Peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in children living in Saudi Arabia

The clinical aspects of peritonitis and catheter infections were reviewed in 64 children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis living in Saudi Arabia over a period of 6 years. Peritonitis occurred in 41 children (64%). The mean time from starting dialysis to the first episode of peritonitis was 7.2 months. The incidence of peritonitis was 1 episode in 9 treatment months. Gram-negative organisms were responsible for the majority of episodes (42%), followed by Gram-positive organisms (20%), and Candida albicans (6%); 32% were culture negative. Recurrent peritonitis was present in 20 cases. Catheter was replaced in 24 patients: 44% due to recurrent peritonitis. Peritoneal membrane loss occurred in 7 patients, 3 had Candida peritonitis and 3 had recurrent peritonitis due to Pseudomonas. The mortality rate was 4.6% but none of the deaths were related to peritonitis or dialysis. Received August 23, 1995; received in revised form October 2, 1996; accepted October 18, 1996