Clinical outcomes of dialysis catheter-related candidemia in hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
Candidemia is a rare complication in catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients. As a result, there is uncertainty about its optimal medical management. The goal of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-related candidemia managed with two different strategies: Guidewire exchange of the infected catheter versus removal with delayed replacement.


METHODS
We retrospectively queried a prospective, computerized vascular access database to identify 40 hemodialysis patients with catheter-related candidemia. All patients underwent treatment with antifungal medications for 2 wk, in conjunction with guidewire catheter exchange or catheter removal with delayed replacement. The primary outcomes were major complications, recurrent candidemia, and patient survival.


RESULTS
Candidemia represented approximately 2% of all cases of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Of the 40 patients with candidemia, 27 underwent guidewire catheter exchange and 13 had prompt catheter removal with delayed replacement. The two treatment groups were similar in demographic, clinical, and catheter characteristics. Only 1 (2.5%) patient developed a serious complication (endophthalmitis). Recurrence of candidemia within 3 mo was observed in 15% of each treatment group. Patient survival at 6 mo was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Catheter-related candidemia is rare in hemodialysis patients and has a low complication rate. Catheter exchange over a guidewire in conjunction with antifungal therapy is an effective and safe treatment regimen.
Sychev
Dmitri
D
Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Maya
Ivan D
ID
Allon
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents