Complication Of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Research Articles

Microbial Profile, Peritoneal Fluid White Blood Cell Count, and Outcome of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis at Indonesian Tertiary Hospital.

Peritonitis caused by peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains a common complication of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD). The purpose of this study is to determine the microbial profile in CAPD-related peritonitis, the optimal cutoff of white blood cell (WBC) count, and the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) in CAPD fluid in the prediction of CAPD-related peritonitis, together with the outcome of CAPD-related peritonitis at an Indonesian tertiary hospital. This is a retrospective cohort study of CAPD-related peritonitis patients at Indonesian tertiary hospitals from November 2020 to October 2022. Patients with suspected CAPD-related peritonitis who were tested for CAPD fluid culture and WBC count in CAPD fluid were eligible for this study. Patient's diagnosis and outcome obtained from medical records. Differences in clinical outcomes by category of microorganisms were analyzed with Fisher exact test. The Mann-Whitney test and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to determine optimal WBC and PMN cutoff. This study included 58 patients and 102 episodes of CAPD-related peritonitis. CAPD-related peritonitis was caused by 29.4% Gram-negative bacteria, 21.5% Gram-positive bacteria, 7.8% fungi, and 6.9% polymicrobial bacteria. CAPD fluid WBC count >79 cells/μL and PMN percentage >50% had a sensitivity of 76.4% and a specificity of 92.9% in predicting CAPD-related peritonitis. There was a significant difference in outcome between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial peritonitis. It is critical to understand the microbial profile in CAPD-related peritonitis. Lower WBC count cutoff points in CAPD fluids may improve sensitivity in predicting CAPD-related peritonitis.

Spectrum of Complications of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Maintenance Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: An Experience of Tertiary Nephrology Center in Najaf City-Iraq

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also called chronic kidney failure, is described as gradual loss of kidney function. CKD can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or kidney transplant. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has a widespread renal replacement therapy with great acceptance because of simplicity, flexibility, and independence. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) in patients with CKD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, involved 140 patients, aged between 18 and 80 years old and suffered from CKD under maintenance CAPD in the dialysis unit of the renal center. All data regarding the sociodemographic profile of the patient, vitals, etiological diagnosis, frequency and duration of dialysis, and dialysis-related complications were taken. RESULTS: In the current study, there is a significant difference in the distribution of complications among gender where the female patients had a higher incidence of both infectious and non-infectious complications. The study also reported that there is much lower rate of complications among patients on laparoscope operation in compared with the open operation. In addition, patients with open abdomen PD developed the complications earlier than those with laparoscope maintenance CAPD. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal infection is the most prevalent complication among the other complications in the current study. There is much lower rate of complications among patients on PD in compared with hemodialysis and on laparoscope in compared with the open operation.

A study on the non-infectious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are treated with hemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).Non-infectious complications of CAPD are increasing in relative importance due to success in decreasing the rate of peritonitis. Aims and objectives: Our aim was to study the non-infectious complications in patients of ESRD on CAPD and to study the impact of the non-infectious complications in the survival of CAPD catheters. Materials and Methods: A prospective study has been conducted at Regional institute of medical science, Imphal in a total of 71patients of ESRD who are already on CAPD or newly diagnosed ESRD who have undergone CAPD catheter implantation. Their detailed history, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations were done and the different non-infectious complications were identified and analysed. Result: Out of the 71 patients studied 39 patients had complications like hypokalemia (15 patients), omental wrap (10 patients), catheter tip migration (6 patients), haemoperitonium (2 patients), hydrothorax (2patients), exit site leak(2patients), abdominal wall edema (1patient), catheter block(1patient). Conclusion: In our study the most common non-infectious complication was hypokalemia followed by omental wrap and catheter tip migration. Knowledge about the common prevalent non-infectious complications of CAPD alerts the treating doctor to take up the specific corrective steps at an earlier stage, thus preventing the morbidity associated with the same. We conclude that the majority of non-infectious complications in these patients were treatable and did not interfere with the catheter survival.

