Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients after renal transplantation

The occurrence of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients after renal transplantation during immunosuppression might increase morbidity and mortality. Hence the timing of catheter removal is still controversial. The associated risk factors of this complication have not been analyzed.

We analyzed, retrospectively, the incidence of peritonitis within 90 days after transplantation, its associated morbidity and mortality, as well as risk factors. From 1980 until March 1995, 238 consecutive kidney transplants in peritoneal dialysis patients were performed. Univariate and multivariated logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for the development of peritonitis.

232 cases (141 men, 91 women) were available for analysis. In 191 patients, the catheter was removed with a mean interval after transplantation of 122 days (range 0-573). Thirty peritonitis episodes with predominantly Staphylococcus aureus (10/30) or gram-negative bacteria (12/30) were observed. Independent risk factors before transplantation were the total number of peritonitis episodes (P<10(-5)), previous peritonitis with S. aureus bacteria (P<10(-5)), and male sex (P<0.004). Risk factors after transplantation were technical surgical problems (P<10(-5)), more than two rejection episodes (P<0.02), permanent graft nonfunction (P<0.026), and urinary leakage (P<0.035).

Transplantation without simultaneous peritoneal catheter removal is feasible. However, this increases the risk of peritonitis after transplantation. Early catheter removal should be considered seriously in those patients at risk. When peritonitis develops, antibiotic treatment should be directed against gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria until culture results are available.