title: Complications, effects on dialysis dose, and survival of tunneled femoral dialysis catheters in acute renal failure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Availability of a functional vascular access is a mandatory prerequisite for extracorporeal renal replacement therapy in patients with acute renal failure. The femoral site of insertion commonly is chosen because it is an easy and convenient access. However, an array of complications may substantially alter the quality of treatment, and it appears that catheter-related morbidity and dysfunction are more frequent with the femoral than internal jugular site. This study is designed to evaluate the potential benefits of using soft silicone tunneled catheters ((ST)Caths) at the femoral site.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with acute renal failure treated by intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and/or continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) were assigned to either twin (ST)Caths or twin polyurethane nontunneled femoral catheters. Time necessary for catheter insertion, catheter-related complications, and catheter lifespan were monitored. Catheter performance during IHD and the effect of catheter type on dialysis dose were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The time necessary for (ST)Cath insertion was significantly longer. The incidence of vein thrombosis and catheter-related infection was lower, and the ratio of venous return pressure to catheter blood flow was better with an (ST)Cath. Recirculation rates were similar for both types of catheters. Whether treated by using IHD or CVVHDF, patients with an (ST)Cath benefited from a greater delivered dialysis dose. Multivariate analysis confirmed that (ST)Cath use was a determinant factor to optimize dialysis dose delivery. (ST)Cath patency was significantly longer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients with acute renal failure, use of an (ST)Cath minimizes catheter-related morbidity and improves dialysis efficiency compared with conventional femoral catheters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care Unit, Lapeyronie University Hospital, Montpellier, France. k-klouche@chu-montpellier.fr
authors.forename: Kada
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Klouche
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Amigues
authors.forename: Sebastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deleuze
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Beraud
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Canaud
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*