PREVALENCE OF INFECTION FROM SUBCLAVIAN DIALYSIS CATHETERS WITH 2 DIFFERENT POSTINSERTION CATHETER CARES - A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE-STUDY

A comparison of the outcome of two different protocols concerning the postinsertion catheter care are reported and the literature of the sub ject is reviewed. Forty patients had the ''Quinton'' double-lumen cath eter in the subclavian vein for hemodialysis. These catheters were kep t in place for a total of 1392 days. The patients were divided randoml y into two groups (A and B), each consisting of 20 patients. The care of group A catheters was done by the hospital intravenous (IV) team us ing heparin flushing three times/day. The care of group B catheters wa s done by dialysis nurses using heparin 1 mL of 2500 units in each lum en only after dialysis, ie, three times/week. The bacteremia rate of g roup A was 15% while that of group B was 5%. In conclusion, flushing t he catheter with heparin 1 mL/2500 units in each lumen of the catheter at the end of dialysis, ie, three times/week along with changing the dressing once per week were found valuable in decreasing the rate of b acteremia from catheter infection.