Catheter lock solution - Taurolocktm for prevention of catheter-related bacteremia in hemodialysis patients

Background: Bacteremia and thrombosis are the major complications of tunneled cuff central vein catheters (TCC) used for haemodialysis. Bacterial biofilm is the source of catheter related bacteremia (CRB). Instillation of catheter lock solution (CLS) containing antibiotic-anticoagulant solution can cure and prevent CRB .The aim of this publication is to report our experience with the use of CLS - TauroLockTM (Taurolidine and 4% citrate) in the prevention of catheter-related bacteremia in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Thirteen patients with TCC on chronic hemodialysis were included in the study. Group A: 5 patients with previous inserted catheters and history of at least one bacteremia episode before the study. Group B: 8 patients with new catheters. At the end of each dialysis the catheters were locked with TauroLockTM until the next dialysis session. Results: In Group A, the catheter related bacteremia (CRB) was reduced from 9.5-episodes@0 patients days prior to the study to 1.15 episodes@0 patients days through 867 days of treatment. In Group B, there were not any CRB during 1179 treatment days in the 8 patients. Due to catheter patency problems, 2500 IU of heparin was added to the TauroLockTM solution in 3 patients (60%) of group A and in 7 patients (87.5%) of group B and Urokinase instillation in 1 and 3 patients of group A and B respectively. Conclusion: The catheter lock solution TauroLockTM significantly decreased the rate of CRB in HD patients with TCC, to complete prevention in new TCC. Addition of heparin to the TauroLockTM solution should be considered to maintain catheter patency.