Primary peritonitis in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a changing trend in causative organisms

Three hundred and forty-seven children with primary nephrotic syndrome were analysed retrospectively, there were 55 episodes of peritonitis in 35 patients. Bacterial agents were identified in 60 per cent of the 55 episodes. Gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli were found in equal numbers, with a definite increasing trend of gram-negative bacilli over the last 4 years. There was no predisposing factor of peritonitis regarding age, sex and renal pathology in relation to the development of peritonitis.