Hemodialysis vascular access care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health

Background:

• End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis are highly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 due to comorbidities.
• Taiwan has the highest global incidence and prevalence of treated ESKD, necessitating proactive pandemic preparedness.
• Maintaining dialysis care quality while preventing COVID-19 spread is critical for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe proactive infection control strategies implemented in hemodialysis units during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To focus on modifications in hemodialysis vascular access (HVA) care to prevent viral transmission.
• To ensure the continuity and quality of dialysis care and HVA management amidst the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Separation of working and office areas within hemodialysis units to minimize cross-infection.
• Postponement of all elective procedures related to HVA.
• Utilization of negative-pressure anteroom-equipped operating rooms for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients requiring HVA procedures.

Main Results:

• Implementation of specific HVA care policies to mitigate COVID-19 infection risk in dialysis patients.
• Successful adaptation of HVA care protocols to maintain high-quality dialysis services.
• Demonstration of effective infection control measures within a high-risk hemodialysis setting.

Conclusions:

• Modified HVA care policies are essential for protecting hemodialysis patients from COVID-19.
• Proactive infection control measures can prevent disease spread without sacrificing dialysis care quality.
• These strategies are crucial for managing dialysis patients during infectious disease outbreaks.