Exit-site care with ciprofloxacin otologic solution prevents polyurethane catheter infection in peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Mupirocin ointment and antiseptics are standard cleansing agents in routine exit-site care of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, but these agents have a deleterious effect on polyurethane devices. We assessed the effectiveness of topical use of ciprofloxacin otologic solution for preventing exit-site infection (ESI) in PD patients with polyurethane catheters. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Service of Nephrology of an acute-care teaching hospital in Galdácano, Bizkaia, Spain. PATIENTS: A total of 164 patients with polyurethane catheters inserted was studied from start of continuous ambulatory PD to the end of a 24-month period. Patients were divided into two groups according to exit-site treatment protocols. INTERVENTION: Patients in group 1 (n = 86) were instructed on daily exit-site care with soap and water only; whereas patients in group 2 (n = 78) cleansed with soap and water, followed by application of a single-dose vial of 0.5 mL ciprofloxacin (1 mg) for application around the insertion site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Episodes of ESI and peritonitis. RESULTS: There were 67 episodes of ESI among patients in group 1 versus 9 episodes among patients in group 2 (p < 0.05), resulting in a rate of 0.41 and 0.06 episodes per patient-year of exposure, respectively (p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus ESI rate was 0.34 in group 1 versus 0.06 in group 2 (p = 0.001). Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens occurred in 11 patients in group 1 and in no patients in group 2 (p = 0.05). Peritonitis due to S. aureus ESI was significantly less frequent among patients treated with ciprofloxacin (1 vs 9 cases, p = 0.001). Removal of the catheter was necessary in 5 patients in group 1 and in no patients in group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Daily application of ciprofloxacin otologic solution at the exit site of PD patients with polyurethane catheters inserted significantly reduces the rate of ESI caused by S. aureus and other organisms, particularly P. aeruginosa.     

Exit-site infection in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a review.

Although the ability of CAPD to successfully treat end-stage renal disease is now well established, exit-site infection (ESI) remains a serious cause of morbidity. The objective of this article is to review recent advancements relating to ESI pathogenesis and its reduction. Current definitions of ESI are reviewed, as are comparative studies of etiology. Emphasis is placed on the literature identifying Staphylococcus aureus as the primary cause of ESI in CAPD. The article reviews reported rates of ESI and discusses reasons for variations of this complication's reported frequency. The selection of catheters available in CAPD are discussed, as are studies demonstrating the threat of S. aureus to catheter survival. The pathogenesis of exit-site infection related to S. aureus nasal carriage in CAPD is reviewed in light of recent findings indicating the pre-CAPD nasal carrier as the patient at risk for subsequent ESI. Postoperative and long-term care of the catheter patient are reviewed for various literature protocols. Treatment recommendations for choice of agents are discussed. Future research should include a better understanding of the morphology of the CAPD catheter exit-site in humans and the healing process. ESI epidemiological studies should be encouraged in tandem with well-designed, controlled studies on the value of prophylactic treatment.     

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, exit-site infection and catheter loss in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

Over a three-year period, 217 episodes of bacterial peritonitis occurred in 183 patient years. Thirty-seven episodes were due to Staphylococcus aureus and 19 (51%) of these required removal of the catheter to eradicate infection. This compared with catheter loss in 4/63 (6.3%) coagulase negative staphylococci infections (p less than 0.001); 7/67 (9.5%) culture negative peritonitis (p less than 0.001); and 10/30 (33.3%) episodes due to gram-negative organisms (p less than 0.05). Over half (51.3%) the episodes due to S. aureus were associated with exit-site infections, and this rose to 100% (10/10) with recurrent peritonitis (p less than 0.01). A prospective analysis of nasal carriage and exit-site infections due to S. aureus was carried out in 87 patients. Exit-site infections were present in 21 (24%), almost entirely due to different strains as judged by sensitivity patterns and phage typing. Nasal carriage, defined as two positive swabs within the study period, was present in 20 (23%) patients. Fourteen (70%) of these had exit-site infections due to the same strain as that isolated from the nose, whereas no patient grew different strains from either site. Nasal carriage increased the risk of infection sixfold (p less than 0.001).     

