Clinical and Etiological Characteristics and the Diagnostic Value of Laboratory Tests in Hemodialysis Patients with Infections at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

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Introduction: Infections are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients, and low socioeconomic status makes their management extremely complex. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of the identified causes of infection and to report the role of each laboratory test in the diagnosis of infections. Patients and Methods: Our descriptive, prospective study was conducted from February 1 to July 31, 2025. Included were all hemodialysis patients, regardless of the type of extracorporeal renal replacement therapy, in whom the diagnosis of infection was established based on clinical evidence (functional, general, and physical signs) and/or paraclinical evidence (biological, radiological, and morphological findings), regardless of the vascular access or site of infection. Our variables were both quantitative and qualitative and were categorized into epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical data to determine the etiology and identify the causative microorganism. Results: Of the 386 patients, 145 (37.6%) were diagnosed with an infectious syndrome. The most common general symptoms were fever (94%) and chills (29%). Blood cultures were ordered for 98 patients; 54% underwent the test, and 39.6% of those tested positive. Stool culture (98 requests, 47.9% performed, and 36.2% positive); cytology (67 requests, 95.5% performed, and 20.3% positive); catheter tip culture (36 requests, 91.7% performed, and 66.7% positive); chest X-ray (60 requests, 80% performed, and 77.1% positive). Conclusion: Infections affect more than one-third of hemodialysis patients, particularly those on temporary dialysis, where infections are both a cause and a serious complication.