Aspergillus peritonitis: therapy, survival, and return to peritoneal dialysis

A M Miles1, R H Barth

  • 1Renal Division, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.

Insights

Aspergillus peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients is rare and deadly. Successful treatment with antifungal drugs and catheter removal allowed one patient to resume peritoneal dialysis, suggesting early intervention improves outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal peritonitis, particularly Aspergillus species, presents a rare but severe complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
  • Cases of Aspergillus peritonitis are associated with high mortality and significant challenges in resuming PD therapy.

Observation:

  • A case of Aspergillus niger peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is presented.
  • The patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B and removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Findings:

  • The patient successfully recovered and was able to resume CAPD after 2 months.
  • Peritoneal transport function remained stable 1 year after the resumption of CAPD.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and aggressive management, including antifungal therapy and catheter management, are crucial for Aspergillus peritonitis.
  • Successful treatment may enable patients to return to and maintain long-term peritoneal dialysis, improving quality of life.

Related Concept Videos

Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis01:30

Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or those experiencing drug overdose often require extracorporeal methods to eliminate accumulated drugs and metabolites. Hemoperfusion, hemofiltration, and dialysis are the primary techniques to rapidly remove harmful substances without disrupting the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. For those with compromised renal function, dosage adjustments of concurrent medications may be necessary during extracorporeal drug removal.Dialysis is a process...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure01:30

Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a filter to eliminate excess fluid and waste products. Effective nursing management is essential for ensuring patient safety, preventing complications, and promoting optimal function of the peritoneal dialysis process.Assessment and MonitoringNurses must thoroughly assess the patient before, during, and after each dialysis session. Regular monitoring includes vital signs, daily weight, fluid intake and output, and laboratory values...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...