Comparison of Tetrasodium EDTA 4% with Sodium Citrate 4% as Line-Locking Solutions at 2 Tertiary Hemodialysis Centres

The patency of central venous catheters (CVCs) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is maintained by instilling sodium citrate 4% (SC 4%) locking solution. Alteplase, a thrombolytic agent, is administered to restore function if patency is lost.

To compare SC 4% with a new line-locking solution, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 4% (EDTA 4%), in terms of CVC patency and alteplase use.

This retrospective chart review included all HD patients who were switched from SC 4% to EDTA 4% locking solution at 2 tertiary HD centres between June and December 2021. Patients were switched to EDTA 4% if they had high usage of alteplase (receiving ≥ 2 doses of alteplase in a 2-week period). For each line-locking agent, HD pump speeds and alteplase use were analyzed over 2 consecutive 12-week periods. Mean serum calcium and ionized calcium values were recorded during each period. A cost analysis was also performed.

A total of 37 HD patients were switched to EDTA 4% during the study period. There was no difference in mean HD pump speed between SC 4% and EDTA 4% (307.7 vs 305.1 mL/min, p = 0.48). The number of catheter-use-days on which alteplase was required declined significantly, from 313 days with SC 4% to 94 days with EDTA 4% (p < 0.001), with an overall cost reduction of 34% ($13 183.21). The decrease in alteplase usage was primarily driven by 1 of the 2 sites. A statistically significant decrease in mean ionized calcium at site 2 (from 1.12 to 1.1 mmol/L, p = 0.037) was noted. As well, an intraluminal interaction between EDTA 4% and serum calcium caused 6 cases of low serum calcium.

This study showed that use of EDTA 4% as a line-locking agent reduced alteplase usage in the CVCs of HD patients while maintaining adequate pump speed (i.e., ≥ 300 mL/min).