The Burden of Tunneled Central Venous Catheters for Hemodialysis in a County Hospital

Abstract

Prolonged use of central venous catheters (CVCs) for hemodialysis (HD) is associated with greater morbidity and mortality when compared with autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). The objective was to assess compliance with CVC guidelines in adults referred for hemoaccess at a county teaching hospital. Out of 256 patients, 172 (67.2%) were male, with a mean age of 50.0 ± 12.4 years. Overall 62.5 per cent initiated dialysis via CVC. Patients were divided into two groups (those with CVC (62.5%) and those without (37.5%)). Male gender was associated with initiation of dialysis via CVC versus no CVC (72.5 vs 58.3%, P = 0.02), as was a history of prior vascular access (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, diabetes, smoking, ambulatory status, or insurance status. There were no differences in gender, age, insurance status, or prior vascular access between prolonged CVC use (≥90 days) and short-term CVC use (<90 days). We conclude that most patients initiated HD with CVC and exceed the recommended CVC duration. Men are more likely to initiate HD via CVC. Insurance status was not associated with CVC use. Multidisciplinary action may address barriers to reducing CVC duration.