www.staphwash.com Announced today the conclusion of a study on a product shown to drop the rate of infection induced mortality and hospitalization in dialysis patients by up to 50%.
(1888PressRelease) December 02, 2008 - The study was conducted by Dr. Steven Wright, MD.
Aims: To determine the impact of a topical bactericidal agent to the infection rate of dialysis access catheters in the outpatient dialysis unit.
Rationale: That it is possible to improve dialysis catheter infection rates by including the application of topical bactericidal agents to the routine maintenance of dialysis catheters in the out-patient setting.
Methods: We compare dialysis catheter infection rates in successive months using our standard technique of catheter maintenance and the infection rates in dialysis catheter in successive month using standard technique plus the application of StaphWash a topical antibacterial agent.
Background on the topic: Dialysis catheter infections account for a significant number of hospitalizations in the outpatient dialysis population nationwide. The overall monetary cost of these infections is beyond the scope of this paper. However the 12 week unadjusted mortality from dialysis access catheters caused by Staph Aureus reported by Duke University was 23%.
Statement of Aim: The incidence of dialysis catheter associated bacteraemia is well documented. Various agents have been used nationwide in an attempt to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with these infections including Mupirocin and Providone-iodine solutions. The number of cases of bacteraemia which can be attributed to skin contaminates versus catheter luminal contamination can be difficult to quantify. We hope to look at the number of infections which can be affected by skin care techniques without addressing the role of catheter luminal contamination.
Methodology: We reviewed the infection rates in months which our standard technique for catheter care technique was used compared to months in which a topical anti-staphylococcal spray was applied in addition to the standard technique. The standard catheter care technique was to remove the dressing covering the catheter only after the staff had washed hands and put on respiratory mask. The skin surrounding the catheter was washed with alcohol swabs and dried with 2x2 gauze. The catheter itself was cleaned at the skin site. The policy also requires removal of the suture from the tunneled catheters at 10-14 days. The role of the topical anti-Staphylococcal (StaphWash) was evaluated by using the same technique with the introduction of the antibacterial spray following the cleansing of the site with alcohol.
Results: The overall infection rate was reduced by 50% in the months in which our standard catheter maintenance technique was augmented by the application of a topical bactericidal spray (StaphWash).
Main conclusions: It may be possible to reduce the overall dialysis catheter infection rates in the outpatient setting by using topical bactericidal agent. Our study demonstrated a significant drop in the catheter infection rates in dialysis patients when a topical bactericidal agent (StaphWash) was used in conjunction with our standard catheter care technique. This reduction in catheter associated site infection and bacteraemia can lead to decreased hospitalization and decreased mortality and morbidity associated with dialysis catheter infections.
For question or for more information please contact:
James Pate, President
Central USA distributors, Inc.
14610 Arch ST.
Little Rock, Ar. 72206
501-888-6777
Centralusa ( @ ) aol dot com
www.staphwash.com
Written By: Pamela Butler