Topical gentamicin for the prevention of tunneled hemodialysis catheter-related infections: a randomized double-blind study

Introduction Infection is the second leading cause of death in dialysis patients, with catheter-related bloodstream infection being the most serious. Exit Site Infection and Tunnel Infection are also related to the catheter. Objective To compare the infection rates achieved with the application of either topical gentamicin or placebo to the exit-site of tunneled catheters filled with locking solution in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods This randomized double-blind clinical trial compared the application of 0.1% gentamicin versus placebo to the exit site of tunneled hemodialysis catheters filled with a prophylactic locking solution. A total of 91 patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups: placebo or 0.1% gentamicin. Results Mean patient age was 60.4 (+ 15.3) years, with predominance of males (60.4%). The main cause of chronic kidney disease was diabetes (40.7%). The rates of exit site infection (placebo = 30% vs. gentamici n = 34.1%, p = 0.821), and bloodstream infection (placebo = 22% vs. gentamici n = 17.1%, p = 0.60), as well as both exit site infection and bloodstream infection incidence density per 1000 catheter-days ( p = 1) did not differ between groups. The infection-free curve was also similar in both groups. Conclusion The application of topical 0.1% gentamicin to the exit site of tunneled catheters filled with lock solution did not reduce infectious complications when compared to topical placebo in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Graphical abstract