Catheter-related bacteraemia

Catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) and catheter dysfxmction are major sources of morbidity and mortality when central venous catheters (CVCs) are used as long-term vascular access devices in haemodialysis patients. Attempts have been made to minimise these complications by the prophylactic use of catheter locking solutions. The current study aims to describe the recent advances in the field of lock solutions and discusses the benefits and risks associated with the routine use of antimicrobial and/or antithrombotic lock solutions [ll J. These solutions may improve patency and CRB, but at the same time, these may be cost-prohibitive. 

Moretti EW, Ofstead CL, Kristy RM, et al. Impact of central venous catheter type and methods on catheter-related colonization and bacteraemia. J Hosp Infect October 2005 61(2) 139 5. 

Weightman NC, Simpson EM, Speller DC, Mott MG, Oakhill A (1988) Bacteraemia related to indwelling central venous catheters prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 7 125-129... 

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