Prevention and management of catheter-related infection in hemodialysis patients

Central venous catheter-related infections have been associated with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Catheter use in chronic hemodialysis patients has been recognized as distinct from other patient populations who require central venous access, leading to recent adaptations in guidelines-recommended diagnosis for catheter-related bacteremia (CRB). This review will discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of hemodialysis CRB, in addition to a focus on interventions that have favorably affected CRB outcomes. These include: (1) the use of prophylactic topical antimicrobial ointments at the catheter exit site, (2) the use of prophylactic catheter locking solutions for the prevention of CRB, (3) strategies for management of the catheter in CRB, and (4) the use of vascular access managers and quality initiative programs.