Fourteen years of hemodialysis with a central venous catheter: mechanical long-term complications

The ideal dialysis access ensures adequate blood flow for dialysis, has a long life, and is associated with a low complication rate. Although no current type of access fulfills all these criteria, the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is close to doing so. Unfortunately, various kinds of vascular access (VA) are becoming more and more necessary to enable hemodialysis (HD). The central venous catheter (CVC), which is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, could be the only viable option to maintain permanent VA. We report an unusual complication in a patient, a 74-year-old female, who had been undergoing HD via a CVC for 14 yrs. A polyurethane CVC with a double lumen was inserted into the right internal jugular vein because an AVF was not feasible, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis was obstructed. In 2003, the CVC was removed due to stenosis and occlusion of the superior vena cava. A new CVC, also made of polyurethane and with a double lumen, was inserted into the left femoral vein. In January 2005, the patient reported a small rupture of about 3-4 mm located under the cuff of the CVC. For this reason, the left femoral vein had to be used, replacing the Optiflow one with a 40-cm long Tesio CVC, and the second catheter was inserted into the right femoral artery by conventional surgery. After 10 months, the patient returned once more, after the CVC in the left femoral vein had been removed because of malfunction and that the at-tempts to cannulate the same vein again had failed. Currently, two 70-cm long Tesio catheters implanted in the right femoral vein (whose tips almost reach the diaphragm) are used for dialysis sessions. The number of CVC implants has progressively increased amongst HD patients who are elderly, diabetic or who have been on long-term HD. The patient described in this case report is currently using a 70-cm long double Tesio catheter (single Tesio CVC in SPI silicon) placed in the right femoral vein. She has resumed therapy with dicumarol anticoagulants, maintaining INR within the 2.5-3.5 range. In conclusion, both the increase in the use of venous catheters for HD and in the survival of dialysis patients contribute towards the observation of rare complications associated with CVC use.     

Fluid mechanics and clinical success of central venous catheters for dialysis--answers to simple but persisting problems

Over 60% of patients initiating chronic hemodialysis in the United States have a chronic central venous catheter (CVC) as their first blood access device. Although it would be better if these patients started dialysis with fistulas, the CVC is used because it is a reliable and relatively safe method for obtaining blood access over a period of months. Drawing blood from a vein at 300–400 ml/minute is a relatively delicate and somewhat unpredictable process, and there is always a tendency for the vein wall to draw over the arterial tip and obstruct flow. Several methods have been employed to minimize this problem and maximize blood flow, and differing catheter designs have resulted. With all of the different catheter designs now on the market, it is natural to ask what is the logic of different designs. Moreover, in the absence of many direct comparative studies it is natural to ask whether one design is really better than another. There is some misinformation regarding catheter design and function. The following is a list of 10 frequently asked questions In this review, the hydraulic features of CVC are discussed and explained, and logical answers are provided for the following questions: 1. Why do ‘‘D’’ catheters flow better than concentric or side by side catheters? 2. Why are all catheters about the same diameter? Does making them bigger really decrease the resistance to flow? 3. Why might a split tip catheter flow better than a solid body catheter? 4. What happens to injections of lock solution at catheter volume? 5. What’s better—numerous side holes or none? 6. Why does blood rise into some internal jugular catheters over time, displacing the lock solution? 7. How can a little kink (or stenosis) decrease flow so much? 8. Where should the tips be placed—superior vena cava or right atrium? 9. Which is really better, splitsheath or over‐the‐wire placement? 10. Which dialysis access has a lower complication rate—CVC or arteriovenous (AV) graft? There remain important problems with CVC for dialysis. With a few more improvements, chronic CVC for dialysis could become a painless, effective and safe long‐term access for the majority of dialysis patients and acceptable as an alternative to AV grafts.     

