Comparison of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related infections with different "Y-tubing" exchange systems

Despite several modifications of the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) technique over the last decade, peritonitis remains a major source of morbidity and is the leading cause of dropout for patients maintained on CAPD therapy. Recently, Baxter Healthcare introduced the Ultra Twin bag system, which uses drainage and infusion bags both secured to Y connecting tubing. Previous nonrandomized studies comparing the Ultra Twin bag system with other systems have indicated an improvement in the peritonitis rate with the Ultra Twin bag system. In this study, 82 patients were randomized to use the Ultra Twin bag system or the Ultra Y-set system, which uses only the drainage bag already attached to the Y connecting tubing. Peritonitis rates were significantly lower with the Ultra Twin bag system, one episode per 33.9 patient months, compared with the Ultra Y-set system, one episode per 11.7 patient months (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 1-yr infection-free survival rates with the Ultra Twin bag system and the Ultra Y-set system were 71 and 40%, respectively. Exit-site infections were lower with the Ultra Twin bag system, one episode per 12.5 patient months, compared with the Ultra Y-set system, one episode per 28.3 patient months, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.084). The effect of the reduction in the infection rate on patient dropout with the Ultra Twin bag system remains to be addressed.