Cefotaxime-heparin lock prophylaxis against hemodialysis catheter-related sepsis among Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers undergoing hemodialysis (HD) through tunneled cuffed catheters (TCCs) form a high-risk group for the development of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and ensuing morbidity. The efficacy of antibiotic-locks on the outcomes of TCCs among S. aureus nasal carriers has not been studied earlier.

Enhancing the survival of tunneled haemodialysis catheters using an antibiotic lock in the elderly: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Tunneled-cuffed catheters (TCC) are often used among the elderly to commence and carry out haemodialysis (HD). Complications like infection and thrombosis frequently reduce the lifespan of TCC. The role of an antibiotic heparin 'lock' in the prevention of thrombotic and infectious complications and enhancement of TCC survival in the elderly has not been investigated previously.