Clinical effectiveness of different approaches to peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site care

The objective of this review was to appraise and synthesise the best available evidence on the clinical effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site care.

This review considered all randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of peritoneal exit-site care. In the absence of randomised controlled trials, other controlled research designs such as non-randomised controlled trials were considered for inclusion in a narrative summary to enable the identification of current approaches and possible future strategies. Participants of interest were adults with chronic renal failure on maintenance peritoneal dialysis. Interventions of interest were those used to manage peritoneal catheter exit sites, and included types of dressings, frequency of dressings, types of skin care, and use of topical antiseptic or antimicrobial agents.

The search sought to find both published and unpublished studies. An initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases was undertaken to identify key words contained in the title or abstract, and index terms used to describe relevant articles. A second extensive search was undertaken using all identified key words and index terms. The third step was a search of the reference lists and bibliographies of all relevant articles.

All identified studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological validity by two reviewers prior to inclusion in the review. Critical appraisal of studies focused on identifying bias in selection, performance, attrition and detection.

This review found few studies of sufficient quality to meet the inclusion criteria. The included studies often utilised historical control groups, potentially confounding measurement of their outcomes. The outcome measures varied considerably, thus meta-analysis was not possible.

This review suggests topical mupirocin may reduce the risk of exit-site infection; however, the clinical effectiveness of any one antibiotic, antiseptic or dressing procedure was not established for the prevention or reduction of exit-site infection rates or peritonitis. This review has underlined large gaps in the existing knowledge on the care of exit sites in patients on peritoneal dialysis.