Related Experiment Videos
Infectious peritonitis in patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Abstract:
A total of 32 episodes of infectious peritonitis developed in 90 patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the organism most commonly cultured, accounting for 65 percent of isolates. Result of initial gram stain was positive in 35 percent of cases. The development of fever and abdominal pain as well as rising peripheral and peritoneal fluid white blood cell counts was helpful in the making of a diagnosis of infectious peritonitis. Seventy-five percent of patients were cured with antibiotic therapy alone whereas one quarter also required removal of the semi-permanent catheter. Patients treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered by dialysis exchange over several days exhibited significantly more episodes of infection than patients treated by a single-drug instillation each month. Although the development of bacterial peritonitis remains a problem during intracavitary chemotherapy, the use of subcutaneous ports and meticulous sterile technique during catheter manipulation will hopefully decrease the risk of occurrence of this potentially avoidable complication.
Insights
Infectious peritonitis is a risk during intraperitoneal chemotherapy, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common cause. Antibiotic therapy is often effective, but catheter removal may be necessary in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used for various cancers.
- Infectious peritonitis is a known complication of this treatment.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is frequently implicated in these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of infectious peritonitis in patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
- To identify risk factors and effective treatment strategies for infectious peritonitis.
- To evaluate the impact of different chemotherapy delivery methods on infection rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 90 patients undergoing intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
- Culture and Gram stain analysis of peritoneal fluid.
- Monitoring of clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters (WBC counts).
- Assessment of treatment outcomes, including antibiotic therapy and catheter removal.
Main Results:
- 32 episodes of infectious peritonitis occurred in 90 patients.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis accounted for 65% of bacterial isolates.
- Fever, abdominal pain, and elevated WBC counts were key diagnostic indicators.
- 75% of patients were cured with antibiotics alone; 25% required catheter removal.
- Chemotherapy delivered via daily dialysis exchange led to more infections than monthly single-drug instillation.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial peritonitis is a significant complication of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial.
- Minimizing catheter manipulation and employing sterile techniques, such as using subcutaneous ports, may reduce infection risk.