Trisodium citrate induced protein precipitation in haemodialysis catheters might cause pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Our in vitro results demonstrate that protein precipitates inside haemodialysis catheters when trisodium citrate is used above the concentrations of 12%. Precipitated protein may have contributed to the pathophysiology of reported embolisms from haemodialysis catheters filled with hypertonic trisodium citrate. Based on our findings, we suggest that trisodium citrate lock solution up to the concentration of 10% can be used safely.