Handgrip Strength Index: A Novel Parameter Which Quantifies Clinical Weakness in People on Haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: The muscle strength in people on haemodialysis is associated with nutritional status, quality of life, functional independence, and survival. Handgrip Strength (HGS) is simple to measure, but clinical interpretation is limited by the lack of reference ranges for a haemodialysis population. This study aims to define a novel parameter, HGS index, which quantifies degree of clinical weakness specific to a haemodialysis population and to test if this predicts survival. METHODS: In a cross-sectional single center study HGS was measured in stable participants on haemodialysis. HGS in the well-nourished subgroup, was used to develop a predictive equation for "expected" HGS according to demographic variables. This then was compared to observed HGS resulting in HGS index (%), an individualized parameter indicating weakness due to clinical variables while accounting for demographic contributors to strength. The association between HGS index and survival was explored in all participants. RESULTS: Among 427 well-nourished individuals on haemodialysis, HGS was strongly associated with demographic variables and predicted in males by the equation: HGS (kg) = 0.38∗height (cm) - 0.31∗age (years) - 18, and in females by the equation: HGS (kg) = 0.25∗height (cm) - 0.11∗age (years) - 16. Among 547 participants (22% with protein energy wasting), lower HGS index was associated with diabetes (P = .004), lower body mass index (BMI) (P = .005), lower albumin (P = .033), and longer dialysis vintage (P = .007). Over a mean observation period of 2.8 years, quintile of HGS index was strongly associated with survival (P = .023), and in a Cox proportional hazards model, the independent predictors of mortality were age, albumin, BMI and HGS index. CONCLUSION: HGS index, defined as observed relative to expected HGS, is an individualized measure of clinical weakness. It is a novel parameter which independently predicts survival. HGS index improves the detection of clinically relevant muscle weakness in people on haemodialysis, opening up the possibility of earlier, individualized interventions, and improving outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Predictors of iron versus erythropoietin responsiveness in anemic hemodialysis patients.

Anemia protocols for hemodialysis patients usually titrate erythropoietin (ESA) according to hemoglobin and iron according to a threshold of ferritin, with variable response seen. A universally optimum threshold for ferritin may be incorrect, and another view is that ESA and iron are alternative anemia treatments, which should be selected based on the likely response to each. Hemodialysis patients developing moderate anemia were randomised to treatment with either an increase in ESA or a course of intravenous iron. Over 2423 patient-months in 197 patients, there were 133 anemia episodes with randomized treatment. Treatment failure was seen in 20/66 patients treated with ESA and 20/67 patients treated with iron (30.3 vs. 29.9%, p = 1.0). Successful ESA treatment was associated with lower C-reactive protein (13.5 vs. 28.6 mg/L, p = 0.038) and lower previous ESA dose (6621 vs. 9273 µg/week, p = 0.097). Successful iron treatment was associated with lower reticulocyte hemoglobin (33.8 vs. 35.5 pg, p = 0.047), lower hepcidin (91.4 vs. 131.0 µg/ml, p = 0.021), and higher C-reactive protein (29.5 vs. 12.6 mg/L, p = 0.085). A four-variable iron preference score was developed to indicate the more favorable treatment, which in a retrospective analysis reduced treatment failure to 17%. Increased ESA and iron are equally effective, though treatment failure occurs in almost 30%. Baseline variables including hepcidin can predict treatment response, and a four-variable score shows promise in allowing directed treatment with improved response rates.