Five years experience with the Quinton Permcath for vascular access

Over a five-year period 64 Quinton Permcaths were inserted into 51 dialysis patients (age range 17-72 years, mean 52.1 SD 12.83). The duration of catheter use ranged from 5 to 1479 days, mean 315.7 SD 337. The actuarial catheter survival rate at 1 year was 74%, at 2 years 43%, at 3 years 25% and at 4 years 12%. The indications for use were: exhausted peripheral access; CAPD contraindicated; abrupt failure or lack of an arteriovenous fistula; acute renal failure; limited life expectancy; patient insistence; conventional access contraindicated. Only minor complications occurred during insertion: haemorrhage requiring exploration in three patients and a temporary left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in one patient. The exit site infection and septicaemia rates were 4.95 and 3.36 per 1000 catheter days respectively. Eighteen catheters failed due to infection (range of use 72-1479 days, mean 559 SD 388). Inadequate initial blood flow (less than 150 ml/min) occurred in 10% of dialyses but only six catheters failed due to intractable flow difficulties (range of use 5-49 days, mean 22 SD 17.5). Catheter sepsis was implicated in the death of two patients. One subclavan/innominate vein thrombosis occurred. The Quinton Permcath represents a significant advance providing immediate, durable, and relatively safe access in a variety of difficult circumstances.     

COMPARATIVE EXPERIENCE OF A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC CHRONIC AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER PLACEMENT

Background : Chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is now an established technique for renal dialysis. Patients with renal failure cope poorly with major surgery and it is vital that the dialysis catheter tip is sited accurately in the pelvis if long-term catheter function is to be achieved. Laparoscopic placement of CAPD catheters may have potential advantages for renal patients by avoiding the morbidity of a laparotomy. Methods : A retrospective audit was performed of all CAPD catheters inserted at the John Hunter Hospital over a 2-year period. Results of laparoscopically inserted catheters and those placed at laparotomy were compared. Results : Sixty catheters were inserted, 30 laparoscopically and 30 at laparotomy. The mean operative time was 41 min in the laparoscopic patients and 57 min in the laparotomy patients (P= 0.0001). The mean total dose of narcotic administered postoperatively was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (5 mg vs 65 mg, P= 0.00002). There were three minor peri-operative complications in the laparoscopic group and seven peri-operative complications in the laparotomy group, three required reoperation and one resulted in the patient'death. There were no significant differences in the incidence of exit-site infection, catheter blockage, peritonitis, and overall catheter survival, although the laparoscopically placed catheters had been followed up for a shorter period (10 vs 16 months). Conclusions : This laparoscopic technique is safe and effective. Postoperative pain was less than for open placement. Laparoscopically placed catheters had a low incidence of peri-operative complications. Medium-term patency is similar to conventionally placed catheters. This procedure requires no additional equipment to that available for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and takes less time than the open operation.     

Differing prognostic significance of reinfection and relapse in CAPD peritonitis

All episodes of recurrent infection in a CAPD unit over a 26-monthperiod have been analysed to discover whether relapse and reinfectionhave different prognostic importance. Relapse and reinfectionwere distinguished by detailed microbiological investigation.Prognosis was expressed in terms of outcome of treatment andthe fate of the Tenckhoff catheter. Twenty-nine patients suffered recurrent infections (i.e. morethan one infection during a 12-month period). Nine (6 male,3 female, age range 42–73 years) had relapses, and 20(16 male, 4 female, age range 42–74 years) reinfections.The characteristics of the two groups of patients were indistinguishable. Relapse was of graver prognostic consequence: patients who relapsedwere significantly less likely to respond to antibiotic treatment(78% versus 20%) and have to have their catheters removed (78%versus 10%) than those with reinfections. Thus it is importantto differentiate relapse from reinfection in CAPD peritonitis.In addition to being helpful for the management of individualpatients, this is essential if results of therapeutic trialsare to be interpreted correctly.     

Usefulness of the carina as a radiographic landmark for central venous catheter placement in paediatric patients

