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Intraperitoneal hypercoagulation and hypofibrinolysis is present in childhood peritonitis

A W de Boer1, M Levi, R E Reddingius

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Insights

Peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis is linked to catheter obstruction due to hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis. Studies show increased thrombin-antithrombin III complexes and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 during peritonitis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common treatment for kidney failure.
  • Catheter obstruction is a frequent complication of PD, particularly during peritonitis.
  • Hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis are suspected mechanisms for increased obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hemostatic balance during peritonitis in children undergoing PD.
  • To compare markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis in children with and without peritonitis.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 7 children with peritonitis (group A) and 12 children in stable PD (group B).
  • Measured plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen (PAI-1), tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA), D-dimer (DD), and plasmin-alpha2-antiplasmin complexes (PAP).
  • Assessed transperitoneal protein transport using albumin, beta2-microglobulin, IgG, and alpha2-macroglobulin.

Main Results:

  • During peritonitis, TAT and PAI-1 were significantly higher, while PAP and DD were significantly lower compared to stable PD.
  • t-PA levels were similar between groups.
  • All measured hemostatic markers were elevated compared to baseline, suggesting intraperitoneal production.

Conclusions:

  • Peritonitis in children undergoing PD is associated with hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis.
  • These hemostatic changes may contribute to the increased rate of peritoneal catheter obstruction during peritonitis.

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