Indwelling time and risk of infection of dialysis catheters in critically ill cancer patients.

Objective: Despite the lack of evidence to support routine scheduled replacement of dialysis catheters (DCs) this practice continues to be widely used in many intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated whether additional risks of catheter-related infection (CRI) are incurred with a conservative attitude in critically ill cancer patients.

Design And Setting: Prospective, observational study over a 14-month period in a 15-bed medicosurgical unit in a comprehensive cancer center.