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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.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|May 8, 2002
Summary
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.