Background. Several reports have proposed radiographic landmarksfor the proper positioning of central venous catheters (CVC).The carina is one of the proposed landmarks in adults. Here,we evaluate the possibility of using the carina as a radiographiclandmark for the identification of proper positioning of theCVC tip in paediatric patients. Methods. We studied 57 right internal jugular vein catheterizationsin infants and children undergoing surgery for the treatmentof congenital heart disease. After placing the CVC tip at thejunction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium (SVC–RAjunction) via intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography,and by taking postoperative anterior–posterior chest radiographs,we measured the longitudinal distance from the carina to theSVC–RA junction, using the Picture Archiving and CommunicatingSystem. Results. The average distance between the carina and the SVC–RAjunction was 1.5 cm (95% CI 1.3–1.8 cm). No catheter tipwas above the carina. Although there was no particular relationshipbetween this distance and the patient's age, height, or weight,the distance between the carina and the SVC–RA junctiontended to be more variable in younger and smaller children. Conclusions. The carina can be used as a radiographic landmarkfor the proper CVC tip placement in paediatric patients. Ifthe tip of the CVC is not distal to the carina the chances areminute that it is in the right atrium.      

Experience with surgical implantation of catheters for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

In 68 patients undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) a total of 77 CAPD catheters were surgically implanted providing a total CAPD experience of 980 patient months. The early postoperative complications of catheter displacement and blockage have not occurred since the routine employment of flanged Oreopoulos catheters and omentectomy. Peritonitis remains the major cause of later morbidity although 72 per cent of the patients in this series remain on CAPD between one and 31 months after catheter placement. We contend that open surgical implantation of Oreopoulos catheters together with omentectomy contributes to reducing the incidence of mechanical complications in patients undergoing CAPD.     

Outcome of tunnelled central venous catheters used for haemodialysis in children weighing less than 15 kg

Purpose

Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently used for haemodialysis (HD) in children. However, there is paucity of information on the outcomes of CVCs when used for HD in very young patients. Our objective is to report the success, safety and complication rates of CVCs used for HD in children weighing less than 15 kg.

Materials and methods

This is a single-center retrospective study of all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) weighing < 15kg, who underwent a tunneled CVC placement for HD, between July 2006 and June 2012 at our institution. Analysed data included clinical background, age and weight at initiation of HD, outcome of HD, CVC vein insertion site, reason for removal, and catheter survival (in days).

Results

Thirty-one CVC were placed in 11 patients weighing < 15 kg, 8 males and 3 females. The main causes of ESRD were renal dysplasia and congenital nephrotic syndrome. At the beginning of HD, mean age was 27.5 (range 5–60) months and mean weight was 10.4 kg (4.5–13 kg). The preferred insertion site was the right internal jugular vein (90%). Mean duration of HD was 312 days. Mechanical factors were the main reason for catheter removal (39%). Mean catheter survival was 110 days/catheter.

Conclusions

We believe our study provides relevant information and encouraging data to support the use of CVC for HD in this cohort of infants; however, further improvement in prevention of catheter thrombosis and management of infections needs to be achieved.     

Hemodialysis catheter survival and complications in children and adolescents

. Venous catheters have become an indispensable form of hemodialysis access. We evaluated catheter performance as temporary and long-term access in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We assessed the survival rates and causes of catheter failure in 78 catheters used for hemodialysis access in 23 pediatric patients (aged 10 months to 22 years) with ESRD over a 5-year period. Median survival was 31 days for 56 uncuffed catheters. One- and 2-month actuarial survival was 69% and 48%, respectively. Reasons for removal were: elective (39%), kinking (36%), trauma (11%), infection (7%), and other (5%). Smaller catheters (7 or 9 French) were more likely to be removed for kinking (P = 0.003). One-year actuarial survival for 22 cuffed catheters was 27%. Cuffed catheters were removed due to: infection (36%), kinking (14%), elective (9%), trauma (9%) and other (9%). Twelve catheters were removed for infection. Infection rates leading to removal were 0.58 and 0.71 per patient-year for uncuffed and cuffed catheters, respectively. Staphylococcus species were cultured most commonly. We conclude that uncuffed catheters function well for short-term hemodialysis access of up to 2 months’ duration and cuffed catheters are successful for long-term access in children and adolescents with ESRD. Received April 1, 1996; received in revised form and accepted August 1, 1996     

Should CAPD be the first choice for dialysis in Romania? Audit of the Iasi 'C. I. Parhon' Dialysis Center: 1995-2000.

