Peritonitis due to uncommon gram-positive pathogens in children undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Peritoneal Dialysis

Background:

• Peritonitis is the most frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children.
• Common causative agents include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi.
• Uncommon pathogens can also cause PD-related peritonitis, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three cases of pediatric peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by unusual gram-positive pathogens.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying and treating uncommon causative agents in PD peritonitis.
• To highlight the efficacy of intraperitoneal antibiotic therapy for these infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of three pediatric patients undergoing PD.
• Identification of causative gram-positive pathogens through microbiological cultures.
• Treatment with intraperitoneal antibiotic agents based on susceptibility patterns.

Main Results:

• Three pediatric patients developed PD-related peritonitis due to uncommon gram-positive bacteria.
• All patients were successfully treated with tailored intraperitoneal antibiotic regimens.
• No significant complications or relapses were reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Uncommon gram-positive pathogens can cause peritonitis in children on PD.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate intraperitoneal antibiotic treatment are crucial for successful outcomes.
• This case series underscores the need for broad microbiological awareness in managing PD-related peritonitis.