Efficacy of streptokinase in resistant, relapsing or recurrent CAPD peritonitis

The efficacy of streptokinase to lyse biofilm in the catheters of CAPD patients with peritonitis was examined in a retrospective review of 10 infusions in 9 patients with difficult to resolve peritonitis. 750,000 units of streptokinase were used. This helped resolve peritonitis in 8 of 10 uses, including two cases due to gram negative bacteria. Staphylococcus was cultured in the other 8 cases. The two episodes which failed to respond were due to Staph epidermidis relapsing peritonitis and required either catheter removal or two additional courses of antibiotics before peritonitis resolved. One infusion was complicated by severe hypotension which was thought to be due to generalized sepsis. The patient had received a previous streptokinase infusion but skin tests for IgE allergy to streptokinase were negative. We conclude that streptokinase is efficacious in the resolution of slow to resolve peritonitis due to either gram positive or gram negative organisms, and potentially saved seven patients from catheter removal.