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Sodium citrate as a capping for permacaths
Author(s) -
Scott G.E.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
hemodialysis international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.658
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1542-4758
pISSN - 1492-7535
DOI - 10.1111/j.1492-7535.2005.1121k.x
Subject(s) - medicine , heparin , sodium citrate , catheter , hemodialysis , anticoagulant , dialysis catheter , surgery , dialysis , anesthesia , pathology
Purpose: Tunneled catheters as chronic dialysis access is a reality of chronic hemodialysis. Infection of the catheter is an unavoidable complication. We researched the possibility of using Na Citrate as capping because of its anticoagulant effects and bactericidal properties. Methods: Rate of infections per 1000 calendar days with heparin capping was recorded for an eight month period before using Na Citrate. Flows <300 ml/min via catheters were also recorded for an eight month period before Na Citrate use, using treatments per 1000 calendar days. Both these parameters were recorded for an eight month period following the initiation of Na Citrate 4% for all catheters. Results: Our infection rate using heparin was 2.2 infections per 1000 catheter days. Infection rate after use of Na citrate was 1.2 infections per 1000 calendar days. Catheter flows <300 were 5.6 per 1000 calendar days using heparin, and 9.2 per 1000 calendar days after use of Na Citrate. There were no reactions related to Na Citrate, and no symptomatic hypocalcemia. Conclusions: Na Citrate is effective at reducing the number of infections when used as a capping solution for tunneled catheters. Na Citrate–capped catheters had more frequent declines in QB compared with heparin capping. Because of the availability of anti‐thrombolytic agents to preserve catheter patency, Na Citrate makes a safe option as a capping agent for long‐term catheter capping.