Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Culture-Negative Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Introduction: Catheter-related bloodstream infections are important complications in haemodialysis patients using central venous catheters.A considerable proportion remain culture-negative despite clinical and laboratory evidence of infection.Aim: To assess the clinical profile and outcomes of culture-negative catheter-related bloodstream infections among haemodialysis patients.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of General Medicine, Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research Centre.Seventy-five adult haemodialysis patients with clinically suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection developing ≥48 hours after catheterisation and negative blood cultures were included.Demographic, comorbidity, catheter-related, laboratory, and outcome variables were recorded and analysed using SPSS version 26.Results: Among 75 patients, males constituted 45 (60.0%).The 40-59 years and 60-79 years age groups included 26 patients (34.7%) each.Hypertension was present in 60 (80.0%) and diabetes mellitus in 31 (41.3%).Temporary catheters were used in 56 (74.7%), and jugular vein was the commonest insertion site in 53 (70.7%).Mean WBC count was 11887.52±2846.08cells/mm³, CRP 56.04±18.72 mg/L, procalcitonin 3.94±1.36ng/mL, and temperature 100.01±0.84°F.Sepsis and catheter removal occurred in 18 patients each (24.0%).Recovery was observed in 70 (93.3%),while mortality occurred in 5 (6.7%).Conclusion: Culture-negative catheter-related bloodstream infection in haemodialysis patients represents a clinically significant entity, commonly associated with temporary jugular catheters and raised inflammatory markers, with notable risks of sepsis, catheter removal, and mortality.