Chlorhexidine Dressings for Hemodialysis Catheter Exit Site Care: Comparative Study

Introduction: The use of CVC as a vascular access for haemodialysis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality (up to 10 times higher in a patient with a CVC compared to an arteriovenous fistula), contributing to poorer patient outcomes and increased haemodialysis-related costs. Aim: To compare the rate of catheter-related infections (bacteraemia, exit site infection and tunelitis) between haemodialysis catheter exit site dressing with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate self-adhesive semi-permeable polyurethane dressings (AGCD); and dressing with 2% chlorhexidine solution and covered with self-adhesive semi-permeable polyurethane dressing (PD). Methods: A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to compare the occurrence of local and systemic infections related to hemodialysis catheter. Two care groups will be formed in which AGCD and PD dressings will be used. In addition, other clinical variables, patient satisfaction and dressing-related skin alterations will also be analyzed. Scientific relevance: Infectious complications related with hemodialysis catheter have an increased morbidity, mortality and incremented costs. Key words: hemodialysis, Central Venous Catheters, Bacteremia, exit site infection, tunnel infection, chlorhexidine gluconate dressing.