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Published on: July 19, 2018
Vancomycin-resistant peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis: a cause for concern
A O'Riordan1, K A Abraham, J Kee Ho
1Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Background:
Peritonitis resulting from peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains a serious cause of morbidity and even mortality among dialysis patients.
Aim:
To highlight the danger of antibiotic resistance in patients on dialysis who have received multiple courses of antibiotics.
Methods:
Two cases are reported in which the patients developed peritonitis resistant to vancomycin.
Conclusions:
Multi-drug resistance is a growing danger. It is imperative to use the most appropriate antibiotics in the proper dosage. If infections persist, early removal of the catheters is essential. The use of antibiotics in PD patients needs to be limited. Sensitivity patterns of the cultured organisms must be monitored regularly as the lack of vigilance may help accelerate the development of the so-called 'super bug' resistant to all antibiotics.
Insights
Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is a serious risk. Antibiotic resistance, particularly to vancomycin, is a growing concern, necessitating careful antibiotic selection and monitoring to combat "super bugs".
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Peritonitis is a significant complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- Recurrent antibiotic exposure in PD patients increases the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
- Vancomycin resistance in peritonitis poses a therapeutic challenge.
Observation:
- Two cases of vancomycin-resistant peritonitis in PD patients are presented.
- These cases highlight the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms in this vulnerable population.
- The patients had a history of multiple antibiotic courses.
Findings:
- Peritonitis in PD patients can become resistant to standard antibiotic treatments like vancomycin.
- Multi-drug resistance is an increasing threat in dialysis-associated infections.
- Failure to control infections may necessitate catheter removal.
Implications:
- Judicious antibiotic use and appropriate dosing are crucial in PD patients.
- Regular monitoring of microbial sensitivity patterns is essential to guide treatment.
- Vigilance is required to prevent the development of extensively drug-resistant organisms.
- Early removal of PD catheters may be necessary for persistent infections.
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