| Theme |
New Skin Care of Exit Site in CAPD |
| Title |
Exit-site care using "silverelement" |
| Author |
Mitsuko Watanabe |
Department of Artificial Dialysis, Kinki University Hospital |
| Author |
Kyoko Ohtani |
Department of Artificial Dialysis, Kinki University Hospital |
| Author |
Mayumi Hiraoka |
Department of Artificial Dialysis, Kinki University Hospital |
| Author |
Kyoko Ri |
Department of Artificial Dialysis, Kinki University Hospital |
| Author |
Hiromi Nakao |
Department of Artificial Dialysis, Kinki University Hospital |
| Author |
Ichiro Iwamoto |
The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kinki University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Akio Imada |
The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kinki University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Prevention of exit-site infections is essential in performing self-administered, home-based CAPD therapy. We created a "silver element" by impacting silver ions into a silicone plate and used the anti-bacterial effect of silver to prevent exit-site infections. We studied its perventive effect and discuss here in improvements in quality of life (QOL) in 6 patients undergoing CAPD. We used a dressing film to affix the element to the exit-site and the patients were able to take a Japanese style bath (immersing the body all the way up to neak). This resulted in QOL improvement for the patients. One of the 6 patients took a bath after incorrectly applying the dressing film and an exit-site infection occurred. Using a dressing film causes itching and discomfort, particularly during the summer when patients are likely to perspire more; thus, we would like to improve the element attachment method. Since prevention is important for exit-site infections, which are common among CAPD patients, the education of these patients regarding catheter care and daily life is necessary. While improvements are still needed in the attachment method and the shape of removable elements, we conclude that our silver element is clinically applicable and might meet the goal of establishing a useful method of preventing exit-site infections. |