Infection Control Practices & Incidence of Infectious Illnesses in a Haemodialysis Unit

Abstract

Approximately 16.3% of patients (0.027 cases/patient-month) developed new episodes of infection during the study period that extended for 6 months.Female gender and lower serum albumin levels are risk factors for infection according to the results of our study, while they fail to demonstrate a correlation between the incidence of infection and the remaining variables understudy, i.e. : age, HCV status, diabetes mellitus, blood transfusion, CVCs and hemoglobin levels. The incidence of infections in our study, though it is a combined incidence,is higher than reported rates for infections related to AVF, but still not higher than reported rates of CVCs related infections. The low rate of HCV seroconversion (1.36/1000 patiets-month) indicates that HCV(+) patients isolation , as implemented in Hehia centralized hospital HD unit, is a useful tool to significantly reduce the incidence of seroconversion. Recommnedations Emphasis should be made on: 1. Staff education and competency: Training on infection control measures as per CDC's recommendatons and guidlines, including access care and aseptic technique, competency evaluation for skills, such as catheter care and accessing, periodically. 2. Patient education/engagement: Discussing important infection prevention practices like hand and personal hygiene with patients and their caregivers. 3. Catheter reduction efforts: barriers to fistula/ graft placement and catheter removal should be identified and addressed.