Severity of COVID-19 after Vaccination among Hemodialysis Patients: An Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving hemodialysis are at high risk from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and demonstrate impaired immune responses to vaccines. There have been several descriptions of their immunologic responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, but few studies have described the clinical efficacy of vaccination in patients on hemodialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In a multicenter observational study of the London hemodialysis population undergoing surveillance PCR testing during the period of vaccine rollout with BNT162b2 and AZD1222, all of those positive for SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to predictor variables, including vaccination status, using a mixed effects logistic regression model. Risk of infection was analyzed in a subgroup of the base population using a Cox proportional hazards model with vaccination status as a time-varying covariate. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 infection was identified in 1323 patients of different ethnicities (Asian/other, 30%; Black, 38%; and White, 32%), including 1047 (79%) unvaccinated, 86 (7%) after first-dose vaccination, and 190 (14%) after second-dose vaccination. The majority of patients had a mild course; however, 515 (39%) were hospitalized, and 172 (13%) died. Older age, diabetes, and immune suppression were associated with greater illness severity. In regression models adjusted for age, comorbidity, and time period, prior two-dose vaccination was associated with a 75% (95% confidence interval, 56 to 86) lower risk of admission and 88% (95% confidence interval, 70 to 95) fewer deaths compared with unvaccinated patients. No loss of protection was seen in patients over 65 years or with increasing time since vaccination, and no difference was seen between vaccine types. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate a substantially lower risk of severe COVID-19 after vaccination in patients on dialysis who become infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Outcome and effect of vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in hemodialysis patients: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis patients are at high risk of Covid-19, though vaccination has significant efficacy in preventing and reducing the severity of infection. Little information is available on disease severity and vaccine efficacy since the dissemination of the Omicron variant. METHODS: In a multi-center study, during a period of the epidemic driven by the Omicron variant, all hemodialysis patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Outcomes were analyzed according to predictor variables including vaccination status. Risk of infection was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 infection was identified in 1126 patients including 200 (18%) unvaccinated, 56 (5%) post first dose, 433 (38%) post second dose, and 437 (39%) at least 7 days beyond their third dose. The majority of patients had a mild course but 160 (14%) were hospitalized and 28 (2%) died. In regression models adjusted for age and comorbidity, two-dose vaccination was associated with a 39% (95%CI: 2%-62%) reduction in admissions, but third doses provided additional protection, with a 51% (95%CI: 25%-69%) further reduction in admissions. Among 1265 patients at risk at the start of the observation period, SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in 211 (17%). Two-dose vaccination was associated with a 41% (95%CI: 3%-64%) reduction in the incidence of infection, with no clear additional effect provided by third doses. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in dialysis patients during an Omicron dominant period of the epidemic. Among those developing infection, severe illness was less common with prior vaccination, particularly after third vaccine doses.

Diagnostic value of pericardial aspiration in dialysis patients: Case report with management informed by a retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Pericardial effusions and uremic pericarditis have been described in patients with kidney disease since 1836 [1] when they were considered a pre-terminal sign [2]. Fortunately today this pathology is less frequently encountered [3]; however, this has resulted in highly variable management. AIMS: This report aims to describe the case of a 61-year-old female presenting with a large pericardial effusion prior to kidney transplantation, and how local activity was reviewed to guide management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective service evaluation project, where 44 cases of pericardial effusion encountered at a tertiary renal center over 8 years were reviewed. Clinical data, investigation results, and outcomes were collected to identify the common clinical categories encountered and the role pericardial intervention may have had in those cases. RESULTS: A total of 44 cases of pericardial effusion were encountered, grouped into the following clinical categories; procedural (8), classical (3), uremic (15), and other etiology (18). Pericardial intervention occurred in 50% of cases due to current or impending hemodynamic compromise. Aspiration was of limited diagnostic use, providing a clinically relevant culture result in only one of the cases reviewed. No deaths were observed in the classical group, and 1-year survival was 86%, 67% and 43% in the uremic, other, and procedural groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in patients with advanced kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy and pericardial effusions, aspiration should largely be reserved for cases with hemodynamic compromise only, as in this series aspiration did not significantly improve diagnosis or guide subsequent treatment.

