Fungal peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a single-centre experience in India

R Ram1, G Swarnalatha, P Neela

  • 1Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India. ram_5_1999@yahoo.com

Abstract

Insights

Fungal peritonitis (FP) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is linked to specific risk factors. Low serum albumin and leaving the catheter in place predict mortality in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a serious complication in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
  • Understanding the risk factors for FP and its associated mortality is crucial for improving patient outcomes in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with contracting FP and mortality due to FP.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of dialysis records for 303 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients initiated on CAPD between January 1998 and February 2008.
  • Analysis of peritonitis episodes, including fungal and bacterial types, and associated patient factors.

Main Results:

  • 43 episodes of fungal peritonitis (FP) were recorded, accounting for 23.88% of all peritonitis episodes.
  • Predictors of mortality included non-Candida species, catheter in situ, and serum albumin <3 g/dl; multivariate analysis confirmed catheter in situ and low serum albumin as significant predictors.
  • Risk factors for contracting FP included prior intraperitoneal antibiotic use and low serum albumin.

Conclusions:

  • Specific risk factors for contracting fungal peritonitis have been identified in CAPD patients.
  • Key predictors of mortality in fungal peritonitis include the presence of the peritoneal dialysis catheter and low serum albumin levels.

Related Concept Videos

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure01:30

Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a filter to eliminate excess fluid and waste products. Effective nursing management is essential for ensuring patient safety, preventing complications, and promoting optimal function of the peritoneal dialysis process.Assessment and MonitoringNurses must thoroughly assess the patient before, during, and after each dialysis session. Regular monitoring includes vital signs, daily weight, fluid intake and output, and laboratory values...
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis01:30

Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or those experiencing drug overdose often require extracorporeal methods to eliminate accumulated drugs and metabolites. Hemoperfusion, hemofiltration, and dialysis are the primary techniques to rapidly remove harmful substances without disrupting the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. For those with compromised renal function, dosage adjustments of concurrent medications may be necessary during extracorporeal drug removal.Dialysis is a process...
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy01:30

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...