A prospective double blind randomised clinical trial of 70% ethanol to treat proven or suspected catheter related sepsis in haematology patients.

This study is testing whether flushing a central line (a tube inserted into a large vein for medical treatment) with 70% ethanol (alcohol) can treat or prevent a serious bloodstream infection called catheter-related sepsis. This type of infection is a significant problem for patients with blood cancers who need bone marrow transplants, since they often require long-term central lines. The study compares alcohol flushing to a placebo (saline flush) to see whether it helps clear the infection. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You have a haematological malignancy (blood cancer) or have had a bone marrow transplant - You have a proven or suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection - You are able to give consent You may NOT be eligible if: - You have a known allergy to ethanol (alcohol) - Your liver function tests are significantly elevated (more than 2.5 times the upper normal limit) - You have a known history of alcoholism - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - The organisms found in your blood tests do not match between your central line and peripheral blood cultures Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.