Pleural and pericardial empyema in a patient with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis

To the Editor, Pleural empyema is usually complicated with pneumonia but may develop from hematogenous spreading from an extrapulmonary focus [1]. We report a case with pleural and pericardial empyema with cardiac tamponade complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis. A 47-year-old man with end-stage renal disease had been on CAPD for the previous 3 months. He was admitted with abdominal pain, turbid peritoneal dialysate f luid, and exertional dyspnea for 2 days. The total leukocyte count in the peritoneal fluid was 340/mm3 (neutrophil count 29%) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was identified from a culture of the peritoneal dialysate. MSSA was also identif ied in blood culture. He was diagnosed with CAPD peritonitis and treated with intraperitoneal cefazolin. Simultaneously, a large amount of right pleural effusion was seen with cardiomegaly, but without pneumonic consolidation (Fig. 1). The pleural fluid proved to be exudate effusion and MSSA was identified from a culture. This empyema was treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. Figure 1 Chest computed tomography scan shows right pleural effusion (white arrow) and pericardial effusion (black arrow). On the 8th day, his dyspnea worsened, accompanied by dizziness. His blood pressure dropped to 70/40 mmHg. Echocardiography and chest computed tomography showed markedly increased pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade (Fig. 2). Pericardiocentesis and a pericardial window operation were performed. Figure 2 Chest computed tomography scan shows markedly increased pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade (arrow). Two weeks later, the peritoneal f luid became clear and the leukocyte count in the dialysate fluid normalized. At 8 weeks after surgery, he was discharged with complete resolution of the pleural and pericardial empyema. In this case, the pleural empyema was assumed to have developed from hematogenous spreading rather than pleuro-peritoneal communication, because the same microorganism (MSSA) was identified from the cultures of blood, peritoneal dialysate, and pleural fluid. The glucose level in pleural fluid is much less than that of peritoneal dialysate. Our case demonstrates that CAPD peritonitis can be an extrapulmonary cause of pleural empyema. Interestingly, pericardial empyema with cardiac tamponade was also a complication in our patient. This case suggests that CAPD peritonitis can be a cause of pleural empyema and pericardial empyema, which may progress to cardiac tamponade.

Ureaplasma urealyticum Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Diagnosed by 16S rRNA Gene PCR

In some patients with peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), a causative organism is never identified. We report a case of Ureaplasma urealyticum CAPD-associated peritonitis diagnosed by 16S rRNA gene PCR. Ureaplasma may be an underrecognized cause of peritonitis because it cannot be recovered using routine culture methods.

Campylobacter Peritonitis Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

The micro-organisms involved in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis are usually gram-positive cocci of cutaneous origin. Campylobacter species are rarely implicated as a cause of CAPD peritonitis. A retrospective review of 100 consecutive episodes of peritonitis was carried out in patients undergoing CAPD or automated PD in our hospital from June 2004 to December 2007. Collection of dialysate and microbial examination was done according to ISPD guidelines. Identification of the organism was made on the basis of Gram smear morphology, positive oxidase test, and biochemical reactions using API Campi (BioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). Susceptibility testing was performed using E-test (AB Biodisc, Solna, Sweden) and confirmation was done by molecular techniques. The causative organisms in 23 of these episodes were gram-negative bacteria, 3 of which were identified as Campylobacter species using special culture techniques. The clinical presentation in our patients with Campylobacter peritonitis (CP) was different from that of patients with peritonitis from other organisms in that all 3 had diarrhea at presentation. Among patients with CP, no subspecies-specific feature was identified. Good response to the antibiotic treatment was observed; there was no relapse/recurrence of peritonitis, catheter loss, or death. Incidence of CP remains low and, regardless of the subtype, clinical outcomes are better than those seen with other gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas. The presence of diarrhea at presentation and the finding of curved or spiral gram-negative bacilli in the Gram smear of peritoneal dialysis effluent should make one think of CP. The use of appropriate microbiology techniques in this situation will increase the isolation of this organism.

Pathogenesis and management of hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis.

Hydrothorax complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) appears in approximately 2% of all patients. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgery have revolutionized the treatment strategy of this condition. Hydrothorax in CAPD is most commonly secondary to a pleuro-peritoneal communication. Thoracocentesis with biochemical analysis of pleural fluid is the first-line investigation. In uncertain cases, or when there is a clinical need to demonstrate the anatomy of the communication, an imaging approach such as peritoneal scintigraphy is required. Cessation of peritoneal dialysis is indicated if diagnosis of the complication is confirmed. For half of the cases, a conservative approach allows reinstitution of CAPD, presumably because of spontaneous resolution of the leakage. A small-volume exchange is a feasible alternative for children. In patients who failed conservative treatment, video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis or diaphragmatic repair or both allows most of them to continue with CAPD. Chemical pleurodesis is probably indicated for those who failed conservative treatment in centers without video-assisted thoracoscopic support. Currently, only a minority of patients will require open thoracotomy. Once hydrothorax secondary to pleuro-peritoneal communication is confirmed in CAPD patients, temporary cessation of peritoneal dialysis remains the first-line treatment. Current evidence shows that video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis or repair should be the treatment of choice in patients who failed conservative management.

