Infectious peritonitis in patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

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.