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Infecting organisms in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients on the Y-set

J L Holley1, J Bernardini, B Piraino

  • 1Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh, PA.

Insights

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients using Y-set disconnect systems experienced significantly fewer infections. This study highlights reduced peritonitis and exit site infections with the Y-set compared to standard spike systems.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is susceptible to infections like peritonitis.
  • Disconnect systems aim to reduce touch contamination during CAPD.
  • Limited data exists on specific organisms causing infections with CAPD disconnect systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify organisms causing peritonitis and catheter infections in CAPD patients using Y-set disconnect systems.
  • To compare infection rates between CAPD patients using Y-set systems and standard spike systems.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective matched-case controlled study.
  • 119 CAPD patients using Y-set systems were matched with 119 CAPD patients using standard spike systems.
  • Infection data, including peritonitis, exit site, and tunnel infections, were prospectively collected.

Main Results:

  • Y-set patients showed significantly lower rates of peritonitis (0.56 vs. 0.94 episodes/patient-year), exit site infections (0.68 vs. 1.08), and tunnel infections (0.14 vs. 0.22).
  • Reduced peritonitis in Y-set users was attributed to lower rates of Staphylococcus epidermidis, polymicrobial, other gram-positive, and sterile peritonitis.
  • Lower exit site infection rates were observed for Staphylococcus epidermidis and gram-negative organisms in Y-set patients.

Conclusions:

  • Y-set disconnect systems are associated with significantly lower rates of peritonitis and exit site infections in CAPD patients.
  • The Y-set system effectively reduces infections caused by common CAPD pathogens like Staphylococcus epidermidis.
  • This suggests Y-set disconnect systems may offer an improved safety profile for CAPD patients.

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