Analysis of Patients Diagnosed with Catheter-Related Infections in the Emergency Department

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of hemodialysis catheter-related infection from the emergency department and to analyze factors associated with mortality.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective, observational, and descriptive study, patients aged 18 years and older admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital with a diagnosis of hemodialysis catheter-related infection were evaluated. Demographic data, time of presentation, unit of admission, length of hospital stay, culture status, and culture results were recorded through the hospital electronic data system.Results: A total of 120 patients were included in the study; 106 patients (88.3%) survived, while 14 (11.7%) died. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of gender distribution (p=0.969). Although the mean age of deceased patients was higher than that of survivors, the difference was borderline significant (p=0.052). The mortality rate among patients admitted to the intensive care unit was significantly higher than among those admitted to the ward (p<0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients who died compared to those who survived (p=0.021). Peripheral blood culture positivity was 61.7%, central blood culture positivity was 35.8%, and catheter tip culture positivity was 2.5%. No statistically significant association was found between culture positivity and mortality.Conclusion: Mortality in patients admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of central catheter-related infection is strongly associated with the need for intensive care. Advanced age shows a risk trend for mortality.