The use of Hub Devices to reduce catheter-related infections in dialysis patients: A narrative review

catheter-related bloodstream infections; Disinfecting port protector; Hemodialysis catheter; hub device; Needle-free connector; standard cap; Catheter-Related Infections; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Central Venous Catheters; Equipment Contamination; Equipment Design; Humans; Renal Dialysis; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; adverse event; catheter infection; central venous catheter; central venous catheterization; devices; diagnosis; equipment design; hemodialysis; human; indwelling catheter; medical device contamination; microbiology; prevention and control; risk factor; treatment outcome

Abstract :

[en] Introduction: Catheter-related bloodstream infections are among the most critical issues associated with central venous catheters used for dialysis treatment. To reduce the incidence of this life-threatening complication, various strategies have been developed. Among these, Hub Devices have been introduced in clinical practice to prevent microbial growth at the hub of the catheter. Methods: A review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Hub Devices in reducing bloodstream infections in central venous catheters for dialysis, compared to solid caps. The review analyzed existing literature from three bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Results: After a thorough review of the available data, it was found that out of the 873 records screened, only six trials met the inclusion criteria. Albeit the number of patients observed in these trials was more than 25,000, due to the differences in the mechanism of action of different Hub Devices and the lack of a standardized criterion to identify and measure the outcomes, it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion. It is worth noting, however, that in five out of six trials examined, the Hub Devices exhibited a protective effect when compared to solid caps. Conclusions: The use of Hub Devices appears to be associated with a reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections in the central venous catheter dialysis population. However, the Hub Devices show interesting results that should be investigated with further well-designed prospective studies. © The Author(s) 2024.

Disciplines :

Nursing Science

Author, co-author :

Fiorina, Elisabetta; Department of Nephrology, University Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy

Giustivi, Davide; Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Vascular Access Team, ASST Lodi, Italy

Gotti, Federica; Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy

Akyüz, Elif; Department of Nursing, Kırıkkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Turkey

PRIVITERA, Daniele ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) > Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM) > Medical Education ; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy

External co-authors :

Language :

English

Title :

The use of Hub Devices to reduce catheter-related infections in dialysis patients: A narrative review

Publication date :

2024

Journal title :

Journal of Vascular Access

ISSN :

1129-7298

eISSN :

1724-6032

Publisher :

SAGE Publications Ltd

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBilu :

since 26 November 2025

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