Characteristics of community-acquired and health care-associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients treated at the emergency department of a teaching hospital

The changing epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia has been noted worldwide. This enhanced awareness appears to be closely associated with the evolution of health care systems. To further delineate this change and to clarify the prevalence of true community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), reclassification for community-onset bacteremia was proposed. Exposure to health care system, such as nursing home residence, regular outpatient invasive interventions, and prior hospitalization within 1 year, was identified among the community-onset S. aureus bacteremia patients. During the 1-year study period, 102 episodes of S. aureus bacteremia from the emergency department patients of a teaching hospital were prospectively enrolled. Nine of the episodes were hospital-acquired, 56 episodes were associated with health care system exposure, and the remaining 37 episodes were classified as true community-acquired bacteremia. The characteristics of patients, primary site of infection, antimicrobial susceptibilities of S. aureus isolates, adequacy of initial antimicrobial therapy, and percentage of metastatic infections differed significantly between health care-associated and true community-acquired S. aureus bacteremias. Prevalence of MRSA infection in true community-acquired bacteremia was low in contrast to bacteremia with health care-associated exposure (2.7% versus 42.9%, P < 0.01). In conclusion, clinical characteristics and risk of contracting methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia among community patients with and without exposure to health care system are distinct. Precise classification of patients is mandatory for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and selection of rationale empirical antibiotics.     

Exit-site infection during continuous and cycling peritoneal dialysis in children

A 10-year retrospective review of pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis showed that 50 of 83 had 132 episodes of exit-site infection (ESI). Thirty-nine episodes were purulent. The most prevalent organism was Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis was also common, usually occurring in purulent infections. Gram-negative organisms were responsible for 23 ESIs, with Pseudomonas species being the most common. Age, sex, concomitant primary disease type, length of training, dressing techniques, quality of daily dialysis technique, use of diapers, and pyelostomies did not affect the incidence of ESI. However, 40% of children with a skin infection from other sites had associated peritoneal catheter ESI. Thirty-eight episodes of ESI in 28 patients resulted in peritonitis; the main organisms involved were Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species. Catheters were replaced in 13 patients with peritonitis, but there was no difference in the incidence of ESI before and after catheter replacement.     

Staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis and trends in gram-negative infections in peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine gram-negative exit-site infection and peritonitis rates before and after the implementation of Staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. DESIGN: Prospective data collection with periodic implementation of protocols to decrease infection rates in two PD programs. PATIENTS: 663 incident patients on PD. INTERVENTIONS: Implementation of S. aureus prophylaxis, beginning in 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of S. aureus, gram-negative, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exit-site infections and peritonitis. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus exit-site infection and peritonitis rates fluctuated without significant trends during the first decade (without prophylaxis), then began to decline during the 1990s subsequent to implementation of prophylaxis, reaching levels of 0.02/year at risk and zero in the year 2000. Gram-negative infections fell toward the end of the 1980s, due probably to the implementation of better connectology. However, there have been no significant changes for the past 6 years. There was little change in P. aeruginosa infections over the entire time period. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is now the most common cause of catheter infection and catheter-related peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis against S. aureus is highly effective in reducing the rate of S. aureus infections but has no effect on gram-negative infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is now the most serious cause of catheter-related peritonitis.     

Effect of local mupirocin application on exit-site infection and peritonitis in an Indian peritoneal dialysis population.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus-associated peritonitis and catheter exit-site infections (ESIs) are important causes of hospitalization and catheter loss in patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis. Intranasal and topical use of mupirocin has been found to be an effective strategy in decreasing S. aureus-related infectious complications in persons who are carriers of S. aureus; however, there is no consensus regarding the prophylactic use of mupirocin irrespective of carrier status. We aimed to determine the potential effectiveness of application of mupirocin cream at the catheter exit site in preventing ESI and peritonitis irrespective of carrier status in a tropical country such as India. METHODS: This prospective historically controlled study was done in a total of 40 patients. From August 2003, all patients, incident and prevalent, were instructed to apply 2% mupirocin cream daily to the exit site instead of the older practice of povidone-iodine and gauze dressing. Patients were not screened to determine whether they were S. aureus carriers. The infection-related data for 1 year, until July 2004, were compared with the historical control, which was infection-related data for the year preceding the year of mupirocin application. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 62 years, with 61.8% being male and 64.3% being diabetic. Local application of mupirocin led to a significant reduction in the incidence density per patient-month of both ESI and peritonitis compared to controls (0.15 vs 0.37 and 0.37 vs 0.67, p = 0.01 for both). This amounted to a relative reduction of 60.5% and 55% respectively. ESI and peritonitis due to S. aureus were also significantly lower in the study group compared to controls (incidence density per patient-month 0.05 vs 0.13 and zero vs 0.17 respectively, p < 0.01 for both). There occurred no catheter removal due to infection-related complications during the study period compared to two during the control period. None of the patients reported a mupirocin-related adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: Daily application of mupirocin at the exit site is a well-tolerated and effective strategy in reducing the incidence of ESI and peritonitis in a tropical country such as India. It can thus significantly reduce morbidity, catheter loss, and transfer to hemodialysis in peritoneal dialysis patients.     