Peritoneal dialysis was first introduced in Romania in 1995.We are reporting data on patient and technique outcomes, basedon the 5-year experience of one of the first two Romanian continuousambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) centres. During this period,Romania had the highest rate of increase in renal replacementtherapy (RRT) and CAPD (28 times over baseline) in Europe: CAPDincrease in Romania vs Eastern Europe was 6.7 compared to asimilarly defined ratio of 5.6 for haemodialysis (HD). Between 1995 and 2000, at the ‘C. I. Parhon’ Hospitalin Iasi, 259 patients were started on HD and 102 on CAPD. The90 CAPD patients we followed were treated for a total of 1896months. 86.7% of the patients were alive on 31 July 2000—67.8%continuing on CAPD, 15.6% on HD and 3.3% transplanted. The 61patients still on PD on that date, represented 11.1% of theactual Romanian CAPD population and 31% of our RRT population(compared to 13.7% nationwide). The gross mortality rate was comparable to the mean calculatedfor the HD population nationwide. Mean survival of the CAPDpatients was 45.4±2.6 months (95% CI=40.4–50.4months). One-year and 5-year patient survival rates were 97.5%and 52.7% respectively, superior and similar to mean figuresnationwide. Mean technique survival was 36.6±0.6 months(95% CI=31.5–41.6 months). One- and 5-year technique survivalrates were 83.1% and 34.3% respectively. Technique failure wasmainly due to dialysis inefficiency: 50% of cases. Mean weeklyKt/V for the 5-year period was 1.92±0.21 while mean weeklycreatinine clearance was 61.2±12.4 ml/1.73 m²/week. Eighty-four episodes of peritonitis were recorded in 46 patients(0.25 episodes/patient/year); mean duration to peritonitis was23 months (95% CI=18.2–27.5). Malnutrition was noted (SGAscore) in 25.5% of the cases. Blood pressure (assessed by 24-hABPM) was adequately controlled in 83.3% of the patients. Leftventricular hypertrophy was ubiquitous (77.7%), but left ventriculardilatation and systolic dysfunction (fractioning shorteningindex <25%) were rare—4.4% and 3.3% respectively (similarin prevalence to the Iasi HD population). No statistically significantchanges in echocardiographic parameters were recorded betweenthe first and subsequent years on CAPD treatment. Peritoneal dialysis had a rapid increase in the last 5 yearsin Romania and particularly in the region of Moldova. Outcomesand complication rates are equal or superior to nationwide HDdata and comparable to distinguished centres of CAPD in economicallydeveloped countries. We conclude that, provided that optimalmedical practice is available, CAPD should be the RRT of choicein Romania, and that it represents the only solution to thecountry's limited dialysis resources.     

Vascular access complications in long-term pediatric hemodialysis patients

Current data demonstrate pediatric patients who remain on hemodialysis (HD) therapy are more likely to be dialyzed via central venous catheters (CVCs) than arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) and fistulae (AVFs). We retrospectively compared complications and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) associated with different vascular access types at two large centers over a 1-year period. Patients included in the study were younger than 25 years of age, weighed >20 kg, and had received HD for at least 3 months. Thirty CVC patients and 21 AVG/AVF patients received a total of 2,393 and 3,506 HD treatments, respectively. The infectious complication rate was higher for CVC patients, who were hospitalized 3.7 days for each 100 HD treatments versus 0.2 days for AVG/AVF patients (p < 0.01). CVC patients also had a much higher rate of access revision, needing 2.7 hospital days every 100 HD treatments compared with 0.2 days for AVG/AVF patients (p < 0.01). HRQOL scores did not differ between groups. Thus, despite similar HRQOL, CVCs were associated with more complications and greater morbidity when compared with AVG/AVFs. These findings further emphasize the need to use AVG/AVFs as primary HD access for pediatric patients expected to receive a long course of maintenance HD.     

Endoscopic placement of CAPD catheters: a review of one hundred procedures.

