Investigating Infections Related to Central Venous Catheters in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Therapy

Introduction: Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is related to important morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients, even though they are routinely used as the primary vascular access for many HD patients. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and bacterial factors causing central venous catheter infections in hemodialysis patients in Abadan educational hospitals.Methods: In this study, from March 21, 2019, to March 19, 2020, information about patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who were referred to educational hospitals of Abadan University of Medical Sciences, including Frequency distribution of patients by gender and age, Duration of hemodialysis, embedded catheters, underlying disease, signs of clinical infection of the insertion site of the catheter in patients, antibiotics used in infectious patients were obtained through checklists and medical records.Results: Seventy-six specimens of central venous catheter-related infections occurred in patients’ patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Among these cases, 40.8% (31) were male and 59.2% (45) were female. Forty-four (57.9%) patients with infection had femoral vein catheter placement. 82.9% of patients had more than twice-a-week hemodialysis sessions. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterium isolated from bloodstream infections, accounting for 50% (45) of the cases.Conclusions: Prolonged central venous catheter use is a major risk factor for infection in hemodialysis patients. For empirical treatment, both Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative microorganisms must be considered. Compliance with hygienic measures and the careful use of antibiotics are suggested for lowering the risk of drug resistance.