Cost-effectiveness of prophylactic nasal mupirocin in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis based on a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The study objective was to measure the benefits of elimination of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus by calcium mupirocin ointment in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The design was a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The subjects were 267 patients recruited from nine renal units in Belgium, France and the UK. The main outcome measures were the rate of catheter exit site infection (ESI), rates of other infections and healthcare costs from the perspective of a hospital budget-holder. The rate of ESI caused by S. aureus was significantly reduced from one in 28.1 patient months to one in 99.3 patient months (P = 0.006) and there were also non-significant trends towards lower rates of ESI caused by any organism and peritonitis caused by S. aureus. In comparison with the placebo group, patients in the mupirocin group with ESI had lower antibiotic (P = 0.02) and hospitalization costs (P = 0.065). However, overall costs of antibiotic treatment, for all infections combined, were not significantly different (P = 0.2) and total antibiotic costs (including mupirocin) were significantly higher in the mupirocin group (P = 0.001). Mupirocin prophylaxis would have been cost-neutral if the rate of ESI increased to >75% in the placebo group, or if all healthcare costs increased by 40%, or if the cost of screening was reduced from Pound Sterling 15 to Pound Sterling 3 per patient, or if the cost of mupirocin treatment was reduced from Pound Sterling 93 to Pound Sterling 40 per patient year. In conclusion, savings in healthcare costs are unlikely to be sufficiently great to offset the cost of mupirocin and screening for nasal carriage of S. aureus. The decision about whether or not to implement mupirocin should depend on a local analysis of the value of preventing ESIs caused by S. aureus.     

Effect of preventing Staphylococcus aureus carriage on rates of peritoneal catheter-related staphylococcal infections. Literature synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether specific preventive measures reduce the rate of peritoneal catheter-related infections and peritoneal catheter loss due to Staphylococcus aureus. DESIGN: Structured literature synthesis. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by MEDLINE search, from personal files, and from the reference lists of retrieved articles. We analyzed English-language studies on treatment targeted at S. aureus, with at least 10 subjects and at least 3 months of follow-up, and data on staphylococcal peritoneal dialysis catheter infections. We excluded noncontrolled studies. Two investigators abstracted data using a structured form. RESULTS: We evaluated six studies with concurrent controls and eight studies with historical controls. In one randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study, periodic nasal mupirocin ointment reduced the rate of staphylococcal exit-site infection from 0.42 to 0.12 episodes/patient-year (p = 0.006), but had no effect on the rates of staphylococcal tunnel infection, peritonitis, or catheter loss. In one randomized study without placebo control, periodic oral rifampin reduced the rate of staphylococcal exit-site infection from 0.65 to 0.22 epi/pt-yr (p = 0.011), but had no effect on the rate of staphylococcal peritonitis. In another nonblinded, randomized, controlled study, the use of either rifampin or mupirocin was associated with low rates of staphylococcal catheter infections and catheter loss. In one study with historical controls, the rate of staphylococcal exit-site infection and peritonitis was lower after oral rifampin prophylaxis. In seven other studies comparing nasal or exit-site mupirocin to historical controls, the rate of staphylococcal exit-site infection decreased from 0.17 to 0.05 epi/pt-yr, the rate of staphylococcal peritonitis decreased from 0.18 to 0.06 epi/pt-yr, and the rate of catheter loss decreased from 0.09 to 0.05 epi/pt-yr during the mupirocin period. CONCLUSION: The literature provides strong evidence that staphylococcal carriage prophylaxis using either oral rifampin or mupirocin ointment in the nares or exit site reduces significantly the rate of exit-site infection due to Staphylococcus aureus. Weaker evidence based on studies with historical controls suggests that rifampin or mupirocin prophylaxis also reduces the rate of staphylococcal peritonitis and peritoneal catheter loss. Studies with a stronger level of evidence are needed to verify this last point.     