One hundred consecutive endoscopically placed peritoneal dialysis catheters inserted in 95 patients over an 18-month period have been reviewed. All catheters were placed for chronic dialysis (CAPD). Following insertion there were five early catheter failures (4 failed to drain, 1 perforated viscus) and 13 early complications (7 leaks, 3 tunnel bleeds, 2 scrotal oedema, 1 wound infection). In the long term six patients required transfer to haemodialysis (2 recurrent peritonitis, 2 pain on outflow, 1 unable to cope, 1 persistent vomiting). Overall probability of catheter survival as predicted by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 0.85 at 18 months. These results confirm that endoscopic placement of CAPD catheters is safe and reliable. In addition there is a low early failure rate and the long-term catheter survival figure is comparable with the best series reported. This procedure allows direct visualization of the peritoneal cavity, thus minimizing the risk of visceral damage. Furthermore, the procedure is well tolerated under local anaesthesia and allows early institution of dialysis because of the extremely low leakage rate (11%). Endoscopic placement of CAPD catheters is now the procedure of choice in our centre. General anaesthetic and mini-laparotomy are thus avoided in most of this high-risk group.     

Magnetic resonance venography in assessing venous patency after multiple venous catheters

Background/Purpose: Venous thrombosis is a well-recognised complication of central venous catheters (CVC). The aim of the study was to assess the value of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in assessing venous patency in children with suspected venous thrombosis. Methods: Contrast studies through the CVC (linogram) and Doppler ultrasonography were the initial investigations performed in children with suspected CVC-related thrombosis. Two-dimensional gated inflow and phase contrast MRV also was performed to assess the extent of venous thrombosis and to locate patent veins for replacement CVC. When the MRV identified a suitable patent vein, the CVC was reinserted by direct venous cut down or the percutaneous method under a general anaesthetic. Results: A total of 25 children (median age, 5 years; range, 2 months to 17 years) who had multiple CVC insertions (median, 3; range, 1-9), underwent MRV for suspected venous thrombosis. Of 10 patients in whom the catheter was completely occluded, MRV identified extensive thrombosis of the central veins in 6. In 7 other children the linogram showed adherent thrombus at the tip of the CVC only. In 5 of these 7 children MRV showed extensive thrombosis of the vein in which the catheters were placed. Doppler ultrasonography diagnosed thrombotic occlusion of the neck veins in 7 children. The MRV studies showed more extensive thrombosis in 4 of these 7 patients. Additionally, MRV showed thrombosis of the intrathoracic veins in 11 patients who had patent neck veins on ultrasound scan. MRV identified a patent vein for reinsertion of CVC in 22 of 25 children. At operation, venous patency was confirmed in 20 patients (91%). Conclusion: MRV in children with suspected CVC-related thrombosis is more accurate than Doppler ultrasonography, and contrast studies for defining the extent of venous thrombosis. MRV correctly shows venous anatomy and patency for reinsertion of CVC.     

Central venous catheterization in pediatric hematology

Central venous catheters (CVC) have proven to be a reliable route of the administration of chemotherapy, saline, blood cells and nutritional support in patients with malignant haematological disease. However, infection remained one of the most important causes of morbidity associated with this procedure. The aims of this study were a) to evaluate the efficacy of laminar air flow to prevent CVC infections, b) to study morbidity associated with polyethylene (PE) and silicone (S) catheters, and c) to evaluate the part played by increasing staff practice. 177 CVC were inserted in 170 children during a period of 20 months. Ages ranged from 5 months to 15 years (mean: 7 years). All the S CVC were tunnelled whereas, because of their rigidity, none of the PE CVC were. At the time of their removal, bacteriological samples from the CVC skin exit site, blood drawn through the catheter and the tips of these CVC were cultured. During the first period (one year), three groups of CVC were studied: in group 1, 37 S CVC in patients placed in a non-sterile ward; in group 2, 40 S CVC in children nursed under laminar air flow; in group 3, 60 PE CVC in patients of a non-sterile ward. During the second period (8 months), 40 new S CVC were inserted in children nursed in non-sterile wards, but after nursing staff training (group 4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of surface morphology on in vitro bacterial adherence to central venous catheters

