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Factors predisposing and contributing to peritonitis during chronic peritoneal dialysis in children: a ten-year

M Levy1, J W Balfe, D Geary

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Insights

Peritonitis is a common complication in children on peritoneal dialysis, often leading to treatment failure. Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) showed a lower incidence than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Renal Replacement Therapy

Background:

  • Peritonitis is a significant complication in pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).
  • Recurrent peritonitis frequently leads to the failure of PD as a treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors contributing to and predisposing to peritonitis in children on PD.
  • To compare the incidence of peritonitis between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 83 children treated with CAPD or CCPD between 1978 and 1988.
  • Evaluation of potential risk factors including patient demographics, medical history, dialysis parameters, and hygiene techniques.

Main Results:

  • Fifty patients experienced 171 episodes of peritonitis; 33 patients remained peritonitis-free.
  • The incidence of peritonitis was lower with CCPD compared to CAPD.
  • Potential risk factors included patient noncompliance, upper respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and dental treatment.
  • Leukopenia and leukocytosis were not reliable indicators for peritonitis diagnosis.
  • Low serum IgG and albumin levels were observed, but lacked predictive value for peritonitis.

Conclusions:

  • Recurrent peritonitis is a major cause of peritoneal dialysis failure in children.
  • CCPD may offer a lower risk of peritonitis compared to CAPD.
  • While several factors were investigated, peritonitis occurrence appeared largely random, highlighting the need for meticulous patient management and monitoring.

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