Patient selection: hemodialysis being performed through a central venous catheter
Types of infection:
(1) bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
(2) catheter site
The rate of CVC-related infection was 16.6 per 1000 catheter days.
Risk factors for infection:
(1) diabetes
(2) duration of catheterization >= 10 days
Review of hygiene measures showed lapses in hand hygiene, skin disinfection, sterile gloves, sterile drapes, dressing after hemodialysis and difficult initial insertion.
Many of the pathogens were multi-drug resistant (MDR).
Mortality was associated with inadequate antibiotic therapy.
Creation of a fistula for hemodialysis may decrease the duration of the central venous catheter.
