Single center experience in successful prevention of exit-site infection in patients on peritoneal dialysis

The aim of our study was to use non-cytotoxic, easily available agent - 3% NaCl (hypertonic) saline compresses as prophylaxis measure for long-term prevention of ESI and avoid antibiotic resistance later. Advantages of hypertonic saline include excellent patient acceptance, ease of use, lack of adverse effects on exit site, adjacent skin, catheter or systemic reaction, and minimal expense. During the observational time of 36 months a total of 78 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into three groups: in group A 36 patients, were using 3% saline compresses as ESI prophylaxis 3 times weekly, group B 22 patients were using mupirocine 2% ointment 3 times weekly as exit-site dressing and group C 30 patients were using no aseptic agents for exit-site care. Group A showed the minimal rate of ESI compare to groups B and C. None of the tunnel infections was complicated with peritonitis and catheter loss. The use hypertonic saline compresses as routinely daily or three times weekly exit-site care has a promising results for long-term catheter related infection prophylaxis.