Effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite in the prevention of catheter related infections.

Vascular access in hemodialysis is a major point of concern in the management of chronic patients. Although arteriovenous fistula remains as the access of first choice, tunneled central venous catheters are still commonly used. Infection remains the principal cause of catheter dysfunction or loss. Many protocols have been used in order to prevent exit site infections and bacteremia. We describe our experience with the use of sodium hypochlorite, an electrolytic chloroxidizer used as a topical disinfectant. It has been shown to be active against a broad spectrum of potential pathogens and has other specific advantages compared to other cleansing agents, including its non-toxic, non-irritating nature and its low cost. We conclude that sodium hypochlorite solution in different concentrations (10 and 50%) is effective in preventing exit site infections and bacteremia associated with tunneled central venous catheters in chronic hemodialysis patients.