Disinfection with chlorhexidine is more effective than ethanol for buttonhole cannulation in arteriovenous fistula: a randomized cross-over trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A patient's normal skin flora is most often the origin of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) infections. When the buttonhole cannulation technique is used, the risk of these types of infections increases. The most effective disinfectant should be used to prevent AVF infections, but evidence on which to choose is lacking. The present study assessed whether chlorhexidine is more effective than ethanol in patients treated with haemodialysis via AVF.

Methods

In this randomized, cross-over, clinical trial, we compared 5 mg/mL chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol to 70% ethanol alone with and without arm washing using serial sampling of normal skin flora directly before disinfection, immediately after the disinfectant effect time, and 2 and 4 h after disinfection during four different

SUBMITTER: Staaf K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12275420 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature