[Chronic hemodialysis in a patient with AIDS].

Abstract

In this paper, we report our experience concerning chronic dialysis treatment in a patient with AIDS. We describe also all necessary precautions we utilized to prevent virus transmission from the patient to the staff. The latter was achieved with the use of standard gown, mask and gloves, as well as the use of plastic face shield. In addition, all disposable materials used, such as needles etc., were placed in special containers by the end of each hemodialysis session. Fistula puncture was done with great care and both needles were inserted to the same direction (towards the shoulder). Dialysis machine was sterilized by and was not dedicated only to this patient. No seroconversion was observed, up to now, among dialysis staff. Dialysis of AIDS patients should be performed with extremely special precautions in order to avoid unnecessary hazards to the staff.