Risks of Using a Central Venous Catheter for Haemodialysis in Australia and Opportunities for Improvement

To stay alive, most people with kidney failure need a plastic tube (catheter) inserted into a large vein in their neck so their blood can be regularly cleaned through a haemodialysis machine. Using numerous large, high-quality datasets, we found that infections and blockages related to haemodialysis catheters were a big problem in Australia. Both complications may be prevented by improving the quality and consistency of catheter care. Conversely, use of step tip catheters, prophylactic antibiotics before insertion and a more invasive approach to replacing malfunctioning catheters may be detrimental. The findings will improve the safety of haemodialysis therapy worldwide.