Objectives:

To analyze the characteristics of catheter related exit-site infections, identifying the main related factors. Likewise, the effectiveness of a protocol based on the daily use of topical mupirocin in the exit site prophylaxis strategy has been compared with the use of saline solution.

Material and Method: Observational retrospective study. Demographic and clinical variables, the etiology and evolution of the episodes of infection of the orifice in a period of 2 years were collected. A prophylaxis protocol with saline solution and 2% mupirocin cream was used.

Results:

We recruited 75 patients, mean age 60.3±13.9 years, 66.7% male, median time on peritoneal dialysis 24.3 months (interquartile range 11-48.7). The incidence of exit site infection was 26.7%, 77% were produced by skin and mucous microorganisms. The exit site infection was associated to Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage (p=0.048) and the superficial cuff extrusion (p=0.004). 4 of the patients who presented peritonitis secondary to exit site infection, 3 were switch to hemodialysis (p=0.025). Daily topical antibiotic therapy protocol reduced the exit site infection rate by 68%.

Conclusions:

The superficial cuff externalization is a predisposing factor for infections. Daily application of mupirocin is an effective strategy in reducing the incidence of exit site infections and peritonitis. The eradication of nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus can help reduce catheter loss and transfer to hemodialysis.