Comparison of exit-site infections in disconnect versus nondisconnect systems for peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if disconnect systems reduce the incidence of exit-site infections when compared to nondisconnect systems. DESIGN: We prospectively monitored exit-site infections and peritonitis rates in 96 disconnect patients (Y-set, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)) and 60 nondisconnect patients (spike, ultraviolet connection device (UVXD)). SETTING: A freestanding chronic peritoneal dialysis unit staffed by physicians from both a medical school and a private setting. PATIENTS: All patients who began peritoneal dialysis at our unit were monitored, regardless of cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or age. INTERVENTION: Patients were dialyzed using the system (Y-set, spike, etc.) most appropriate for their life-style and their ability to administer self-care. MAIN OUTCOME: We attempted to follow disconnect and nondisconnect patients for a similar median time on dialysis and compared differences in exit-site infections. RESULTS: Peritonitis rates (episodes/pt year) were reduced for disconnect (0.60) versus nondisconnect (0.99) systems (p = 0.0006). Despite the marked reduction in peritonitis rates, there was no difference in exit-site infection rates (0.35 vs 0.38), the time to the first exit-site infection, or the time to the first catheter removal for disconnect versus nondisconnect groups. When individual systems were compared, differences in exit-site infection rates (episodes/pt years) were noted (0.62,spike; 0.26,UVXD; 0.32,Y-set; 0.41,APD). CONCLUSION: We found no overall difference in exit-site infection rates for disconnect versus nondisconnect systems, despite a reduction in peritonitis rates for disconnect systems.     

A prospective study of the efficacy of local application of gentamicin versus mupirocin in the prevention of peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infections

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections are the major cause of technique failure. Exit-site infections (ESI) can be prevented by local application of antibiotics. Mupirocin (M) is the most extensively studied drug for this application. Long-term use can result in the development of resistance. Gentamicin (G) is an attractive alternative, with both gram-positive and gram-negative activities. We studied the comparative efficacy of G cream versus M ointment in the prevention of PD-related infections in a Chinese cohort. METHODS: This was a prospective study of adult PD patients of the Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong. Patients were excluded if they had active infection, recent ESI or peritontiis, history of allergy to either drug, or were unable to apply the drug or give consent. Patients were taught to apply the drug daily to the exit site after routine exitsite care. Records were tracked prospectively during hospital admissions and clinic follow-ups. RESULTS: 95 patients were recruited; 14 discontinued the study. The ESI rates were 0.38 and 0.20 episodes/patient-year for the G group and the M group respectively (p = 0.36). Gram-positive ESI rates were 0.18 and 0 episodes/patient-year for the G group and the M group respectively. Gram-negative ESI rates were 0.20 episodes/patient-year for both groups (p = 0.62). The overall peritonitis rates were similar in the two groups (p = 0.91). Discussion: In addition to good perioperative care and strict exit-site care, local antibiotic application can prevent ESI. Mupirocin has been extensively studied and shown to be effective. Similar if not superior effects of G cream have been demonstrated. In this study, neither antibiotic gave significantly better results in the prevention of either ESI or peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Both gentamicin and mupirocin were effective as prophylaxis for ESI. Longer study is required to determine the long-term efficacy and the potential beneficial effect on the prevention of peritonitis.     

A comparative analysis on the incidence of peritonitis and exit-site infection in CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of peritonitis and exit-site infection in an ample group of patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis in a single center during a 10-year period. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, prospective study. SETTING: Public, tertiary care hospital providing peritoneal dialysis care to a population of (approximately) 750 000 people. PATIENTS: We studied 213 patients on CAPD and 115 on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) starting therapy between January 1989 and August 1998, with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Using a multivariate approach, we compared the incidence, clinical course, and outcome of peritonitis and exit-site infections in both groups, controlling for other risk factors for the complications studied. RESULTS: The incidence of peritonitis was higher in CAPD than in APD (adjusted difference 0.20 episodes/ patient/year, 95% confidence interval 0.08 - 0.32). There was a trend for CAPD patients to present earlier with peritonitis than APD patients, yet the incidence of and survival to the first exit-site infection were similar in both groups. The etiologic spectrum of infections displayed minor differences between groups. Automated PD patients were more frequently hospitalized for peritonitis, but otherwise, the complications and outcome of peritonitis and exit-site infections did not differ significantly between patients on CAPD and those on APD. CONCLUSIONS: Automated PD is associated with a lower incidence of peritonitis than is CAPD, while exit-site infection is similarly incident under both modes of therapy. The etiologic spectrum, complications, and outcome of peritonitis and exit-site infection do not differ markedly between CAPD and APD. Prevention of peritonitis should be included among the generic advantages of APD over CAPD.     

