Analysis of the Outcome of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters in Children according to the Indications for Use

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The tunneled hemodialysis catheter has been widely used for a temporary or an alternative permanent vascular access in patients requiring hemodialysis. The tunneled hemodialysis catheter is also widely used for a reliable vascular access in children who need stem cell transplantation. METHOD: We reviewed the results of 150 catheters inserted in 108 patients for the duration of the indwelling catheter, the complication rate and the reasons for insertion and removal. RESULT: The mean duration of the indwelling catheter was 5.7 months (1 d~52.2 mo). In the stem cell transplantation group, the mean duration of the indwelling catheter was significantly longer than for the hemodialysis group (mean: 9.9 mo vs. 3.6 mo, P<0.05). Fifty-one catheters (39.8%) were removed due to complications. The most common complications were infection (n=23: 17.9%) and dislocation (n=15: 11.7%). In the hemodialysis group, the complication-related catheter removal was more frequent than in the stem cell transplantation group (43.9% vs. 32.6%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The tunneled hemodialysis catheter remains a reliable short-term vascular access for hemodialysis and a good vascular access in stem cell transplantation.