THE EFFECT OF CEFAZOLIN CONTAINING HEPARIN SOLUTION FOR PREVENTION OF DOUBLE LUMEN CATHETER RELATED INFECTIONS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Double lumen catheters, used as temporary vascular access for hemodialysis, may cause serious infectious complications. Fifty-six patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute renal failure (ARF), requiring temporary access for hemodialysis, were randomised to receive either 2500 U/ml heparin (H) or 2500 U/ml heparin plus 200 mcg/ml cefazolin (H+C) for catheter lumens to remain between dialysis sessions. There were 30 patients (12 M, 18 F; 20 ESRD, 10 ARF) in the H group and the mean age was 42.5±17.9, whereas there were 26 patients (6 M, 20 F; 16 ESRD, 10 ARF) in the H+C group and the mean age was 46.1 ±17.9. There were no significant differences between the two groups for age, gender and the type of renal failure (p>0.05). Catheter remaining times for H and H+C groups were 15.4±13.0 days and 19.5±5.2 days, respectively (p>0.05). Seven catheter exit-site infections, two catheter related sepsis and two catheter related fever were detected in the H group, whereas four exit-site infections and one catheter related fever were found in the H+C group (p>0.05).

In conclusion, 200 mcg/ml cefazolin containing heparin solution was not significantly efficient for preventing catheter related infections, but further studies containing more patients with longer catheter remaining times are needed.