Oral sodium bicarbonate in people on haemodialysis: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adverse events and mortality tend to cluster around dialysis sessions, potentially due to the impact of the saw-toothed profile of uraemic toxins such as potassium, peaking pre-dialysis and rapidly dropping during dialysis. Acidosis could be contributing to this harm by exacerbating a rise in potassium. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of oral bicarbonate treatment on reducing inter-dialytic potassium gain as well as other clinical consequences of preserving muscle mass and function and reducing intradialytic arrhythmia risk in people on haemodialysis. METHODS: Open-label randomised controlled trial in a single-centre (London, UK). Forty-three clinically stable adults on haemodialysis were recruited, with a 6 month average pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate level < 22 mmol/l and potassium > 4 mmol/l. Thirty-three participants completed the study. Oral sodium bicarbonate tablets titrated up to a maximum of 3 g bd (6 g total) in intervention group for 12 weeks versus no treatment in the control group. Outcomes compared intervention versus non-intervention phases in the treated group and equivalent time points in the control group: pre- and post-dialysis serum potassium; nutritional assessments: muscle mass and handgrip strength and electrocardiograms (ECGs) pre and post dialysis. RESULTS: Participants took an average of 3.7 ± 0.5 g sodium bicarbonate a day. In the intervention group, inter-dialytic potassium gain was reduced from 1.90 ± 0.60 to 1.69 ± 0.49 mmol/l (p = 0.032) and pre-dialysis potassium was reduced from 4.96 ± 0.62 to 4.79 ± 0.49 mmol/l without dietary change. Pre-dialysis bicarbonate increased from 18.15 ± 1.35 to 20.27 ± 1.88 mmol/l, however with an increase in blood pressure. Nutritionally, lean tissue mass was reduced in the controls suggesting less catabolism in the intervention group. There was no change in ECGs. Limitations are small sample size and unblinded study design lacking a placebo, with several participants failing to achieve the target of 22 mmol/l serum bicarbonate levels due mainly to tablet burden. CONCLUSION: Oral sodium bicarbonate reduced bicarbonate loss and potassium gain in the inter-dialytic period, and may also preserve lean tissue mass. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered prospectively on 06/08/2015 with EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT number 2015-001439-20 .

The Effect of Kidney Biopsy on Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Frequent Patient Concern.

The effect of percutaneous kidney biopsy on glomerular filtration rate has never been identified, though it is frequently a concern raised by patients. Following a clinical interaction with an inquisitive patient undergoing her fifth biopsy, we attempted to estimate the effect using retrospective data. In a cohort of patients with stable kidney function undergoing transplant biopsy without clinical indication (as part of a surveillance programme) the effect of biopsy was observed as a step change in glomerular filtration rate. Reassuringly, the loss of glomerular filtration rate resulting from a biopsy, has a 1-sided 95% confidence interval of <1.4 mL/min.

Central venous stenosis in a transplant patient due to thyroid pathology: A teachable moment.

Central venous stenosis is a well-recognized complication of central venous catheter use in hemodialysis patients, which may present with significant swelling of the upper limbs, neck, and face. Here, we describe a renal transplant recipient previously on hemodialysis, who underwent endovascular intervention for central venous stenosis after presenting with facial swelling and exertional dyspnoea. His symptoms continued to progress, however, until the underlying thyroid pathology was recognized. Ruling out the possible mimics of central venous stenosis is important in preventing unnecessary intervention. This case highlights the role of specialty bias in the process of diagnosis.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 in an Urban Dialysis Center.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, many countries have instituted population-wide measures for social distancing. The requirement of patients on dialysis for regular treatment in settings typically not conducive to social distancing may increase their vulnerability to COVID-19. METHODS: Over a 6-week period, we recorded new COVID-19 infections and outcomes for all adult patients receiving dialysis in a large dialysis center. Rapidly introduced control measures included a two-stage routine screening process at dialysis entry (temperature and symptom check, with possible cases segregated within the unit and tested for SARS-CoV-2), isolated dialysis in a separate unit for patients with infection, and universal precautions that included masks for dialysis nursing staff. RESULTS: Of 1530 patients (median age 66 years; 58.2% men) receiving dialysis, 300 (19.6%) developed COVID-19 infection, creating a large demand for isolated outpatient dialysis and inpatient beds. An analysis that included 1219 patients attending satellite dialysis clinics found that older age was a risk factor for infection. COVID-19 infection was substantially more likely to occur among patients on in-center dialysis compared with those dialyzing at home. We observed clustering in specific units and on specific shifts, with possible implications for aspects of service design, and high rates of nursing staff illness. A predictive epidemic model estimated a reproduction number of 2.2; cumulative cases deviated favorably from the model from the fourth week, suggesting that the implemented measures controlled transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 epidemic affected a large proportion of patients at this dialysis center, creating service pressures exacerbated by nursing staff illness. Details of the control strategy and characteristics of this epidemic may be useful for dialysis providers and other institutions providing patient care.

