Approaches to prolong the use of uncuffed hemodialysis catheters: results of a randomized trial.

Background: Use of uncuffed catheters (UCs) in hemodialysis patients is common practice. An antibiotic lock has been recommended to prevent catheter-related bacteremia (CRB), although insufficient data are available about the appropriate antimicrobial agent and dose with prolonged use of UCs.

Methods: This open-label randomized study was conducted to compare gentamicin/heparin (group A) and taurolidine/citrate (group B), as catheter-lock solutions, in 119 chronic hemodialysis patients in whom a total of 150 UCs were placed. A well-matched historical control group (heparin) included 67 UCs in 58 patients (group C).

Results: CRB episodes developed in 6 and 8 patients in groups A and B, respectively, significantly fewer than in group C (20 patients). Cumulative CRB-free catheter survival at 90 days was 82% for A and 78% for B, which is significantly higher than the 26% for C. Similar Gram-positive infection rates were found in all groups. The Gram-negative infection rate was significantly lower in B compared to C. No significant differences in thrombosis rates were observed between the groups.

Conclusions: Gentamicin/heparin and taurolidine/citrate, used for locking UC, were similarly effective at preventing CRB and catheter thrombosis for up to 3 months, until a functional permanent vascular access became available. Both antimicrobial lock solutions were superior to heparin in CRB prevention with similar thrombosis rates.