Category: Infection Control

How to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Infections

The best way to prevent infectious complications in dialysis patients is to avoid the use of central-venous catheters (CVC), when possible. However, this is not possible for some patients, and in those cases the adoption of prophylaxis protocols, early diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious complications are essential to improve outcomes. These are some of the conclusions reported in an article in the Journal of Vascular Access, which provides a comprehensive review of literature related to hemodialysis catheter – related infections as well as a discussion of prevention, diagnosis criteria and management of CVC-related infections in hemodialysis patients.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month: Join CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis Effort

CDC has launched Get Ahead of Sepsis, a national effort to encourage healthcare professionals, patients, and care partners to prevent infections that could lead to sepsis, be alert to the signs of sepsis, and act quickly if sepsis is suspected.  Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

As part of its campaign, the CDC has made available educational materials for patients, care partners and healthcare professionals. CDC encourages you to share these resources and opportunities broadly with your colleagues and partners.  Thank you for your help spreading the word that sepsis early recognition and timely treatment saves lives.

 

 

Infection Control for Patients with Candida Auris

Candida auris is a type of yeast infection that can enter the bloodstream and spread rapidly through the body, causing serious invasive infections. Healthcare facilities in several countries have reported a rapid increase in this type of infection. C. auris has been documented to cause infections in patients of all ages, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with central venous catheters are among those at greater risk than the generation population for becoming infected with C.auris.

Yeast infections do not often respond well to commonly use antifungal drugs making C. auris very difficult to treat. According to the CDC, “C. auris can spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated environmental services or equipment, or from person to person. More work is needed to further understand how it spreads.” Good infection control practices and environmental cleaning may help prevent transmission.