Bacteremia related to the use of venous catheter in a hemodialysis unit in Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: Catheter-related bacteremias (CRB) in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases represent a major health problem.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of CRB in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases at Ciro Redondo García Hospital, Artemisa, Cuba; and to describe its relationship with the type of vascular access (VA), as well as the medical protocol adopted after diagnosis.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted between May and October 2019. All patients (n=78) in the hospital hemodialysis unit were included. Information about the type and duration of VA was collected. In the presence of an episode suggestive of bacteremia, a blood sample was obtained for blood culture. The incidence of CRB was informed according to Bouza´s criteria (2004).

Results: The incidence rate of CRB was estimated good (1.18/1 000 1000 catheter-days). For those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and by gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Alcaligenes spp.), the rates were excellent: 0.44 and 0.88/1000 catheter -days, respectively. Central venous catheters were the predominant VAs. It was confirmed that empirical treatment was initiated in the presence of signs of a probable CRB, which was modified after specific etiological diagnosis, together with the withdrawal of the VA whenever the clinical conditions allowed it.

Conclusions: Good clinical practices for the prevention of CBR are maintained at the hemodialysis service. The confirmed etiological agents make it necessary to continue with the indication of empirical treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.