Infectious complications of dialysis access devices.

Infectious complications remain a major source of morbidity and mortality for patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. The majority of these complications are related to dialysis access devices, and as such represent a potentially modifiable risk factor. This article reviews the important infectious complications associated with dialysis access, including both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The discussion highlights the epidemiology, management, and prevention of dialysis access infections.