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A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Kovalik, EC; Raymond, JR; Albers, FJ; Berkoben, M; Butterly, DW; Montella, B; Conlon, PJ
Published in: J Am Soc Nephrol
October 1996

The objective of this study was to investigate factors that might increase the risk of epidural abscesses in hemodialysis patients. The charts of all hemodialysis patients presenting with an epidural abscess over a period of 5 yr at Duke University Hospital and the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center were reviewed for patient demographics, months on dialysis, vascular access, recently treated infections, signs and symptoms at presentation, and results of any surgical intervention. Ten patients developed an epidural abscess during a 5-yr period. Severe, debilitating back pain was the only consistent initial complaint. Eight patients had dual-lumen intravenous catheters for hemodialysis access, and five patients had or were receiving parenteral antibiotics for catheter salvage. There were no consistent physical, clinical, or laboratory findings. Surgical drainage of the abscess with removal of the hemodialysis catheters and parenteral antibiotics were required for cure in six patients. It was concluded that attempts at catheter salvage with parenteral antibiotics has significant risks for complications. Hemodialysis patients with recently treated or ongoing bacteremia who complain about severe and debilitating back pain with or without neurologic findings should raise the suspicion of an occult epidural abscess.

Duke Scholars

Published In

J Am Soc Nephrol

DOI

ISSN

1046-6673

Publication Date

October 1996

Volume

7

Issue

10

Start / End Page

2264 / 2267

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Time Factors
  • Spinal Diseases
  • Risk Factors
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Radiography
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Kovalik, E. C., Raymond, J. R., Albers, F. J., Berkoben, M., Butterly, D. W., Montella, B., & Conlon, P. J. (1996). A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection. J Am Soc Nephrol, 7(10), 2264–2267. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.V7102264
Kovalik, E. C., J. R. Raymond, F. J. Albers, M. Berkoben, D. W. Butterly, B. Montella, and P. J. Conlon. “A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection.J Am Soc Nephrol 7, no. 10 (October 1996): 2264–67. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.V7102264.
Kovalik EC, Raymond JR, Albers FJ, Berkoben M, Butterly DW, Montella B, et al. A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1996 Oct;7(10):2264–7.
Kovalik, E. C., et al. “A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection.J Am Soc Nephrol, vol. 7, no. 10, Oct. 1996, pp. 2264–67. Pubmed, doi:10.1681/ASN.V7102264.
Kovalik EC, Raymond JR, Albers FJ, Berkoben M, Butterly DW, Montella B, Conlon PJ. A clustering of epidural abscesses in chronic hemodialysis patients: risks of salvaging access catheters in cases of infection. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1996 Oct;7(10):2264–2267.

Published In

J Am Soc Nephrol

DOI

ISSN

1046-6673

Publication Date

October 1996

Volume

7

Issue

10

Start / End Page

2264 / 2267

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Time Factors
  • Spinal Diseases
  • Risk Factors
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Radiography
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female