Introduction:

Using tunneled venous catheters for hemodialysis has increased in recent years, although its use is not free of complications, especially infectious, and increases morbi-mortality.

Objectives:

To know the rate of bacteremia of our unit and the related complications.

Material and Method:

The rate of catheter related-bacteremia was determined (number of infections / total number of catheter-days x 1000 catheter-days) in 30 patients with tunneled catheters after a revision of the catheter care protocol. New plugs (bioconnectors) were introduced in the second half of the study, although the comparison between the two periods was not an objective. The complications resulting from the bacteremia and the economic cost of the treatment of it were also recorded.

Results:

The rate of bacteremia was 0.30/1.000 catheter-days. There were no complications resulting from bacteremia. The economic cost was 127 euros/infection, without catheter replacement.

Conclusion:

In view of these results we can conclude that the rate of dialysis catheter-related bacteriemia in our unit is low. Several factors converge on this: the strict use of a protocol for the management of tunneled catheters and the knowledge and generalized monitoring of it, by all nursing staff. About this protocol, we would emphasize carrying out any manipulation on the catheter with 2 professionals and, above all, the awareness of the whole group, that the the barrier measures are the first prevention of infections related to HD catheters.

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