Effect of Local Polyhexanide Application in Preventing Exit-Site Infection and Peritonitis: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Topical antibiotics and antiseptics are known to reduce exit-site infection (ESI) and peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD).
• Evaluating novel antiseptic agents is crucial for improving PD patient outcomes and reducing infectious complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of polyhexanide in preventing ESI and peritonitis in PD patients.
• To compare the effectiveness of polyhexanide with povidone-iodine for PD catheter care.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 88 PD patients (41 povidone-iodine, 47 polyhexanide).
• Patients were followed prospectively for ESI, tunnel infection, peritonitis, and catheter removal.
• Exclusion criteria included active infection, recent PD history, and drug allergies.

Main Results:

• Lower, though not statistically significant, rates of ESI (0.06 vs. 0.12 episodes/patient-year) and peritonitis (0.26 vs. 0.32 episodes/patient-year) were observed in the polyhexanide group.
• Catheter removal rates were similar between the polyhexanide and povidone-iodine groups (0.04 vs. 0.05 / patient-year).
• No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Polyhexanide demonstrates efficiency and safety in preventing ESI and peritonitis in PD patients.
• Polyhexanide can be considered a viable alternative for maintaining healthy exit sites in PD.