Recurrent Hemoperitoneum Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

To study the clinical features, clinical outcomes, and peritoneal transport characteristics of patients with recurrent hemoperitoneum complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Single-center retrospective case review of patients on CAPD over a 10-year period. Renal Unit in Queen Mary Hospital, a tertiary-care referral center in Hong Kong. 549 patients were available for review. 46 patients (8.4%) had at least one episode of hemoperitoneum during their course of CAPD; 25 patients had only one episode of hemoperitoneum and they were excluded. The remaining 21 patients (3.8%) had two or more episodes of hemoperitoneum and they were included for review. Basic demographic factors and the etiology and episodes of hemoperitoneum were recorded. Clinical outcomes included continuation on peritoneal dialysis, conversion to hemodialysis (HD), renal transplantation, and death. The reason for conversion to HD, the causes of death, and serial peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) using dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine (D/P creat) and ratio of dialysate glucose at hours 4 and zero of the dwell (D4/D0) with standard 2-L 2.5% glucose dialysate were assessed. There were 549 patients with total of 91 episodes of recurrent hemoperitoneum affecting 21 patients (3.8%). Mean age was 50.2 years (range 24-76 years) and mean duration of dialysis was 61.6 months (range 2-166 months). There were 14 female patients (66.7%) and 7 male patients (33.3%). The average number of hemoperitoneum episodes was 4.3 per patient (range 2-12). The mean time interval of the first hemoperitoneum episode from commencement of peritoneal dialysis was 10.5 months (range 1-37 months, SD 9.7 months). Most cases were due to retrograde menstruation in females and unknown cause in males. Two patients had intra-abdominal pathology accounting for hemoperitoneum. Thirteen patients (61.9%) continued CAPD, 2 (9.5%) underwent renal transplantation, and 2 (9.5%) were converted to long-term HD. The reason for conversion to HD was related to hemoperitoneum in 1 patient (4.8%) only. Four patients (19.0%) died; the causes of death were unrelated to hemoperitoneum. There was no correlation between recurrent hemoperitoneum and peritonitis episodes (p = 0.18). There was no significant association between hemoperitoneum episodes and clinical outcomes (p = 0.91) or survival (p = 0.52). None of the patients developed ultrafiltration failure on long-term follow-up. Recurrent hemoperitoneum is a benign complication of CAPD, with no significant long-term effects on patient survival, predisposition to peritonitis, or ultrafiltration failure.

Polymicrobial peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

We retrospectively evaluated 232 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients entering our program from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 1997, for polymicrobial peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis occurred in 16% of the patients (polymicrobial-peritonitis group), whereas 52% of the patients had peritonitis episodes with only a single organism (single-organism group), and 32% of the patients had no episode of peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis accounted for 8% of the 554 peritonitis episodes, occurred after 23 ± 20 months on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and was preceded by greater than three episodes of peritonitis in 73% of the patients. Peritonitis rates were greater in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group compared with patients in the single-organism group (1.8 versus 1.2 episodes/patient-year; P < 0.001). The majority of polymicrobial infections involved gram-negative and/or fungal pathogens, but in 21% of the episodes, only gram-positive organisms were identified. An intra-abdominal process was identified in only 7% of the patients. Catheter loss overall was greatest in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group (65% versus single-organism group, 30% versus patients without peritonitis, 5%; P < 0.001), but only 33% of the polymicrobial infections resulted in catheter loss. At last follow-up, 70% of the patients in the polymicrobial-peritonitis group had permanently transferred to hemodialysis compared with 25% from the single-organism group and 15% from the no-peritonitis group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, polymicrobial peritonitis is an infrequent but serious complication of CAPD that occurs late in the course of PD and is often preceded by recurrent episodes of peritonitis. Polymicrobial peritonitis is rarely the result of a catastrophic intra-abdominal process, and although the majority of patients can be successfully treated without catheter removal, the long-term prognosis is poor, with a high rate of transfer to hemodialysis.

