Metastatic complications of bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients.

Bacteremia is a common infectious complication in hemodialysis patients. Metastatic sites of infection including infective endocarditis, vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess, and septic arthritis occur relatively frequently. These complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Early clinical recognition and appropriate management of these infections are necessary, and strategies to reduce the occurrence of bacteremia in this patient population are warranted.