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Intraperitoneal therapy with interferon-alpha in CAPD patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis
S Carozzi1, M G Nasini, C Schelotto
1Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, St. Paul's Hospital, Savona, Italy.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy improved peritoneal macrophage function in patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis. This treatment prevented further infection episodes in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis may not respond to immunoglobulin G (IgG) therapy.
- These patients exhibit peritoneal macrophages deficient in IgG Fc receptors (FcR), impairing bacterial killing capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo efficacy of intraperitoneal (IP) interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in treating CAPD patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis.
- To assess the impact of IFN-alpha on peritoneal macrophage (PM0) function, bacterial clearance, and peritonitis recurrence.
Main Methods:
- IP administration of IFN-alpha (1,000 IU daily for 12 months) in CAPD patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis.
- Evaluation of PM0 superoxide generation, bacterial killing, IgG FcR expression, intracellular bacterial counts, and peritonitis relapse rates.
Main Results:
- IFN-alpha treatment significantly enhanced PM0 superoxide generation and bacterial killing capacity within 10 days.
- The therapy led to increased PM0 IgG FcR expression and reduced intracellular bacteria.
- No peritonitis relapses were observed in patients during the 12-month treatment period.
Conclusions:
- IP IFN-alpha effectively restores peritoneal macrophage function in CAPD patients with relapsing bacterial peritonitis.
- IFN-alpha demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing recurrent infections in this patient population.