The detailed surface topography of five poly-urethane centralvenous catheters (CVC) (Hydrocath, Deltacath, Certofix trio,Arrow-Howes and Multicath three) was examined by scanning electronmicroscopy and laser profilometry. The results were correlatedwith the ability of Staphylococcus epidermidis to adhere toeach CVC. Hydrocath CVC had the smoothest surface, as determinedby profile peak values of 0.17 µm (Ra) and 0.94 µm(Rz). These CVC also had the lowest number ofstaphylo-cocciadhering to the surface. In contrast, Certofix trio CVC hadan irregular surface (Ra 1.29µm and Rz 6.35 µm)which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These latterCVC had significantly more bacteria colonizing their surfacecompared with Hydrocath and Arrow-Howes CVC (P < 0.01). Theresults suggest that a CVC with a smooth surface, absent ofsurface defects, may reduce the risk of colonization with bacteriaand therefore subsequent sepsis. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1994; 72:587–591)     

Endoluminal dilatation technique to remove stuck hemodialysis tunneled catheter: A case report from Indonesia

BackgroundTunneled CVC is being increasingly used worldwide as a mean of vascular access for hemodialysis. Among these, one of the emerging complications is that of the “embedded” or stuck catheter. There have been registered cases of vasomotor collapse, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), avulsion of the vena cava, damage to the tricuspid valve having fatal consequences, and breakage of the CVC (Lodi et al., 2016).Case presentationA 63-year-old female with mature AV fistula came to the clinic for removal of a tunnelled 15 fr double lumen dialysis catheter (Medical Components, Harleysville, Pensylvania) that had been inserted into the left internal jugular vein 15 months prior to this visit. In the OR, our surgical attempt to remove the catheter failed. The first few dilation procedures were performed using 0.035-inch guidewire and balloon catheters. The technique was subsequently modified as follows. In this case we use a 6 × 60 mm Scoreflex balloon. Endoluminal dilation was repeated along the length of the catheter up to the cuff. Once the catheter has been removed, pressure was applied using sterile gauze to aid hemostasis. The procedure was successful without any observed complication.ConclusionEndoluminal dilatation technique is considered as the easiest and safest technique to remove hemodialysis catheter. Our case is the first stuck hemodialysis catheter reported in Indonesia and probably the first case that happen and treat with endoluminal dilatation technique in our country.     

Using Cuffed and Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters as Permanent Vascular Access for Hemodialysis: A Prospective Study

Background.?Adequate care of a hemodialysis patient requires constant attention to the need to maintain vascular access (VA) patency. VA complications are the main cause of hospitalization in hemodialysis patients. The native arteriovenous fistula (NAVF), synthetic arteriovenous grafts fistula (GAVF) and silastic cuffed central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for permanent vascular access (PVA). CVCs are primary the method of choice for temporary access. But using this access modality is increasing more and more for PVA in elderly hemodialysis patients and when other PVA is not possible. The primary aim of this study is to investigate survivals and complications of the CVCs used for long-term VA. Methods.?We prospectively looked at 92 CVCs (Medcomp Ash Split Cath, 14 FR × 28 cm (Little, M.A.; O'Riordan, A.; Lucey, B.; Farrell, M.; Lee, M.; Conlon, P.J.; Walshe, J.J. A prospective study of complications associated with cuffed, tunnelled hemodialysis catheters. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 2001, 16 (11), 2194–2200) with Dacron cuff) inserted in 85 (50 females, 35 males) chronic hemodialysis patients (the mean age: 56.6 ± 14.1 years) from 07 1999 to 01 2002. The overall survival and complications were followed up. Furthermore, the patients were evaluated for demographic and clinical characteristics. Data were analysed by chi-square, Wilcoxon rank and Kaplan–Meier survival tests. Results.?The median duration of CVC survival was 289 days (range: 10–720). Eleven (11.9%) CVCs were removed due to complications. In 79 (92.9%) patients, 1, in 5 (5.8%) patients, 2 and in 1 patient, 3 CVCs were inserted. Of the 85 patients, 56 have CVCs functioning. In addition, 27 (31.76%) patients have CVCs functioning for over 12 months, 17 (20%) patients have CVCs functioning for 6 months. The total incidence of CVC related infections was 0.82 episodes/1000 catheter days. Besides, thrombosis was occurred in 10 (10.8%) CVCs. The most frequent indications for CVC removal were patient death (69.4%), thrombosis (16.6%) and CVC-related infections (13.8%). Conclusions.?CVCs are primarily used for temporary access. But this study indicates that CVC may be a very useful alternative permanent vascular access for hemodialysis patients when other forms of vascular access are not available.     

