Effect of catheter-lock solutions on catheter-related infection and inflammatory syndrome in hemodialysis patients: heparin versus citrate 46% versus heparin/gentamicin.

Background And Objective: Prevention strategies are emerging with the use of catheter-lock solutions (CLS) to prevent catheter-related infections. We compared 3 CLS: heparin, citrate (46%) and heparin/gentamicin (H/G).

Design, Setting And Participants: Three periods of 6 months using the three CLS were compared.

Rapid curbing of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium outbreak in a nephrology department.

Background And Objectives: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are recovered with increasing frequency among patients with chronic renal failure, making VRE a major concern in nephrology departments, especially for patients who are treated by hemodialysis. We report herein the successful aggressive management of a VRE outbreak in a nephrology department.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: An Enterococcus faecium vanB strain was isolated from a peritoneal dialysis solution from an inpatient.

Measuring plasma conductivity to detect sodium load in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Sodium thiosulfate therapy has been proposed for calcific uremic arteriolopathy and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients. The treatment brings 3.7 g (161 mmol) of sodium.