Effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite in the prevention of catheter related infections

Contrib Nephrol. 2007:154:97-102. doi: 10.1159/000096817.

Abstract

Vascular access in hemodialysis is a major point of concern in the management of chronic patients. Although arteriovenous fistula remains as the access of first choice, tunneled central venous catheters are still commonly used. Infection remains the principal cause of catheter dysfunction or loss. Many protocols have been used in order to prevent exit site infections and bacteremia. We describe our experience with the use of sodium hypochlorite, an electrolytic chloroxidizer used as a topical disinfectant. It has been shown to be active against a broad spectrum of potential pathogens and has other specific advantages compared to other cleansing agents, including its non-toxic, non-irritating nature and its low cost. We conclude that sodium hypochlorite solution in different concentrations (10 and 50%) is effective in preventing exit site infections and bacteremia associated with tunneled central venous catheters in chronic hemodialysis patients.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Bacteremia / prevention & control*
  • Candidiasis / epidemiology
  • Candidiasis / prevention & control
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / methods*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / statistics & numerical data
  • Catheters, Indwelling / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infection Control / statistics & numerical data
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects
  • Renal Dialysis / methods*
  • Renal Dialysis / statistics & numerical data
  • Sodium Hypochlorite / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Sodium Hypochlorite