Antimicrobial Locks for Hemodialysis Catheter Infections

Effect of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Antimicrobial Lock Solution in Prevention of Catheter Related Blood Stream Infection.

Tunneled hemodialysis catheters are susceptible to infection with high incidence of complication to the hemodialysis patients .The study aimed to prevent catheter infection through comparing use of antimicrobial solution (Taurolidine) when used as lock solution installed in the lumen of the catheter at the end of the hemodialysis session with the usually used lock solution heparin. The Study was performed on 100 hemodialysis patients over one year in Sohar hospital ,Oman .

Inclusion criteria:

- All clinically stable adult end stage renal disease patients commence regular hemodialysis through tunneled hemodialysis catheter at Sohar hospital hemodialysis unit.

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with difficult vascular access and the tunneled hemodialysis catheter is the only functioning vascular access .
• Patients with poor flow from the catheter.
• Patients with active infection .
• Patients have displayed allergic reactions to either citrate or taurolidine.
• Patients were taking medication incompatible with either citrate or taurolidine