The Effect of Exit-Site Antibacterial Honey Versus Nasal Mupirocin Prophylaxis on the Microbiology and Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis and Exit-Site Infections: A Sub-Study of the Honeypot Trial

♦ Background:

The HONEYPOT study recently reported that daily exit-site application of antibacterial honey was not superior to nasal mupirocin prophylaxis for preventing overall peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infection. This paper reports a secondary outcome analysis of the HONEYPOT study with respect to exit-site infection (ESI) and peritonitis microbiology, infectious hospitalization and technique failure.

♦ Methods:

A total of 371 PD patients were randomized to daily exit-site application of antibacterial honey plus usual exit-site care (N = 186) or intranasal mupirocin prophylaxis (in nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriers only) plus usual exit-site care (control, N = 185). Groups were compared on rates of organism-specific ESI and peritonitis, peritonitis- and infection-associated hospitalization, and technique failure (PD withdrawal).

♦ Results:

The mean peritonitis rates in the honey and control groups were 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32 – 0.50) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.33 – 0.49) episodes per patient-year, respectively (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.75 – 1.35). When specific causative organisms were examined, no differences were observed between the groups for gram-positive (IRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.66 – 1.49), gram-negative (IRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.39 – 1.29), culture-negative (IRR 2.01, 95% CI 0.91 – 4.42), or polymicrobial peritonitis (IRR 1.08, 95% CI 0.36 – 3.20). Exit-site infection rates were 0.37 (95% CI 0.28 – 0.45) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.26 – 0.40) episodes per patient-year for the honey and control groups, respectively (IRR 1.12, 95% CI 0.81 – 1.53). No significant differences were observed between the groups for gram-positive (IRR 1.10, 95% CI 0.70 – 1.72), gram-negative (IRR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.46 – 1.58), culture-negative (IRR 1.88, 95% CI 0.67 – 5.29), or polymicrobial ESI (IRR 1.00, 95% CI 0.40 – 2.54). Times to first peritonitis-associated and first infection-associated hospitalization were similar in the honey and control groups. The rates of technique failure (PD withdrawal) due to PD-related infection were not significantly different between the groups.

♦ Conclusion:

Compared with standard nasal mupirocin prophylaxis, daily topical exit-site application of antibacterial honey resulted in comparable rates of organism-specific peritonitis and ESI, infection-associated hospitalization, and infection-associated technique failure in PD patients.     

Exit-site location does not influence peritoneal catheter infection rate

Peritoneal catheter infections are a cause of peritonitis, catheter loss, and permanent transfer of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients to hemodialysis. Risk factors for catheter infections have not been delineated. We investigated the location of the peritoneal exit-site location as a risk factor for catheter infection and loss. There was no relationship between catheter infection rates and exit location. Catheters exiting on the beltline had a median infection rate of 0.5 episodes/year, as opposed to 1.2 episodes/year for catheters exiting above the beltline and 0.9 episodes/year for catheters exiting below the beltline (ns). The percentage of catheters that became infected and required removal was the same for catheters exiting above, below, or on the beltline. Although we recommend avoiding the beltline for patient comfort, exit-site location is not an important determinant of infection rates or catheter outcome.     

