McArdle, J., Wicking, K., Smyth, W., and Gardner, A. (2017) Haemodialysis central venous catheter exit site dressings in the tropics: a crossover randomised controlled trial. Wound Practice and Research, 25 (4). pp. 200-207.

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Abstract

Aim: The trial aimed to identify the most effective dressing for haemodialysis central venous catheter exit sites in a tropical region.

Background: Central venous catheters, often used to deliver haemodialysis, require meticulous exit site care. Staff in a tropical renal service were concerned a transparent dressing could increase the likelihood of dressings not remaining intact or of infection of the exit site.

Design/Methods: Patients (n=26) with central venous catheter access attending this Australian renal service for haemodialysis consented to participate in this population-based, prospective, randomised crossover trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a specific sequence of transparent (IV3000) and non-transparent (Primapore (TM)) dressings. The primary outcome measure of effectiveness was intactness of dressings between haemodialysis episodes.

Results: The majority of participants were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (n=21). There were no statistical differences between intactness of the IV3000 and Primapore (TM) dressing types. No laboratory-confirmed catheter-related infections occurred while patients were wearing the non-transparent dressing.

Conclusions: Nurses in tropical settings can safely select either a non-transparent or transparent dressing until the study is replicated in other geographical locations with a larger sample size.

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