Subclavian hemodialysis catheter infections: a prospective, randomized trial of an attachable silver-impregnated cuff for prevention of catheter-related infections.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if an attachable silver-impregnated cuff is effective in reducing subclavian hemodialysis catheter-related infections.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, nonblinded study.

SETTING

Community teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred one acute and chronic renal failure patients requiring subclavian venipuncture and catheterization. After randomization, 47 patients underwent subclavian catheterization with a silver-impregnated cuff (Ag-CC), and 54 patients had routine catheter (RC) placements.

MEASUREMENTS

Multiple presumed predictor variables for catheter-related infections, exit site infection rate, bacteremia rates, and semiquantitative cultures of all catheters.