Abstract

Irene Galindo Marin*, Carmen Mon Mon, Milagros Ortiz Librero, Sara El Fellah, María Sánchez Sánchez, Rosa Elena Camacho Juarez, Carolina Lentisco Ramírez, Santiago Andrés Cedeño Mora, Juan Carlos Herrero Berrón, Esther Galvez and Jose María Abadal

Catheter-associated Blood Stream Infection (CVC-BSI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients. In our center was a notable increase in CVC associated with patient age and morbidity. This 10-year retrospective study investigated catheter-associated blood stream infection (CVC-BSI) in hemodialysis patients. We recorded a total of 67 bacteremia episodes in 52 patients, predominantly linked to gram-positive microorganisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, the study found a mean age of 68 years, 74.6% males, and 88% with tun-neled jugular catheters. Notably, catheter removal occurred in 65.7% of cases, more frequently in Gram-positive instances. Two episodes of endocarditis and five ICU admissions were reported. The study identified a higher incidence in the summer and a significant decrease in bacteremia from 2017, coinciding with the introduction of Tauro-Lock^TM. Despite enhanced preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant impact on catheter infection rates. This research emphasizes the importance of early catheter removal, highlights seasonal variations in incidence, and suggests a potential positive influence of Tauro-LockTM on decreasing CVC-BSI rates in hemodialysis units.