SCLEROSING ENCAPSULATING PERITONITIS AFTER CONVERSION FROM CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS IN ONE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENT

We report a 65-year-old man who developed sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) 15 months after converting from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to hemodialysis because of intraabdominal hemorrhage following a traffic accident. In January 1999, he suffered acute abdominal pain and vomiting. He was referred to our hospital from a nearby clinic with suggested adhesional intestinal obstruction. Physical examination showed a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. He underwent an emergency operation with a diagnosis of strangulated intestinal obstruction. The laparotomy revealed a large amount of bloody ascites and dense fibrous adhesions that entrapped the small intestine in a thick membrane. We resected the loop of the ileum because separation of the bowel mass, simulating cocoon, seemed impossible. The diagnosis of SEP was made postoperatively. He was started on oral prednisolone therapy after the operation. SEP is a rare and serious complications of CAPD, and develops even after CAPD has bees discontinued. The diagnosis of SEP should be kept in mind in CAPD patients presenting with recurrent adbominal pain or intestinal obstruction.

A Randomized Prospective Comparison of Oral Levofloxacin plus Intraperitoneal (IP) Vancomycin and IP Netromycin plus IP Vancomycin as Primary Treatment of Peritonitis Complicating Capd

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of daily oral levofloxacin plus intermittent intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin (group 1) versus daily IP netromycin and intermittent IP vancomycin (group 2) in the primary treatment of peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A randomized multicenter prospective open-label comparative clinical study. University and Hospital Authority hospitals in Hong Kong. All CAPD patients who developed bacterial or culture-negative peritonitis beyond 28 days of a previous episode and without evidence of septicemia, associated tunnel infection, or known sensitivity to trial medications were accepted into the clinical trial. A total of 101 patients entered the trial. The primary cure rate was 74.5% for group 1 and 73.6% for group 2. Baseline culture results appeared to influence the clinical outcome: the primary cure rate for culture-negative, gram-positive, and gram-negative episodes was 83.3%, 78.6%, and 42.9% for group 1 and 69.1%, 76.9%, and 71.3% for group 2, respectively. The primary cure rate also varied considerably among individual centers and was particularly noticeable in group 1. In the latter group, it correlated closely with in vitro levofloxacin resistance which in turn correlated closely with previous exposure to fluoroquinolones. Oral levofloxacin in combination with intermittent IP vancomycin has comparable efficacy to IP netromycin combined with intermittent IP vancomycin as primary treatment in CAPD peritonitis, but is simpler and more cost-effective to administer. It may be recommended as primary therapy in centers with relatively low exposure and, therefore, low background resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Sclerosing Peritonitis In Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: One Center's Experience and Review of the Literature

Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) is a severe life-threatening condition for patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This report reviews our experience and that reported in the literature concerning the prevalence of SP in CAPD patients, predisposing factors, and in particular, the role of peritonitis, its clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. A total of 1,288 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients entered our peritoneal dialysis (PD) program between September 1977 and September 1997, seven of whom (0.54%) developed SP. The annual incidence of SP was 0.37 per 1,000 patient years, male-to-female ratio was 2.5 (M/F:5/2), mean age was 39+/-16 (median, 37; range, 23 to 61) years, and the median duration on CAPD was 62 (range, 12 to 144) months. Five patients were on CAPD for > or =4 years and two for less than 4 years before they were diagnosed with SP. All SP patients presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction, and five patients had decreased solute or fluid removal and had to increase the daily dialysate volume (3/7) or the tonicity of the fluid (4.25%) (3/7) or to combine a regular hemodialysis (HD) session with CAPD (2/7). There was a mean weight loss of 5+/-6 (median, 2; range, 0 to 18) kg. All patients had an episode of peritonitis at a mean time of 2+/-1 (median, 1; range, 1 to 3) months before the diagnosis of SP. The peritonitis was due to Staphylococcus aureus in four and Staphylococcus epidermidis, fungi, and Escherichia coli in one each. The definitive diagnosis of SP was established by laparotomy in four patients or postmortem examination in one patient, while in the remaining two there was no surgical confirmation; however, we believe the diagnosis was extremely likely because of the presence of clinical and radiologic criteria for SP. After the diagnosis of SP, all patients had their catheters removed, CAPD was discontinued permanently, and they were transferred to HD. Although there are isolated case reports of successful outcomes after surgical intervention, especially in patients in whom a peritoneal "cocoon" is related to severe peritonitis, usually the prognosis following surgery is poor. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of SP, although this has not been confirmed by all investigators. Among our SP patients, five (72%) died of sepsis (3/5) in a mean period of 10+/-5 (median, 9; range, 6 to 17) months after the diagnosis of SP and two are still alive on HD. SP is a rare but serious complication of CAPD. Severe peritonitis, especially in patients on dialysis for more than 4 years, may lead to SP As the prevalence of SP increases in patients on long-term CAPD, early detection is important because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: Surgical management

