Vascular access related infection and distribution of pathogenic bacteria in hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the vascular access related infection and the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in hemodialysis patients. Methods The vascular access infections were retrospectively evaluated in a total 228 of patients with maintenance hemodialysis in our dialysis unit. Results The incidence of the long-term jugular vein catheter was 1.103 episodes, jugular vein temporary catheter was 2.469 episodes and thigh vein temporary catheter was 5.157 episodes per 1 000 catheter days. Gram positive bacteria were the most common pathogen. Staphylococcus aureus (25.93%) was the most common pathogen, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococcus (22.22%) and Enterococcus faecalis (14.81%). Patients with infection were older than those without infection. Conclusion Patients with long-term jugular catheter indwelling have a high risk for central catheter related infection, especially in the elderly and those with diabetes. Gram positive bacteria are the most common pathogenic bacteria. Key words: Hemodialysis; Central venous catheter related infection; Pathogenic bacteria