Vascular access infections: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

Infection is the most challenging and life-threatening complication of vascular access and causes significant morbidity, loss of access, and mortality. The aims of this review are to determine the magnitude of the infection problem, identify possible factors, and provide an update on the management of vascular access infections. Infections account for approximately 15% to 36% of all deaths in dialysis patients (the second leading cause after cardiovascular events) and for about 20% of admissions. Several studies demonstrate a hierarchy of infection risk from temporary catheter, tunnelled cuffed catheter, arteriovenous grafts, to arteriovenous fistula in decreasing order. Suspicion of infection must be followed by appropriate blood cultures, including possible simultaneous sampling from a peripheral vein and the access. The best way to treat vascular access infection is prevention, bearing in mind the idea "fistula first" and "lines last", with the appropriate use of arteriovenous grafts and newer devices sandwiched in between.