Prevention of dialysis catheter-related sepsis with a citrate-taurolidine-containing lock solution

The use of haemodialysis catheters is complicated by catheter-related sepsis. Intraluminal colonization of the catheter with bacteria is important in the pathogenesis of catheter-related sepsis. The use of a catheter lock solution containing the antimicrobial taurolidine might prevent bacterial colonization, thereby reducing the incidence of catheter-related sepsis.

In a randomized prospective trial, patients receiving a dialysis catheter were included and catheters were locked with either heparin or a citrate-taurolidine-containing solution. Blood cultures drawn from the catheter lumen were routinely taken every 2 weeks and at time of removal of the catheter to detect bacterial colonization. Catheter-related sepsis and exit-site infections were registered for both groups.

A total of 76 catheters were inserted in 58 patients. The incidence of catheter colonization progressed slowly over time with no differences between dialysis catheters filled with heparin or citrate-taurolidine-containing solution. The number of exit-site infections was also similar between both groups. In the heparin group, four cases of catheter-related sepsis occurred as opposed to no sepsis episodes in the patients with catheters locked with the citrate-taurolidine-containing solution (P<0.5). No side effects with the use of citrate-taurolidine catheter lock solution were noted.

This study shows that catheter filling with a solution containing the antimicrobial taurolidine may significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related sepsis. Taurolidine appears to be effective and safe and does not carry the risk for side effects that have been reported for other antimicrobial lock solutions containing gentamicin or high concentrations of citrate.