Epidemiology of infections and antimicrobial use in Australian haemodialysis outpatients: findings from a Victorian surveillance network, 2008–2015

Abstract

Background Patients with chronic renal failure who require haemodialysis are at high risk for infections. Aim To determine the burden of bloodstream and local access-related infections and the prescribing patterns for intravenous antibiotics in Australian haemodialysis outpatients. Methods A surveillance network was established following stakeholder consultation, with voluntary participation by haemodialysis centres and data collation by the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre. Definitions for infection and intravenous antimicrobial starts were based upon methods employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Longitudinal mixed-effec..