Abstract

Objective: To determine the difference in the rates of dialysis events stratified by vascular access type and to describe the microbiological profile and sensitivity patterns of positive blood cultures over a 3-year period.

Subjects and methods: The dialysis event data of 10,751 chronic hemodialysis patients collected from March 2013 to February 2016 at an outpatient dialysis unit in Kuwait were reviewed. The dialysis events studied were: intravenous (IV) antimicrobial use, a positive blood culture, and signs of inflammation at the vascular access site. Dialysis event rates were stratified by the type of vascular access used for the dialysis, i.e., fistula, graft, and tunneled/nontunneled central line. Rates were expressed per 100 patient-months.

Results: The overall dialysis event rate was (10.7/100 patient-months). The rate of IV antimicrobial use was higher (12.53/100 patient-months) in patients with tunneled central lines than in all other vascular access types (10.29/100 patient-months). Positive blood culture and inflammation at the vascular access site were highest in patients with nontunneled central lines (1.65 and 1.54/100 patient-months, respectively) when compared to those with other types of vascular access. Gram-negative rod isolates were predominant in patients with central lines (n = 35; 46.67%); however, common skin commensals and gram-negative rods were also identified in patients with fistula or graft (n = 4; 44.45%).

Conclusion: Dialysis event rates were higher among patients with tunneled or nontunneled central lines than in patients with fistula or graft. Gram-negative rods were the most commonly isolated microbial group.

Keywords: Dialysis event; Hemodialysis; Infection control; Kuwait; Surveillance.