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Inflammation of the peritoneal membrane caused by infection during peritoneal dialysis, the most common serious complication requiring prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.
Peritonitis is the leading complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and a major cause of technique failure leading to transfer to hemodialysis. Diagnostic criteria per ISPD guidelines (2022 Update): two of (1) compatible clinical features (abdominal pain, cloudy effluent, fever), (2) effluent WBC count >100/μL (after dwell ≥2 hours) with >50% polymorphonuclear cells, (3) positive effluent culture. Causative organisms: gram-positive skin flora (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis) — 40-60%; gram-negative (E. coli, Pseudomonas) — 20-30%; culture-negative — 10-20%. Treatment involves empiric intraperitoneal antibiotics (vancomycin/cephalosporin + aminoglycoside) until culture results guide targeted therapy. Fungal peritonitis is rare but carries high mortality (30-50%) and requires catheter removal. Prevention: strict exit site care, connectology (UV Flash, double bag systems), monthly culture surveillance, and patient re-training every 6 months.
A dialysis modality that uses the patient's peritoneal membrane as a natural filter, with dialysate fluid introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove waste and excess fluid.
A systematic program of policies, procedures, and surveillance activities designed to prevent healthcare-associated infections by reducing transmission of pathogens among patients and healthcare workers.
A flexible tube inserted into a large central vein (usually internal jugular) to provide temporary or permanent vascular access for hemodialysis when AV fistula or graft is unavailable.
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This content is a general reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Do not change your diet, fluids, medicines, or dialysis plan without your nephrologist or renal dietitian. Individual recommendations depend on your labs, medications, conditions, and care plan.