Infection-related complications in patients with end stage renal failure dialyzed through a permanent catheter

Objectives Progression of renal failure leads to an increase in the number of patients who require forming dialysis access. Old age and a rising morbidity make it impossible to form a native arteriovenous fistula and a permanent catheter becomes the first choice. The presence of a catheter frequently generates complications, including infections, which may result in a higher mortality rate. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis data has been conducted, involving 398 patients who had permanent catheters implanted from 2010 to 2016. Out of this group, 65 patients who suffered infection-related complications have been identified. Risk factors for infection and a survival rate of the population have been estimated. Results Between 2010 and 2016, 495 catheters were implanted for 398 patients aged 68.73(13.26) years on average. 92 catheter-related infections (23.1%) were recorded in 65 patients. A higher risk of infection has been noted among younger patients, with coronary disease and heart failure. Patients affected by infection had 35.38% survivability as against 38.14% for those with no infection: p= 0.312. A higher mortality risk was identified among patients suffering catheter-related infections with cardiac implants and vascular prostheses. Unfavourable prognosis was for infections occurring together with hypotension, high leucocytosis, a low number of platelets and a high leukocyte/platelet ratio. Conclusion Dialysis patients who use permanent catheters run a high risk of infection-related complications, especially younger patients suffering from coronary conditions and heart failure. Severe catheter-related infections lead to a high mortality rate, therefore it is necessary to limit this form of access.