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Listen, I don't want to do home dialysis coz it can lead to infections.
Yes, anyone can catch an infection.
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Infections risk is inevitable in peritoneal dialysis
Infections risk is also inevitable in Hemodialysis, where it is much higher and much lethal.
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Infection Risk
Any foreign body placed in the body carries infection risk. That is true for peritoneal dialysis catheters and hemodialysis catheters, aka Tunnel Dialysis Catheters (TDC).
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PD Catheters:
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The other end sits in the empty cavity of the belly
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Infections are usually limited to the belly, commonly referred to as peritonitis episodes
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They are easily detected when you are doing dialysis.
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They are also easily treated as soon as they are detected
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Hemodialysis Catheter infections
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The other end of the catheter sits close to the heart. Infection of this catheter is infection in the bloodstream (bacteremia > septicemia > septic shock)
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The second leading cause of death (after cardiac reasons) in hemodialysis patients is catheter infection
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Might lead to hospitalization.
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Treated early, it can be controlled, at times fatal.
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Studies show the overall chance of infection is about the same for both types of dialysis, but the kind of infection is different. Taking good care of your catheter every day can help prevent problems with either choice. Peritoneal dialysis is a popular home dialysis option that many patients enjoy because you can do it yourself at home.
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​Sources:
1. Pubmed
