Citrate Versus Heparin Lock for Hemodialysis Catheters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

An antimicrobial-containing citrate lock is better than a heparin lock in the prevention of catheter-related infection, while citrate alone fails to show a similar advantage. Citrate locks of low to moderate concentrations, rather than high concentration, were superior to heparin locks in preventing CRBSI. Citrate locks also might decrease bleeding episodes. No difference has been identified in the efficacy to prevent exit-site infection or preserve catheter patency between citrate and heparin locks.