Publication:

Study of sepsis and its markers in renal failure patients on hemodialysis

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease have impaired immunity due to disease per se and because of immunosuppressant treatment used for their disease. Catheters used for hemodialysis acts as conduit for microorganisms to cause infections. This leads to increase in morbidity and mortality.

Methods 100 patients of renal failure requiring hemodialysis were selected. Relevant pathological and radiological investigation done to rule out already existing infection, later on tests were repeated after catheter insertion and hemodialysis to check for infection and sepsis. Using appropriate statistical analysis was done and p value <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results Out of 100 patients underwent study, 15 developed catheter related blood stream infection. Older age, history of diabetes, male sex, diabetes, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperphosphatemia, prolonged duration of hemodialysis and site of hemodialysis catheter were found to be risk factor for infection.

Conclusions Patients requiring hemodialysis, who are having non modifiable risk factors like age, sex other risk factors for infection should be controlled to reduce incidence of infection.