Central Venous Stenosis, Access Outcome and Survival in Patients undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Central venous catheters have traditionally provided access for urgent hemodialysis, but are also sometimes advocated as an option for older or more comorbid patients. Adverse effects of this type of dialysis access include central venous stenosis, for which the risk factors and consequences are incompletely understood. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We conducted two studies within the same population cohort, comprising all patients starting hemodialysis in a single center from January 2006 to December 2013. First, patients were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of central venous stenosis; their access outcomes are described and survival compared with matched controls drawn from the same population. Second, a subset of patients with a history of catheter access within this cohort was analyzed to determine risk factors for central venous stenosis. RESULTS: Among 2811 patients, central venous stenosis was diagnosed in 120 (4.3%), at a median dialysis vintage of 2.9 (interquartile range, 1.8-4.6) years. Compared with matched controls, patients with central venous stenosis had similar survival (median 5.1 versus 5.2 years; P=0.54). Among a subset of 500 patients, all with a history of catheter use, 34 (6.8%) developed central venous stenosis, at a rate of 2.2 per 100 patient-years. The incidence of central venous stenosis was higher with larger number of previous catheters (relative risk [RR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]. 1.6 to 2.9), pacemaker insertion (RR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 8.9), and was lower with older age (RR, 0.7 per decade; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.8). In a Cox proportional hazards model, the catheter number, pacemaker, and younger age at dialysis initiation were all significant independent risk factors for central venous stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Central venous stenosis occurred in a minority of patients on hemodialysis, and was associated with compromised future access, but unchanged survival. Among patients with a history of catheter use, risk related to both the number of catheters and the total catheter duration, although nondialysis factors such as pacemakers were also important. Central venous stenosis risk was lower in older patients, supporting the selective use of tunneled catheters in this group.

Hepcidin-25 in diabetic chronic kidney disease is predictive for mortality and progression to end stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common and is associated with impaired clinical outcomes in diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). It may be explained by reduced erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis, but recent data suggest that EPO-resistance and diminished iron availability due to inflammation contribute significantly. In this cohort study, we evaluated the impact of hepcidin-25--the key hormone of iron-metabolism--on clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with CKD along with endogenous EPO levels. METHODS: 249 diabetic patients with CKD of any stage, excluding end-stage renal disease (ESRD), were enrolled (2003-2005), if they were not on EPO-stimulating agent and iron therapy. Hepcidin-25 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The association of hepcidin-25 at baseline with clinical variables was investigated using linear regression models. All-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of CKD progression (ESRD or doubling of serum creatinine) were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Patients (age 67 yrs, 53% male, GFR 51 ml/min, hemoglobin 131 g/L, EPO 13.5 U/L, hepcidin-25 62.0 ng/ml) were followed for a median time of 4.2 yrs. Forty-nine patients died (19.7%) and forty (16.1%) patients reached the composite endpoint. Elevated hepcidin levels were independently associated with higher ferritin-levels, lower EPO-levels and impaired kidney function (all p<0.05). Hepcidin was related to mortality, along with its interaction with EPO, older age, greater proteinuria and elevated CRP (all p<0.05). Hepcidin was also predictive for progression of CKD, aside from baseline GFR, proteinuria, low albumin- and hemoglobin-levels and a history of CVD (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found hepcidin-25 to be associated with EPO and impaired kidney function in diabetic CKD. Elevated hepcidin-25 and EPO-levels were independent predictors of mortality, while hepcidin-25 was also predictive for progression of CKD. Both hepcidin-25 and EPO may represent important prognostic factors of clinical outcome and have the potential to further define "high risk" populations in CKD.

