Anti-microbial locks increase the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacter: observational retrospective cohort study.

Background: Anti-microbial lock solutions (AML), in conjunction with systemic antibiotics, may successfully treat tunnelled haemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). It is unknown whether AML promote anti-microbial resistance.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all CR-BSI (2003-2006) in our dialysis unit.

Hemodialysis access-related survival and morbidity in an elderly population in South West Thames, UK.

Elderly patients form the most rapidly expanding group of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Europe and the United States. There are initiatives to promote an increase in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation. There are concerns that elderly patients may have lower rates of surgical vascular access compared with younger patients due to risks of higher co-morbidities, surgical complications, and higher AVF nonuse rates.