Hygiene in der Nephrologie

Girndt, M.

Patients with chronic kidney diseases are particularly at risk of infections and must therefore be protected against the risks of infection in dialysis treatment. Viral hepatitis no longer plays a very prominent role in dialysis facilities because nosocomial transmission can be reliably avoided. Nowadays, patients colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci, are more common. Bloodstream infections, which particularly occur in dialysis via central venous catheters, are potentially very dangerous for patients. Regular surveillance and targeted interventions in the event of excessive infection numbers are necessary. The hygienic handling of dialysis fluids has now become established through decades of experience and is ensured through the use of quality management systems. The coronavirus crisis poses special challenges for dialysis centers.