Ghrelin mimics fasting to enhance human hedonic, orbitofrontal cortex, and hippocampal responses to food.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, which is a stomach-derived hormone, increases with fasting and energy restriction and may influence eating behaviors through brain hedonic reward-cognitive systems. Therefore, changes in plasma ghrelin might mediate counter-regulatory responses to a negative energy balance through changes in food hedonics. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether ghrelin administration (exogenous hyperghrelinemia) mimics effects of fasting (endogenous hyperghrelinemia) on the hedonic response and activation of brain-reward systems to food. DESIGN: In a crossover design, 22 healthy, nonobese adults (17 men) underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) food-picture evaluation task after a 16-h overnight fast (Fasted-Saline) or after eating breakfast 95 min before scanning (730 kcal, 14% protein, 31% fat, and 55% carbohydrate) and receiving a saline (Fed-Saline) or acyl ghrelin (Fed-Ghrelin) subcutaneous injection before scanning. One male subject was excluded from the fMRI analysis because of excess head motion, which left 21 subjects with brain-activation data. RESULTS: Compared with the Fed-Saline visit, both ghrelin administration to fed subjects (Fed-Ghrelin) and fasting (Fasted-Saline) significantly increased the appeal of high-energy foods and associated orbitofrontal cortex activation. Both fasting and ghrelin administration also increased hippocampus activation to high-energy- and low-energy-food pictures. These similar effects of endogenous and exogenous hyperghrelinemia were not explicable by consistent changes in glucose, insulin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide-1. Neither ghrelin administration nor fasting had any significant effect on nucleus accumbens, caudate, anterior insula, or amygdala activation during the food-evaluation task or on auditory, motor, or visual cortex activation during a control task. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin administration and fasting have similar acute stimulatory effects on hedonic responses and the activation of corticolimbic reward-cognitive systems during food evaluations. Similar effects of recurrent or chronic hyperghrelinemia on an anticipatory food reward may contribute to the negative impact of skipping breakfast on dietary habits and body weight and the long-term failure of energy restriction for weight loss.

Complication of diagnostic pleural aspiration: is it of value in hemodialysis patients?

Pleural effusions are common in hemodialysis patients and are associated with significant morbidity. Diagnostic pleural aspiration and subsequent biochemical analysis can be used to differentiate exudates and transudates. In particular, Light's criteria have been validated in the general population although their efficacy in hemodialysis patients is unclear. Furthermore, aspiration is not without risk; we report the case of a life-threatening thoracic bleed as a complication of diagnostic thoracocentesis in a hemodialysis patient, in whom a transudative effusion was misclassified according to Light's criteria. Retrospective examination of a further 22 aspirations in hemodialysis patients suggests that biochemical analysis of pleural fluid in this group is of limited value. Careful clinical and radiological assessment may be of greater value in determining individuals who may benefit from formal drainage, rather than diagnostic aspiration with its attendant risks.

Pre-emptive replacement of water treatment components improves responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in maintenance haemodialysis patients: a quality improvement report.

