Infectious spondylodiscitis in patients with central venous catheters for haemodialysis: a retrospective study

To evaluate the prevalence of infectious spondylodiscitis associated with central venous catheters (CVC) for haemodialysis.

Descriptive and retrospective research. Clinical histories of 830 patients with a CVC for haemodialysis in our unit were reviewed from January 1999 to December 2010. Clinical data associated with spondylodiscitis were collected.

Five out of 830 patients reported infectious spondylodiscitis associated with their CVC for haemodialysis. Of the five cases, the average age was 66 years (range 59-72 years), there were four females and one male. Three had diabetic nephropathy. Site of CVC: four jugular, one femoral. Signs and symptoms: fever and leucocytosis 100%, lumbar pain 85%; positive blood cultures 60%; computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showing signs suggestive of spondylodiscitis or epidural abscess 100%.

Although rare, infectious spondylodiscitis is a serious complication in haemodialysis patients with a CVC as vascular access. It is essential that any alarming sign of infection to be recorded daily and appropriate treatment to initiate in order to avoid fatal complications.