Risk factors for the infections caused by temporary double-lumen hemodialysis catheters.
BACKGROUND
Temporary hemodialysis catheters are important devices used in dialysis practice but may be the source of infection in hemodialysis patients.


METHODS
We investigated the infectious complications in 70 hemodialysis patients using 113 hemodialysis catheters.


RESULTS
The frequency of catheter-related bacteremia was 23.9%, of which Staphylococci were the most frequently growing organism (96.3%). Exit-site infection was observed in one patient. No cases were lost due to the infectious complications. The risk for the development of catheter-related bacteremia was increased after the 24th day of catheterization and after the second venous puncture.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a positive correlation between hypoalbuminemia and bacteremia. Internal jugular venous catheterization and hypoalbuminemia were determined as risk factors for the development of catheter-related bacteremia. The risk factors for catheter-related bacteremia in patients with hemodialysis catheter should be determined and modified in order to decrease infectious complications.
Unver
Suat
S
Department of Nephrology, Gulhane Military Academy of Medicine, Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. suatunver@yahoo.com
Atasoyu
Enes Murat
EM
Evrenkaya
T Rifki
TR
Ardic
Nurittin
N
Ozyurt
Mustafa
M
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors