Subclavian hemodialysis catheter infections.
One hundred sixteen subclavian hemodialysis catheter placements in 88 patients were prospectively evaluated for catheter-related infections. Semiquantitative culture techniques and a rigid infection control protocol were used. The overall catheter colonization rate was 21.6% and catheter-associated bacteremia occurred in 9.4%. Catheters removed from febrile patients had much higher colonization (48.3%) and bacteremia (34.5%) rates. In a randomized study comparing infection rates in catheters tunneled subcutaneously or not tunneled, there was no significant difference in the incidence of infection. Catheters inserted over a guidewire to replace clotted or malfunctioning catheters were not associated with higher infection rates.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology; D013350:Subclavian Vein