Infections in Hemodialysis Patients

Infections are the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease among hemodialysis (HD) patients and are on the rise. This chapter describes the detail risk factors for vascular and nonvascular infections in HD patients. It also discusses the current evidence for prevention and management of various infections. The chapter gives increasing resistance patterns of pathogenic microorganisms and highlights the risks of common nosocomial and bloodborne viral infections among HD patients. Few prognostic factors beyond immune system dysregulation in HD patients include the type and location of access site along with cannulation methods utilized. Hepatitis B virus maintains environmental stability by persisting on surfaces and equipment at ambient room temperatures, where it can remain infectious for up to 7 days after contamination. Patients on hemodialysis continue to be at an extremely high risk of contracting infections.