Sclerosis of the peritoneum with encapsulation of the small intestine is one of the most serious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and is associated with a high mortality rate. Its presence should be suspected in patients treated by CAPD who develop small bowel dysfunction with associated abdominal pain and progressive loss of ultrafiltration. In its severest form, it leads to complete high small intestinal obstruction and requirement for total parenteral nutrition. We report the successful surgical management of two young, severely emaciated patients who had this complication of CAPD. Each had entrapment of their bowel by a thick, fibrosed, and calcified membrane. Both were treated by surgically peeling the membrane away from the intestines.

Optimal treatment and long-term outcome of tuberculous peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

A retrospective study of the treatment and short- and long-term outcomes of tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) among our dialysis patients over a 6-year period was performed. Ten cases of TBP complicating CAPD were identified among 601 dialysis patients between January 1988 and December 1994. There were four male and six female patients. The most common clinical features were abdominal pain, fever, and cloudy peritoneal fluid (PDF). Two patients had concurrent bacterial peritonitis. Extraperitoneal tuberculosis was not observed. The majority of the patients showed neutrophil predominance in the PDF. Only one patient had a positive acid-fast bacilli smear of the PDF. The acid-fast bacilli culture of the PDF was positive in all patients. The patients were treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide for 9 to 12 months (mean, 11 months). Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was continued in all patients. Two patients died, one from multiorgan failure at 2 months and the other from sudden cardiac death at 9 months. Two patients were converted to hemodialysis at 3 months. Six patients continued to receive CAPD after completion of the antituberculous treatment. Four of these six patients were still alive 5 years after the TBP. Three patients were still undergoing CAPD with satisfactory ultrafiltration and solute clearance. None of the patients developed relapse of TBP. We concluded that (1) TBP is a rare but important complication of CAPD, (2) removal of the Tenckhoff catheter is not mandatory in the management of TBP complicating CAPD, and (3) long-term continuation of CAPD is possible after TBP.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A report of the Japanese Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis Study Group

Patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who developed sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) were retrospectively studied in 130 centers in Japan. Among 6,923 patients undergoing CAPD between 1980 and 1994 only 62 (0.9%) given CAPD developed SEP. There were 38 men and 24 women, ranging in age from 20 to 87 years (average age, 48.3 years). These 62 patients developed SEP 10 to 138 months (average, 65.4 months) after starting CAPD. The average frequency of peritonitis before developing SEP was 3.3 times. Five of the 62 patients with SEP had no history of peritonitis, and 27 (43.5%) of them died of various causes in the study period. The major causes of death were almost invariably related to problems concerning bowel obstruction or complications of surgery, such as malnutrition or septicemia. It was concluded that SEP is one of the most serious complications of CAPD, and constant surveillance is necessary to detect SEP in patients during CAPD.

Imaging of the Peritoneal Cavity in Capd

The aim of our study was the use of the optimal imaging of the peritoneal cavity (PC) for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)-related problems. Ultrasonography (USG), direct abdominal radiography (DAR), peritoneoscintigraphy (PSG), and standard peritoneo-computed tomography (PCT) with reconstruction (R-PCT) were performed in 25 patients on CAPD from three to 44 months. Studies were done at the beginning of CAPD (1-3 months) as well as in the noncomplicated and complicated course of CAPD. Group 1 comprised 17 patients in whom 77 PC images were taken in the non-complicated course of CAPD. Group II comprised 15 patients in whom 65 images were taken during or after complications. For USG and DAR we used standard equipment, PSG was done with sulfur colloid labeled with technetium 99m (Tc 99m), PCT, and R-PCT were done with Omnipaque and Somatom HiQ Siemens unit. In PCT, two- and three dimensional reconstruction were done by our own computer program. USG was recommended for imaging of tunnel infections, exit-site infection (ESI), and adhesion. PSG was useful in almost all observed complications of CAPD except thickening of the peritoneal membrane (PM). Standard PCT with R-PCT was more useful than PCT because of a more legible image of the peritoneal cavity, which gives the possibility of monitoring fluid distribution and measuring of intraperitoneal fluid volume.

