Peritonitis rates for CAPD patients using the SCD 210 (Inpersol sterile connecting device): a Canadian survey

A retrospective study was conducted in 20 Canadian hospitals to assess peritonitis rates of CAPD patients utilizing the SCD 210 patient assist device during a 30 month study period. A total of 175 patients having a cumulative SCD experience of 1,494 patient months were included in the survey. Sixty-eight patients experienced 116 episodes of peritonitis, i.e., one episode every 12.9 patient months (pt mo). Patients that had used the SCD for their entire CAPD experience had a significantly lower peritonitis rate (1/15.2 pt mo) compared to patients who had used other CAPD systems (1/10.1 pt mo). Peritonitis rates for diabetic study patients or patients with impaired vision and/or dexterity were not significantly greater than non-diabetic or non-impaired study patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequent causative microorganisms, accounting for 27.7% and 16.0% of peritonitis episodes caused by single organisms, respectively. The proportion of peritonitis caused by skin commensals was consistent across all study patients, regardless of impairment of vision and/or dexterity. The study results demonstrate the successful application of this patient assist device in a CAPD population that consisted of a large proportion of high risk patients.