SicSac® gel Infection control for vulnerable patients Hygiene measures in dialysis The global prevalence of kidney disease is increasing substantially, and the economic burden associated with managing chronic illnesses poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of health care systems worldwide [3]. Dialysis is a life-saving therapy and carries a significant risk as dialysis patients have a weakened immune system and require regular vascular access, making them highly susceptible to infection. Central lineassociated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in particular are a major driver of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs [4]. Therefore, infection prevention and improving patient care are highly relevant [4-6]. After cardiovascular disease, infection is the second leading cause of death among dialysis patients [5]. Patients using a central venous catheter for haemodialysis are at significantly higher risk of CLABSIs and have an increased mortality rate compared to patients with a shunt [6]. Studies have shown that preventive strategies such as strict hygiene protocols and standardised catheter hygiene using antimicrobial lock solutions can significantly reduce the risk of CLABSIs and lead to fewer hospitalisations [4,6]. This highlights the importance of effective infection prevention in this vulnerable patient group. Hand and surface hygiene: An overview of recommendations The guideline issued by the German Society of Nephrology therefore emphasises the need for consistent basic hygiene as a key part of controlling infections in dialysis patients. In addition to comprehensive hand and surface hygiene, this also includes wearing personal protective equipment such as disposable medical gloves or face masks [7]. As patients are attended to during dialysis, surface disinfection is essential, especially before and after serving food and drinks. The global incidence of kidney failure requiring dialysis is steadily rising. Over 3.5 million people worldwide, including approximately 540,000 in the United States, undergo maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to manage chronic kidney failure [1]. In many regions—especially developing countries—the demand for kidney replacement therapy is surpassing available capacity [2]. References 1. Deutsche Nierenstiftung. Hämodialyse. https://www.nierenstiftung.de/fuer-betroffene/niere-a-bis-z/haemodialyse/#:~:text=Aktuell%20sind%20rund%2080.000%20 Menschen%20in%20Deutschland%20dauerhaft%20auf%20die%20Dialyse%20angewiesen (accessed on 27.08.2025) 2. Häckel D et al. (2021) Gesundheitswesen 83: 818–828. 3. Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss. Beschluss des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses über die Veröffentlichung des Jahresberichts 2019 zur Qualität in der Dialyse. https://www.g-ba.de/downloads/39-261-4568/2020-11-20_QSD-RL_IQTIG-Jahresbericht-2019.pdf 4. Fisher M et al. (2019) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 15(1): 132–151. 5. Rayner H et al. (2004) Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 19(1): 108–120. 6. Boyce J (2012) Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 33(9): 936–944. 7. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nephrologie e. V. (Hrsg.). Leitlinie zu Infektionsprävention und Hygiene 2019 als Ergänzung zum Dialysestandard. https://www.dgfn.eu/ dialyse-standard.html?file=files/content/leitlinien/hygieneleitlinie/20200127_LL-Hygiene-Einzelseiten.pdf Practical materials for the daily routine The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER provides support for implementing hygiene recommendations in the dialysis sector. The poster with the most important hygiene-related steps can be downloaded here: https://hartmannsciencecenter.com/zimkzN KNOWLEDGE 22
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDU5MjM=