Introduction: Hemodialysis patients often contend with multiple co-morbidities, weakened immune systems, and prolonged hospital stays, factors that heighten their vulnerability to healthcare-associated infections, specifically Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI). CLABSI is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection that occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream through a central line or central venous catheter. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to delve into the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with CLABSI among hemodialysis patients at the King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital Renal Dialysis Center in Jeddah. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized a non-interventional approach and data from the electronic medical records system were collected. The study spanned from January 2022 to April 2023. The target population comprised adults undergoing renal replacement therapy via hemodialysis at the hospital. Encompassing the entire population of eligible adult hemodialysis patients during the specified timeframe ensured a comprehensive analysis of this specific target group. Results: Among the 292 dialysis patients included in the study, 55 developed CLABSI, resulting in an overall prevalence of 18.84%. Notably, the highest number of cases occurred in June 2022 with 10 cases (18.2%), followed by August 2022 with 8 cases (14.5%), with March 2023 showing the lowest incidence of only 1 case (1.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent microorganism among CLABSI patients, accounting for 10 cases (18.2%), while Staphylococcus aureus ranked second, detected in 7 cases (12.7%). No statistically significant association was found between the type of microorganism and gender. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of identifying the prevalence and risk factors of CLABSI to enhance patient outcomes and care quality. Looking ahead, sustained efforts in quality improvement, vigilant monitoring, and a dedication to antimicrobial stewardship are pivotal to reducing CLABSI rates and advancing the overall standard of care for hemodialysis patients.
Alghamdi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.