Multi-Centre Study on Outcome of Treatment in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Haemodialysis

In a multi-centre study by seven large renal units in the UnitedKingdom, the morbidity and mortality of all patients startingCAPD and haemodialysis during a 2-year period (1983–1984)has been monitored prospectively and related to reasons forchoice of therapy and potential risk factors. Over this period 338 new patients (mean age 48; range 3–77years) started CAPD; 17% had diabetes mellitus and 25% had cerebro/cardiovasculardisease. One hundred and seventy-five patients (mean age 45;range 5–73 years) started haemodialysis; 6% had diabetesmellitus and 14% had cerebro/cardiovascular disease. The Kaplan-Meieractuarial patient survival estimates at 2 years were haemodialysis84% and CAPD 83%, whilst technique survival figures for thesame period were haemodialysis 92% and CAPD .80%. Cox's regressionanalysis showed that cerebro/cardiovascular disease and age>60 years were most important predictors for survival inCAPD patients, in whom smoking appeared to be a significantrisk factor, for permanent change of therapy to haemodialysis.The major cause of ‘drop out’ in both groups wastransplantation, whilst hospitalisation was 14.9 days per patientyear for CAPD and 12.8 for haemodialysis patients. Within theCAPD group a temporary change to haemodialysis (<2 months)occurred on 106 occasions (each of mean of 19 days duration),amounting to 10 days per patient year of therapy. CAPD was used twice as often as haemodialysis for managing newpatients. After 2 years hospitalisation technique and patientsurvival were comparable in the two groups, with cerebro/cardiovasculardisease, age, and smoking being significant predictors of outcome.     

Treatment of resistant CAPD peritonitis by temporary discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis

Resistant continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis (recurrent or persistent infection) is traditionally treated by removal of the CAPD catheter and a period off peritoneal dialysis. In a pilot study we have treated 8 patients with recurrent staphylococcal peritonitis and 3 patients with persistent staphylococcal peritonitis by stopping CAPD for a 2-week period, the CAPD catheter being left in-situ. All 8 patients with recurrent peritonitis and 2 of the 3 patients with persistent peritonitis had resolution of their infection; the third patient required catheter removal to clear the infection. There were no acute problems associated with stopping CAPD, and there was no evidence of loss of peritoneal filtration capacity on restarting CAPD. This novel approach to the treatment of resistant CAPD peritonitis should reduce the number of CAPD catheters replaced and therefore diminish the risks and inconvenience to patients that such replacements entail.     

Surgical management of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children: five-year experience with 1,800 patient-month follow-up

Currently at our institution more than 90% of the children with end-stage renal disease are managed with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in preference to hemodialysis until a successful transplant is accomplished. Recent refinements in CAPD catheters and dialysis techniques have greatly added to the many medical, psychological, and economic advantages of CAPD compared with chronic hemodialysis. Ninety-three patients less than 21 years of age underwent insertion of 167 peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters over a 5-year period. A variety of PD catheters were used, including 121 (73%) double-cuff Tenckhoff catheters, 22 (13%) single-cuff, and 24 (14%) column disc catheters (Lifecaths, Physio-Control Corp, Redmond, WA). There were three (3%) noncatheter-related mortalities and minimal significant morbidity during the 1,819 patient-months of catheter use. Exit site infections (61%) and peritonitis (59%) were frequent but minor complications, occasionally requiring catheter replacement. Other noninfectious complications included abdominal hernias (42%), dialysis leaks (14%), distal cuff extrusion (11%), catheter obstruction (7%), and hydrothorax (2%). Forty-five of the 60 hernias (75%) were surgically repaired in patients while receiving CAPD. Persistent or recurrent peritonitis was common with Pseudomonas, Serratia, and fungal infections and often resulted in catheter removal and loss of the peritoneal dialysis membrane. Catheter survival for the double-cuff Tenckhoff was significantly better (P .005) than the single-cuff or Lifecath. Based on this experience we have found that using specific operative techniques for CAPD catheter placement and early surgical management for severe peritonitis reduces the incidence of complications and modality failure.