Treatment of Hydrothorax Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Treatment of Hydrothorax Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

A Randomized Prospective Comparison of Oral versus Intraperitoneal Ciprofloxacin as the Primary Treatment of Peritonitis Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

The present study compared oral versus intraperitoneal (ip) ciprofloxacin (ciproxin) as primary treatment of bacterial peritonitis in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in a randomized, prospective trial. A total of 54 episodes in 46 patients were recruited for study. After excluding nonbacterial episodes and those not treated according to protocol, 48 episodes evenly divided between the two treatment arms were eligible for analysis. The primary cure rate was 41.7% and 66.7%, respectively, in the oral and ip treatment group. Half of those who failed or relapsed were due to infection with resistant, mostly gram-positive bacteria, which accounted for 79% of culture-positive episodes. Of the gram-positive isolates 42.3% were either resistant or intermediately susceptible to ciproxin compared to 16.7% of gram-negative isolates. The high level of bacterial resistance to ciproxin and treatment failure rate were related to the previous exposure to fluoroquinolones. Inadequate trough peritoneal drug levels also accounted for the failures in the ip but not the oral treatment group. We conclude that oral ciproxin is ineffective as a primary treatment of CAPD peritonitis in patients previously exposed to fluoroquinolones and that when administered ip, a dose of 50 mg/L instead of 25 mg/L of ciproxin should be used as maintenance in order to achieve adequate trough peritoneal drug levels.

A Randomised Prospective Comparison of Oral Ofloxacin and Intraperitoneal Vancomycin plus Aztreonam in the Treatment of Bacterial Peritonitis Complicating Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Forty six patients who developed 48 episodes of peritonitis while on CAPD were randomised to receive either oral ofloxacin or intraperitoneal (i.p.) vancomycin/aztreonam. Three patients were excluded from analysis: 2 were transferred to other hospitals and 1 was later found to have candida peritonitis. Of the remainder, 22 episodes were treated with oral ofloxacin and 23 with i.p. vancomycin/aztreonam. The primary cure rate in the oral ofloxacin and i.p. vancomycin/aztreonam group was 77.3% and 87.5% respectively. There were 3 primary failures and 2 relapses in the former and 1 failure and 2 relapses in the latter group. Two of the 4 primary failures were peritonitis episodes secondary to infection with pseudomonas species. The total number of days of hospital stay was 48 and 58 respectively in the two groups. Analysis of the cost of treatment revealed that i.p. vancomycin/aztreonam was 30 times more expensive than oral ofloxacin. Despite a slightly higher cure rate with i.p. vancomycin/aztreonam, oral ofloxacin is a more cost-effective primary treatment of bacterial peritonitis in patients on CAPD especially in countries with a limited health budget.

Recent developments in dialysis and transplantation.

In the last two decades major progress has been made in the treatment of children with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Dialysis and transplantation have become available for even the smallest infants with improved long-term outcome. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) are the major dialytic modalities chosen by the patients and families. The indications to initiate dialysis in infants should probably include, in addition to uremic clinical manifestations, failure to grow, reduced increments in head circumference and developmental delay. CAPD/CCPD provide adequate long term biochemical control of uremia, acceptable control of blood pressure and reduced transfusion requirements. Complications of CAPD/ CCPD are mainly peritonitis, hernias and leaks which are manageable. Despite the benefits of CAPD/ CCPD, renal transplantation is considered the ultimate treatment for children with ESRD, providing them with excellent quality of life and rehabilitation. The outcome of renal transplantation in children is comparable to that of adults except for infants under 2 years of age where results are less optimal. In order to prevent immunologic rejection, which is the major impediment to successful renal transplantation, the best donor recipient histocompatibility matching is attempted, pretransplant blood transfusions are given and immunosuppressive drugs are used. The potential for recurrence of the original disease in the transplanted kidney is not a contraindication to transplantation since it rarely causes graft loss. Rehabilitation with successful renal transplantation is excellent, promising a better life for children with ESRD.