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Exit-site infection during continuous and cycling peritoneal dialysis in children

M Levy1, J W Balfe, D Geary

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Insights

Pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis experienced frequent exit-site infections (ESI), often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Associated skin infections increased ESI risk, but catheter replacement did not reduce recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a vital treatment for pediatric end-stage renal disease.
  • Exit-site infection (ESI) is a common complication of PD in children, potentially leading to peritonitis.
  • Understanding ESI epidemiology in pediatric PD patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence, causative organisms, and risk factors of exit-site infections in pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
  • To investigate the relationship between ESI and peritonitis in this population.
  • To evaluate the impact of catheter replacement on ESI recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • A 10-year retrospective review of pediatric patients on PD.
  • Analysis of 132 episodes of exit-site infection (ESI) in 50 out of 83 patients.
  • Identification of microbial causes and assessment of associated factors and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Fifty of 83 pediatric PD patients had 132 ESIs; 39 were purulent.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (often in purulent infections).
  • Gram-negative organisms, notably Pseudomonas species, caused 23 ESIs. Associated skin infections increased ESI risk (40%).
  • Thirty-eight ESIs led to peritonitis, primarily caused by Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species.
  • Catheter replacement in 13 patients with peritonitis did not alter ESI incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant pathogen in pediatric PD-related ESIs.
  • Concurrent skin infections are a significant risk factor for ESI.
  • Peritonitis is a serious complication of ESI, and catheter replacement shows no benefit in preventing recurrent ESIs.

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