Peritonitis in children on chronic peritoneal dialysis: analysis at 10 years

Peritoneal dialysis is the major form of renal replacement therapy for children awaiting renal transplantation. Peritonitis is the major associated morbidity. We retrospectively identified the pathogens, co-morbid factors and outcome of peritonitis in children on peritoneal dialysis from 1980-1989. Seventy-three children, mean age 12.4 years, received 1,234 patient months of chronic peritoneal dialysis. Twenty-four patients (33%) remained peritonitis free until their dialysis catheters were removed after transplantation. Forty-nine children (67%) developed 219 episodes of peritonitis. Peritoneal fluid cultures were positive in 169 episodes (77%). Of the pathogens identified, 73% were gram positive cocci, 22% gram negative rods, 3% were fungus, and 2% other organisms. The incidence of peritonitis was one episode per 5.6 months. Over a 10 year period: 1) 67% of children on peritoneal dialysis developed peritonitis; 2) gram positive cocci accounted for most episodes; 3) the incidence in children was higher than that reported for adults; 4) there were no deaths attributable to peritonitis.