Exit-site infection in children on peritoneal dialysis: comparison of two types of peritoneal catheters.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with two types of peritoneal catheters, the standard Tenckhoff catheter and the swan-neck presternal catheter (SNPC). DESIGN: A retrospective study was undertaken to compare exit-site infection (ESI) rates using two types of peritoneal catheters in children. SETTING: Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. PATIENTS: During the past 10 years, 60 peritoneal catheters were implanted in 50 children with end-stage renal failure: 46 straight, double-cuffed Tenckhoff in 37 children (mean age 11.8 +/- 4.2 years, range 3.1 - 18.5 years), and 14 presternal in 13 children (mean age 10.6 +/- 5 years, range 0.3-17.7 years). The SNPCs were used in special clinical situations such as recurrent ESI with previous abdominal peritoneal catheters, obesity, presence of ureterocutaneostomies, use of diapers, and young age. For the statistical analysis, only the first catheter placed in each child was chosen: 34 standard Tenckhoff catheters and 9 SNPCs. INTERVENTION: In all children, peritoneal catheters were implanted surgically under general anesthesia by one surgeon; uniform operative technique and perioperative management was used. RESULTS: The mean observation time for 46 standard Tenckhoff catheters was 23.8 +/- 21.1 months, and for 14 SNPCs 25.1 +/- 27.0 months. The ESI rate was 1/17.4 patient-months (0.69 episodes/year) for Tenckhoff catheters and 1/70.2 patient-months (0.17 episodes/year) for SNPCs. The observed differences in ESI rates between the groups reported did not achieve statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of ESI may be lower with presternal catheters. Confirmation of these findings requires further prospective clinical investigation in large numbers of patients.     

Experience using presternal catheter for peritoneal dialysis in Poland: a multicenter pediatric survey.

OBJECTIVES: Permanent and adequate access to the peritoneal cavity is the key to successful chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD). A variety of catheter designs and implantation techniques have been developed to achieve optimal peritoneal access. One such new and modified PD catheter is the presternal catheter [swan neck presternal catheter (SNPC)], with the exit site located on the chest wall. DESIGN: A multicenter survey was undertaken to summarize 10 years of experience with the presternal catheter in children in Poland. SETTING: Four pediatric institutions using the SNPC in children: (1) Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw; (2) Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw; (3) District Children's Hospital, Szczecin; (4) University of Medical Sciences, Poznan. PATIENTS: During the past 10 years, 20 presternal catheters were implanted in 19 children, aged 0.2-17.7 years (mean 8 +/- 5.8 years), with end-stage renal failure.The main indications for the SNPC include urinary diversion (ureterocutaneostomy or vesicostomy), use of diapers, young age, obesity, abdominal wall weakness, and recurrent exit-site infections (ESI) with previous abdominal PD catheters. INTERVENTION: In all children the presternal catheter was implanted surgically under general anesthesia by one surgeon. Uniform operative technique and uniform perioperative management were used. RESULTS:The mean observation time for the 20 presternal catheters was 24.8 +/- 25 months (range 1-83 months). The ESI rate was 1/70.9 patient-months (0.17 episodes per year), tunnel infection rate was 1/248 patient-months (0.05 episodes per year), and the overall peritonitis rate was 1/26.6 patient-months (0.51 episodes per year). Non-infectious complications associated with the SNPC included disconnection of both sections (2 children) and trauma to the exit site located on the chest wall (4 children). Mean survival time of the presternal catheter, as calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, was 57.5 +/- 8.5 months; 50% catheter survival reached 72 months. CONCLUSIONS: The good outcome in patients with a SNPC validates the rationale for the presternal catheter design and should encourage its more widespread use. The SNPC seems to be suitable for any patient on PD; however, this catheter is particularly useful in patients with specific indications (ie., higher tendency to ESI). The SNPC allows safe and long-term chronic PD in very young children using diapers and in patients with urinary diversion.     

A prospective randomized study of the effect of a subcutaneously "buried" peritoneal dialysis catheter technique versus standard technique on the incidence of peritonitis and exit-site infection.

OBJECTIVE: A new method for implantation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters was described in 1991. The distal part of the catheter is buried subcutaneously and exteriorized at the start of PD. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of such a subcutaneous rest period on the incidence of peritonitis and exit-site infections (ESI). DESIGN: Sixty patients were randomized to either the new method (B group; n = 30) or to not having the distal part buried subcutaneously (NB group; n = 30). Sixty-five patients (NS group) were not randomized as they had to start PD within 1-2 weeks after implantation. The Moncrief-Popovich catheter was used in the B and NB groups and a standard Tenckhoff catheter was used in the NS group. PATIENTS: Patients scheduled for PD treatment, judged not in need of PD for at least 6 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative probability of not developing peritonitis during the first 6, 12, and 24 months. The incidence of the first episode of peritonitis was 1/40, 1/26, and 1/33 treatment-months in the B, NB, and NS groups, respectively. The incidence of ESI was 1/103 and 1/95 treatment-months in the B and NS groups, respectively. The cumulative probability of not developing ESI was similar in both groups. There were no episodes of ESI in the NB group. The difference in the number of ESI between the NB and NS groups was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous burying of the distal catheter segment prior to starting PD does not reduce the risk of contracting peritonitis or exit-site infection.     

