Subclavian hemodialysis catheter infections: a prospective, randomized trial of an attachable silver-impregnated cuff for prevention of catheter-related infections

OBJECTIVE: To determine if an attachable silver-impregnated cuff is effective in reducing subclavian hemodialysis catheter-related infections. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, nonblinded study. SETTING: Community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred one acute and chronic renal failure patients requiring subclavian venipuncture and catheterization. After randomization, 47 patients underwent subclavian catheterization with a silver-impregnated cuff (Ag-CC), and 54 patients had routine catheter (RC) placements. MEASUREMENTS: Multiple presumed predictor variables for catheter-related infections, exit site infection rate, bacteremia rates, and semiquantitative cultures of all catheters.