Racial and Dialysis Factors Linked to Increased Blood Infection Risk in Patients

Different Risks for Different Methods

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Hispanic, Latino, and Black Americans who get dialysis for their failing kidneys have a higher chance of getting dangerous blood infections. The study looked at data from 2017 to 2020 to see if there were any common patterns among patients who got these infections.

A Common Cause of Blood Infections

The study found that in 2020, there were 14,800 cases of blood infections reported. Out of these, 34% were caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This bacteria is usually found on the skin but can get into the blood and harm the body's organs. 40% of these S. aureus infections were a hard-to-treat type called MRSA. Blood infections are a big problem for dialysis patients and can cause a lot of deaths.

Dialysis Patients at Higher Risk

The study showed that people getting dialysis were 100 times more likely to get S. aureus blood infections compared to people who were not getting dialysis. The study looked at 7,100 dialysis centers and found that the way the dialysis was done made a big difference in the risk of getting these infections. One way to do dialysis, called a central venous catheter, had a higher risk of S. aureus blood infections than other methods. The safest methods were using grafts or fistulas, which connect arteries and veins directly.

Disadvantages for Certain Groups

People from Hispanic and Black communities who got dialysis had the highest rates of S. aureus blood infections, the study found. Hispanic and Latino dialysis patients had a 40% higher chance of getting these infections compared to white patients. Even though more white patients had a central venous catheter, minority groups still had higher rates of infections. The study also found that men and young people aged 18 to 49 were at a higher risk.

More Problems in Poor Areas

The study also found that dialysis patients who lived in areas with high poverty, low education, and crowded living conditions had higher rates of these blood infections. These findings show the problems that Medicare is trying to fix with a big experiment on how dialysis centers are paid.

Summary

This study found that Hispanic, Latino, and Black Americans getting dialysis have a higher chance of getting dangerous blood infections. The way the dialysis is done can also make a big difference in the risk of getting these infections. The study showed that people from minority communities and young people have a higher risk. The study also found that dialysis patients in poor areas have more problems. These findings show that more needs to be done to help dialysis patients and make sure they are safe.

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References

Patient’s race and method of dialysis are linked to higher risk of blood infection

Preventing Bloodstream Infections in People on Dialysis

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.