Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) can frequently be treated with systemic antibiotics, in conjunction with an antibiotic lock, in an attempt to salvage the catheter. It is unknown whether CRB associated with an exit site infection can be treated with such an approach. We retrospectively queried a prospective, computerized vascular access database, and identified 1436 episodes of CRB, of which 64 cases had a concurrent exit site. The frequency of concurrent exit site infection was 9.6% with Staphylococcus epidermidis, 6.1% with Staphylococcus aureus, and only 0.7% with Gram negative CRB (p<0.001 for Staphylococcus vs Gram negative rods). Five serious complications (4 major sepsis, 1 endocarditis) occurred in 24 patients with Staphylococcus aureus infection, but none in 32 episodes of Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Catheter survival was significantly shorter in patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections. The median catheter survival (without infection or dysfunction) was 14 days with Staphylococcus aureus vs 30 days with Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. In conclusion, concurrent exit site infection is seen most commonly in association with Staphylococcal CRB. When the infecting organism is Staphylococcus epidermidis, attempted salvage with systemic antibiotics and an antibiotic lock is reasonable. However, prompt catheter removal is indicated when the pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus.
Background and objectives: Candidemia is a rare complication in catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients. As a result, there is uncertainty about its optimal medical management. The goal of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-related candidemia managed with two different strategies: Guidewire exchange of the infected catheter versus removal with delayed replacement.Design, setting, participants, & measurements: We retrospectively queried a prospective, computerized vascular access database to identify 40 hemodialysis patients with catheter-related candidemia. All patients underwent treatment with antifungal medications for 2 wk, in conjunction with guidewire catheter exchange or catheter removal with delayed replacement. The primary outcomes were major complications, recurrent candidemia, and patient survival.Results: Candidemia represented approximately 2% of all cases of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Of the 40 patients with candidemia, 27 underwent guidewire catheter exchange and 13 had prompt catheter removal with delayed replacement. The two treatment groups were similar in demographic, clinical, and catheter characteristics. Only 1 (2.5%) patient developed a serious complication (endophthalmitis). Recurrence of candidemia within 3 mo was observed in 15% of each treatment group. Patient survival at 6 mo was similar in both groups.Conclusions: Catheter-related candidemia is rare in hemodialysis patients and has a low complication rate. Catheter exchange over a guidewire in conjunction with antifungal therapy is an effective and safe treatment regimen.
The study included 52 patients at a high risk of thromboembolic complications, with permanent atrial fibrillation. All patients were treated with acenocoumarol for 6 months and the incidence of hemorrhages was evaluated in all of them. All patients were genotyped by CYP2C9 and VKORC1. The presence of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles of CYP2C9 locus and AA genotype of VCORC1 gene polymorphic G-1639(3673)A marker was not associated with the development of hemorrhages under conditions of acenocoumarol treatment (p=0.144 for CYP2C9, p=0.809 and 0.918 for VCORC1 in the total group and subgroup of patients with CYP2C9*1/*1 genotype, respectively). The search for other genetic markers of acenocoumarol efficiency and safety is needed for predicting the risk of hemorrhages during this treatment.
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