from the conferences organized by TANGER Ltd.
Introduction: The intersection of chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis, and the persistent threat of catheter-related infections presents a significant challenge in modern healthcare (Rybka et al., 2022). Hemodialysis, while life-sustaining, necessitates the insertion of catheters, which unfortunately become a nidus for microbial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation (Polinarski et al., 2021). The establishment of biofilms within these catheters poses a formidable barrier to conventional antimicrobial therapies, often necessitating catheter removal and replacement, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs. In this context, innovative strategies aimed at preventing and managing catheter-related infections are of paramount importance. Aim: This study aims to delve into the potential of silver nanoparticle impregnated wound dressings as a proactive measure in dialysis catheter care, addressing concerns of infection prevention and promoting optimal patient outcomes. Methodology: The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review of studies evaluating the efficacy of silver nanoparticle dressings in reducing catheter-related infections. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science will be searched using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria prioritize randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies assessing the impact of dressings on infection rates, catheter dwell time, and patient-reported outcomes. Results and Conclusion: The findings suggest that silver nanoparticle-impregnated wound dressings show promise in reducing microbial colonization and biofilm formation on dialysis catheters, leading to decreased infection rates and extended catheter dwell times. Furthermore, patients report improved satisfaction and quality of life with these dressings.
Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Hemodialysis Catheters, Catheter-related infections, Anti-infective agents, Nanomaterials© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.