The Effect of Hypokalemia on Early-onset Peritoneal Dialysis-related Peritonitis

Abstract

Background: Early-onset peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (EOP) increased technique failure andmortality among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, whether hypokalemia is the risk of EOPremains unclear.Objective: This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify the association between hypokalemia withinthe first 3 months after PD initiation and EOP.Method: A total of 947 PD patients registered at the Kidney Unit in Chaiyaphum regional hospital fromJanuary 2011 to December 2018 were recruited and followed up. The first EOP episode within 6 monthsafter the initiation of PD was a primary outcome. Logistic regression was used to identify the association.Results: Of the total,485 experienced hypokalemia. 90 patients, developed EOP, 61 were from thehypokalemic group (12.6%). Hypokalemia was a significant risk factor of EOP (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.42 to3.94; P=0.01), as well as decreased serum bicarbonate level (OR, 0.90; 95%CI, 0.82 to 0.99; P=0.026) anddecreased hemoglobin level (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.90; P=0.004) and elevated sodium (OR, 1.07;95%CI, 1.00 to 1.15; P=0.046) while controlling other covariates.Conclusions: Hypokalemia within the first three months after PD initiation was a significant risk factor ofEOP.