Prevention and management of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in patients on hemodialysis
Gattuso, G.; Tomasoni, D.; Chiarelli, C.; Stradoni, R.; Scalzini, A.
Giornale Italiano di Nefrologia Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana di Nefrologia 27 Suppl. 52: S66-S72
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-5590 PMID: 21132665 Document Number: 645414
Infections contracted during hemodialysis are an important aspect of the issue of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The dialyzed kidney patient has a very high risk of infections, which may be life-threatening. Only the strict application of proper nursing standards, in addition to surveillance and good management of the patient, will allow to lower the incidence of infections. We studied the hemodialysis-related infection risk by evaluating the types of patients, medical devices, and nursing practices involved. Patient outcome can be improved by the implementation of correct management practices. The analysis of variables including standards of good practice, hand washing, and surveillance of colonized patients will promote the development of effective measures to reduce the incidence of infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant ones.