Peritonitis and Risk Factors in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, risk factors and treatment outcomes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with peritonitis. Fifty-five CAPD patients followed in our peritoneal dialysis unit between January 2000-September 2003 were enrolled. Data of the patients included demographic properties, educational status, symptoms at diagnosis, physical examination findings, laboratory findings, results of peritoneal fluid cultures and the treatment was given to the patients at the beginning were collected retrospectively from their hospital files. Of the 55 patients on PD 35 peritonitis episodes was found in 23 (41.8%) patients, and tunnel infections in 4 (7.2%) patients. The most common presenting complaints of the patients with an average of 29 months prevalence of peritonitis included abdominal pain and tenderness. In 9 (25.7%) patients with peritonitis, a microorganism has been isolated from their peritoneal fluid. Of the patients experiencing peritonitis 5 (21.7%) were changed to hemodialysis while 2 (8.6%) lost their lives. Diabetes mellitus and the first 12 months of the peritoneal dialysis were determined to be risk factors for episodes of peritonitis. Peritonitis is still continues to be an important problem for the dialysis patient group. Because of the increased risk in diabetic patients and those starting peritoneal dialysis for the first time careful follow up is necessary