The use of Surgihoney to prevent or eradicate bacterial colonisation in dressing oncology long vascular lines

Abstract

Objective: A pilot evaluation was performed to assess the effects of Surgihoney, an engineered honey with highly active antimicrobial activity, on bacterial colonisation in long lines in oncology patients.

Method: This prospective service evaluation was conducted at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) in England, UK, between 2012 and 2013. The study population consisted of oncology patients with central intravenous lines who were receiving outpatient chemotherapy. All patients were offered line dressing with or without Surgihoney, applied to the line exit site.

Results: The primary outcome measure of the study was the presence or absence of bacterial colonisation of the line site. There were 30 patients in each arm - with or without Surgihoney. In the Surgihoney arm, 2 patients with existing line site colonisation were cleared of bacterial colonisation and none acquired colonisation during the study period. In the non-treatment arm, 6 patients were colonised at the line site prior to screening or during the evaluation. Bacterial colonisation was maintained throughout the period.

Conclusion: Surgihoney is an effective antimicrobial line-site dressing, significantly reducing line site colonisation and eradicating existing colonisation. It was well tolerated by the patients.

Declaration of interest: Surgihoney supplies were donated by Healing Honey International (HHI) who also provided some funding to Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust for microbiological investigation. MD and JC have provided clinical advice in an advisory capacity to HHI.