Hypo-responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has been associated with increased mortality. We examined the effect of water treatment component replacement on declining ESA responsiveness in the absence of chemical or microbiological standards failure. Pre-emptive renewal of the water treatment system supplying 802 standard-flux haemodialysis patients resulted in a significant rise in haemoglobin from (mean ± SD) 12.1 ± 1.2 to 12.3 ± 1.0 g/dl (p < 0.0001), accompanied by a significant decrease in prescribed dose of darbepoetin alfa from 47.9 ± 27.3 to 44.7 ± 27.6 µg/week (p < 0.0001). ESA responsiveness improved significantly from 0.060 ± 0.041 to 0.055 ± 0.040 µg/kg/g · dl(-1) (p < 0.0001) and the number of patients no longer requiring ESA therapy increased threefold. These benefits were derived in the absence of haemolysis or significant changes in water quality. Renewal of water system components should be conducted even in the absence of proven microbiological and chemical failure.

Cardiac survival after pre-emptive coronary angiography in transplant patients and those awaiting transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent interest has focused on wait listing patients without pretreating coronary artery disease to expedite transplantation. Our practice is to offer coronary revascularization before transplantation if indicated. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Between 2006 and 2009, 657 patients (427 men, 230 women; ages, 56.5 ± 9.94 years) underwent pretransplant assessment with coronary angiography. 573 of 657 (87.2%) patients were wait listed; 247 of 573 (43.1%) patients were transplanted during the follow-up period, 30.09 ± 11.67 months. RESULTS: Patient survival for those not wait listed was poor, 83.2% and 45.7% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. In wait-listed patients, survival was 98.9% and 95.3% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. 184 of 657 (28.0%) patients were offered revascularization. Survival in patients (n = 16) declining revascularization was poor: 75% survived 1 year and 37.1% survived 3 years. Patients undergoing revascularization followed by transplantation (n = 51) had a 98.0% and 88.4% cardiac event-free survival at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Cardiac event-free survival for patients revascularized and awaiting deceased donor transplantation was similar: 94.0% and 90.0% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest pre-emptive coronary revascularization is not only associated with excellent survival rates in patients subsequently transplanted, but also in those patients waiting on dialysis for a deceased donor transplant.

Erythropoietin administration in humans causes a marked and prolonged reduction in circulating hepcidin.

Expression of hepcidin, the key hormone governing iron transport, is reduced by anemia in a manner which appears dependent on increased bone marrow activity. The temporal associations between plasma hepcidin and other iron parameters were examined in healthy humans after erythropoietin administration and venesection. Profound hepcidin suppression appeared abruptly 24 hours after subcutaneous erythropoietin (P=0.003), and was near maximal at onset, with peak (mid-afternoon) levels reduced by 73.2%, gradually recovering over the following two weeks. Minor changes in circulating iron, soluble transferrin receptor and growth differentiation factor-15 were observed after the reduction in hepcidin. Similar but more gradual changes in these parameters were observed after reducing hematocrit by removal of 250 mL blood. These human studies confirm the importance of a rapidly responsive marrow-hepcidin axis in regulating iron supply in vivo, and suggest that this axis is regulated by factors other than circulating iron, soluble transferrin receptor or growth differentiation factor-15.

Bacteremia associated with tunneled hemodialysis catheters: outcome after attempted salvage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Treatment without catheter replacement (catheter salvage) has been described for bacteremia associated with tunneled venous catheters in hemodialysis patients, but few data are available on which to base an estimation of the likelihood of treatment success. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In a prospective cohort study, all cases of catheter-associated bacteremia that occurred in a large dialysis center were identified during a 12-mo period. Catheter salvage was attempted according to a standard protocol in all cases in which a favorable early response to antibiotic therapy was seen, and patients were followed for at least 6 mo. Bacteremias, catheter changes, and all major clinical events were recorded. RESULTS: During a period covering 252,986 catheter days, 208 episodes were identified involving 133 patients, 74% of which were selected for attempted salvage. Salvage was successful in 66.1% of incident bacteremias with a very low complication risk (0.9%). Some bacteremias, however, recurred as late as 6 mo after the initial infection; salvage was less likely to be successful in treating recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately used catheter salvage can be successful in approximately two thirds of cases; however, recurrences continue to occur up to 6 mo later and are unlikely to be cured without catheter replacement.