjunct to surgery in the outpatient treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Resistant infections, intolerance to oral antimicrobials, and extranasal complications of sinusitis are indications for PICC line therapy. Catheter-related complications can be significant and must be considered in patient selection.

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