Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
A Retrograde Implantation Approach for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement in Mice
Published on: July 20, 2022
Peritonitis in children with automated peritoneal dialysis
Insights
Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) in Saudi children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) showed a peritonitis rate of one episode per 20.3 months. Gram-positive bacteria were the most common cause, with vancomycin effective against them.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Replacement Therapy
- Infectious Diseases in Dialysis
Background:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects children globally, necessitating renal replacement therapy.
- Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is a common modality for pediatric ESRD.
- Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of peritonitis in Saudi children undergoing APD.
- To identify common causative organisms and assess antibiotic sensitivities.
- To analyze outcomes of APD in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 36 Saudi children on APD over seven years.
- Analysis of peritonitis episodes, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes.
- Review of demographic data and PD treatment duration.
Main Results:
- A total of 36 peritonitis episodes occurred in 17 children (47%), with a frequency of 1 episode per 20.3 treatment months.
- Gram-positive organisms (50%) were the most frequent cause, followed by Gram-negative (31%).
- Vancomycin showed sensitivity to all Gram-positive isolates, and ceftazidime/tobramycin to most Gram-negative isolates.
Conclusions:
- Peritonitis is a common complication in Saudi children on APD, particularly in younger patients.
- Current empiric antibiotic therapy appears effective, with specific agents showing good sensitivity profiles.
- APD can be a viable treatment option, with some patients successfully transitioning to transplantation.
Abstract:
This is a retrospective study including 36 Saudi children who were on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) at the Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during seven years. A total of 10 boys and 26 girls with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) received APD for a total of 731.75 months. 36 episodes of peritonitis occurred in 17 children (47%). The frequency of peritonitis was one episode per 20.3 treatment months. Catheters were changed in 3 patients (8%). Three patients were switched to chronic hemodialysis, while 4 underwent successful renal transplantation. Results revealed that 11 patients (19%) were culturenegative, while 25 (81%) were culturepositive. Gram-positive organisms were responsible for the majority of peritonitis episodes (50%) followed by Gram-negative organisms (31%); occurrence was more frequent in young patients. Empiric antibiotic therapy covered both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. However, all gram-positive isolated microorganisms showed sensitivity to vancomycin. On the other hand, most gram-negative organisms showed sensitivity to ceftazidime or tobramycin.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
01:30Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
01:27Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
01:15Dialysis