Risks of central nervous system infections and related mortality in patients undergoing dialysis

Semin Dial. 2022 Jul;35(4):317-324. doi: 10.1111/sdi.13058. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the risks of central nervous system (CNS) infections and related mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis.

Methods: Incident dialysis patients were identified from 2000 to 2013. The risks of CNS infection and related mortality were analyzed.

Results: The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of CNS infection in the ESRD group compared with the control group was 3.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.75-4.35). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 90-day mortality following CNS infections in the ESRD group in comparison with the control group was 5.99 (95% CI 2.78-12.9). The adjusted HR of overall CNS infection for the peritoneal dialysis (PD) group in comparison with the hemodialysis (HD) group was 1.07 (95% CI 0.63-1.82). Influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risks of CNS infection in dialysis patients (adjusted HR: 0.38, 95% CI 0.30-0.48). The adjusted OR of 90-day mortality following CNS infection for the PD group in comparison with the HD group was 1.01 (95% CI 0.55-1.87).

Conclusions: The risks of CNS infections and related mortality were remarkably high in dialysis patients with no significant difference between patients with ESRD under HD and PD treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Infections* / complications
  • Central Nervous System Infections* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic* / complications
  • Peritoneal Dialysis* / adverse effects
  • Propensity Score
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors