Abstract: FR-PO477
Hemodialysis Catheter Rewiring vs. Removal and Replacement: Post Hoc Analysis of a National Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial
Session Information
- Dialysis: Vascular Access
November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 803 Dialysis: Vascular Access
Authors
- Lazarus, Ben, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Kotwal, Sradha S., The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gallagher, Martin P., The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gray, Nicholas A., Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Coggan, Sarah E., The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Talaulikar, Girish S., Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Polkinghorne, Kevan, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Group or Team Name
- REDUCCTION Investigators.
Background
Tunnelled haemodialysis catheters are widely used but often fail prematurely. The optimal replacement strategy is unknown. Rewiring is less burdensome for patients but may predispose to infection. We aimed to quantify variation in tunnelled haemodialysis catheter rewiring practices among Australian nephrology services, and to determine whether rewiring was associated with infection.
Methods
In a post-hoc analysis of the national stepped wedge cluster randomized REDUCCTION trial, encompassing 37 nephrology services and 6399 adult patients, we examined variation in the service-wide proportion of tunnelled catheters that were replaced by rewiring, for infectious or non-infectious reasons. Given the findings, we compared the absolute risks of, and time to infectious removal between rewired and non-rewired (new exit site) catheters that replaced failing non-infected catheters. Marginal Cox and competing risk proportional hazard models, including catheter, patient, and service-level covariates were used. Confirmed bloodstream infections were assessed in sensitivity analysis. Competing risks included removal for dysfunction and death before removal.
Results
Services universally avoided rewiring infected catheters but varied widely in rewiring non-infected failing catheters (range = 0 – 90% rewired). Among new catheters that replaced failed non-infected catheters, 36 of 480 rewired (7.5%), and 36 of 372 non-rewired (9.7%) were removed for infection. At three months the cumulative incidence of premature infectious and mechanical removals was 5% and 21% for rewired and 7% and 23% for non-rewired respectively. The hazard of infectious removal did not differ between rewired and non-rewired catheters (adjusted HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.46, 1.42). The incidence of confirmed catheter-related bloodstream infections and catheter dysfunction requiring removal were similar between groups.
Conclusion
The practice of rewiring non-infected failing catheters varied widely between services, was not associated with catheter infection, and did not appear to affect the high rate of subsequent catheter dysfunction in this population.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.