Topical gentamicin for the prevention of tunneled hemodialysis catheter-related infections: a randomized double-blind study.

Introduction: Infection is the second leading cause of death in dialysis patients, with catheter-related bloodstream infection being the most serious. Exit Site Infection and Tunnel Infection are also related to the catheter.

Objective: To compare the infection rates achieved with the application of either topical gentamicin or placebo to the exit-site of tunneled catheters filled with locking solution in chronic hemodialysis patients.