32 Years’ Experience of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis in a University Hospital

♦ Background: Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients can lead to technique failure and contributes to infection-related mortality. Peritonitis prevention and optimization of treatment are therefore important in the care for PD patients. In the present study, we analyzed the incidence of peritonitis, causative pathogens, clinical outcomes, and trends in relation to three major treatment changes that occurred from 1979 onward: use of a disconnect system since 1988, daily mupirocin at the exit-site since 2001, and exclusive use of biocompatible dialysis solutions since 2004.♦ Methods: In this analysis of prospectively collected data, we included peritonitis episodes from the start of PD at our center in August 1979 to July 2010. Incident PD patients were allocated to one of four groups: Group 1 - 182 patients experiencing 148 first peritonitis episodes between 1979 and 1987, before the introduction of the disconnect system; Group 2 - 352 patients experiencing 239 first episodes of peritonitis between 1988 and 2000, before implementation of daily mupirocin application at the catheter exit-site; Group 3 - 79 patients experiencing 50 first peritonitis episodes between 2001 and 2003, before the switch to biocompatible solutions; and Group 4-118 patients experiencing 91 first peritonitis episodes after 2004. Cephradine was used as initial antibiotic treatment.♦ Results: In 32 years, 731 adult patients started PD, and 2234 episodes of peritonitis in total were diagnosed and treated. Of those episodes, 88% were cured with medical treatment only, and 10% resulted in catheter removal. In 3% of the episodes, the patient died during peritonitis. Median time to a first peritonitis episode increased from 40 days for group 1 to 150 for group 2, 269 for group 3, and 274 for group 4. The overall peritonitis rate and the gram-positive and gram-negative peritonitis rates showed a time-trend of decline. However, the duration of antibiotic treatment increased over time, with groups 3 and 4 having the longest duration of treatment, accompanied by a higher percentage of antibiotic switch. Increased resistance to cephradine was found for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.♦ Conclusions: Peritonitis rates declined significantly over the years because of several changes in PD treatment. However, the need to change the initial antibiotic increased because of diminished antibiotic susceptibility rates over time. Nevertheless, the cure rate was high and remained stable during the entire period analyzed, and the death rate remained low. Consequently, peritonitis is a manageable complication of PD that cannot be considered a contraindication to this mode of renal replacement therapy.     

腹膜透析患者导管外出口护理的现状调查

目的 调查北京市和深圳市多所腹膜透析中心患者导管外出口护理的现状,并分析影响患者导管外出口护理行为的原因,为做好临床腹膜透析患者的培训提供依据。 方法 采用自制问卷对北京市及深圳市12所腹膜透析中心门诊随访的1 204例腹膜透析患者的导管外出口护理情况进行调查。结果 北京市和深圳市腹膜透析患者导管外出口护理得分为（44.76±5.85）分,导管外出口评估和无菌技术得分偏低。单因素分析显示,有无导管外出口感染史、不同换药操作者、不同导管外出口位置、不同文化程度、不同透析龄的患者导管外出口护理得分的比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。多元线性回归分析显示,影响导管外出口护理得分的因素为透析龄、导管外出口感染史、换药操作者、文化程度及导管外出口位置。结论 腹膜透析患者导管外出口护理得分尚可,但导管外出口评估和无菌技术得分较低,仍需进一步加强培训,尤其是对透析龄长、有感染史的患者。     

Toxic shock syndrome in two CAPD patients with Staphylococcus aureus exit-site infection.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness defined by the occurrence of fever, rash, hypotension, multiple organ system dysfunction, and desquamation. Nonmenstrual TSS is often associated with surgical or nonsurgical cutaneous infections, which are rarely purulent or inflamed (Reingold AL, et al. Nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome: a review of 130 cases. Ann Intern Med 1982; 96:871-4). Toxic shock syndrome associated with peritoneal exit-site infection but without peritonitis is extremely unusual (Sherbotie JR, et al. Toxic shock syndrome with Staphylococcus aureus exit-site infection in a patient on peritoneal dialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 1990; 15:80-3). We describe 2 patients that met the Centers for Disease Control case definition of TSS secondary to a peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site infection with signs of mild inflammation and growth of Staphylococcus aureus, but with no evidence of peritonitis.