Risk factors for the infections caused by temporary double-lumen hemodialysis catheters

BACKGROUND: Temporary hemodialysis catheters are important devices used in dialysis practice but may be the source of infection in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We investigated the infectious complications in 70 hemodialysis patients using 113 hemodialysis catheters. RESULTS: The frequency of catheter-related bacteremia was 23.9%, of which Staphylococci were the most frequently growing organism (96.3%). Exit-site infection was observed in one patient. No cases were lost due to the infectious complications. The risk for the development of catheter-related bacteremia was increased after the 24th day of catheterization and after the second venous puncture. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between hypoalbuminemia and bacteremia. Internal jugular venous catheterization and hypoalbuminemia were determined as risk factors for the development of catheter-related bacteremia. The risk factors for catheter-related bacteremia in patients with hemodialysis catheter should be determined and modified in order to decrease infectious complications.