Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO1068

Comparison of Blood Stream Infections in Patients Using ClearGuard or DefenCath

Session Information

• Kidney Replacement Therapy and Care Delivery Innovations
  October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Dialysis

• 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis

Authors

• Lasky, Rachel A., Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Rachel A. Lasky, MPH

• Ficociello, Linda, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States

Linda Ficociello, PhD

• Mysayphonh, Chance, Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Chance Mysayphonh, PharmD, RPh

• Hippen, Benjamin E., Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Benjamin E. Hippen, MD, FASN

• Chatoth, Dinesh K., Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Dinesh K. Chatoth, MD, FASN

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a serious complication among hemodialysis patients using central venous catheters and are associated with increased morbidity and hospitalizations¹. Antimicrobial impregnated cap and catheter lock technologies, including DefenCath and ClearGuard, are often used to reduce infection risk. However, real-world evidence evaluating BSI outcomes between these products remains limited. This study compares the occurrence of BSIs among in-center hemodialysis patients treated with either ClearGuard or DefenCath.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of in-center hemodialysis patients that 1) received treatment using a catheter and 2) were treated with either ClearGuard or DefenCath between 8/1/2025 and 9/30/2025 were included in the analysis. Patients were followed for up to 6 months after their first treatment with either Clearguard or DefenCath. BSIs were identified through positive laboratory test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios for time to first BSI, and Poisson regression was used to compare rates of multiple infections between groups. Both models were adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, BMI, diagnosis of diabetes or CHF, and insurance type.

Results

18,378 patients were included in the analysis – 8,147 treated with DefenCath and 10,231 treated with ClearGuard. Time-to-event analysis of first reported BSI found no significant difference in BSI rate per 1000 days between groups (0.11 vs. 0.10 per 1000 days) (Table 1). The difference remained non-significant when patients were stratified by dialysis vintage (< 90 days, ≥ 90 days). Similarly, no significant difference was found when multiple BSIs per patient were considered (0.13 vs. 0.13 per 1000 days).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the occurrence of BSIs between patients using ClearGuard or DefenCath, suggesting that BSI outcomes are comparable for hemodialysis patients.

Funding

• Commercial Support – Renal Research Institute