Current Concepts in Hemodialysis Vascular Access Infections

Publication date: January 2019Source: Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, Volume 26, Issue 1Author(s): Lalathaksha Kumbar, Jerry YeeInfection-related causes are second only to cardiovascular events for mortality among end-stage renal disease patients. This review will provide an overview of hemodialysis catheter-, graft-, and fistula-related infections with emphasis on diagnosis and management in specific settings. Use of catheters at the initiation of dialysis has remained unchanged at 80%. Of all access-related bloodstream infections (BSIs), 70% occur in patients with catheters. The risk factors for BSIs in tunneled, cuffed catheters include the duration of the catheter, past catheter-related bacteremia, left-sided internal jugular vein catheters, hypoalbuminemia, and immunosuppression. Surprisingly, human immunodeficiency virus infection has not been associated with a higher risk of catheter-related bacteremia. Catheter-related bloodstream infection is a clinical definition that requires specific laboratory testing to identify the catheter as the source of the BSI. A central line–associated bloodstream infection is a primary BSI in a patient who had a catheter within the 48-h period before the development of the BSI with no other identifiable source. Guidewire exchange of catheter is a viable alternative in select patients to aid in preserving venous access sites. Catheter lock therapy can decrease infectious complications and mortality. Arteriovenous graft infections ar...
Source: Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research