Abstract
A comparison of the outcome of two different protocols concerning the postinsertion catheter care are reported and the literature of the subject is reviewed. Forty patients had the "Quinton" double-lumen catheter in the subclavian vein for hemodialysis. These catheters were kept in place for a total of 1392 days. The patients were divided randomly into two groups (A and B), each consisting of 20 patients. The care of group A catheters was done by the hospital intravenous (IV) team using heparin flushing three times/day The care of group B catheters was done by dialysis nurses using heparin 1 mL of 2500 units in each lumen only after dialysis, ie, three times/week. The bacteremia rate of group A was 15% while that of group B was 5%.
In conclusion, flushing the catheter with heparin 1 mL/2500 units in each lumen of the catheter at the end of dialysis, ie, three times/week along with changing the dressing once per week were found valuable in decreasing the rate of bacteremia from catheter infection.
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