What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis occurs when bacteria invade the peritoneal cavity. This is usually caused by contamination to the inside of the PD catheter tubing. Other causes are:
Much of the PD training is intended to help people avoid peritonitis, such as:
- Bacteria from an exit site infection
- Bacteria already in the stomach or intestinal tract (due to diverticulitis or appendicitis)
- Touch contamination (The open end of PD catheter or transfer set touches a non-sterile object, such as a hand or bed sheets; system accidentally disconnects; or a tear develops in the catheter or transfer set.)
- Abdominal pain
- PD solution appears cloudy after it’s drained
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Much of the PD training is intended to help people avoid peritonitis, such as:
- Proper hand washing and appropriate use of a mask
- Use of sterile technique when connecting and disconnecting the transfer set
- Excellent catheter care and daily application of exit site antibiotics
Peritonitis - Dialysis Associated
Dialysis-associated peritonitis is inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) that occurs in someone who receives peritoneal dialysis.
»NEWS & FEATURES
REFERENCE FROM A.D.
Alternative NamesDialysis-associated peritonitis
CausesDialysis-associated peritonitis may be caused by bacteria that get into the area during the dialysis procedure. Skin bacteria or fungi can cause the infection.
Symptoms
Exams and TestsThe doctor will do a physical examination and may find that your abdomen is tender when touched. There may be some discharge from the site where the catheter used for dialysis enters the skin. Dialysis fluid may be cloudy.
Tests that can show infection include:
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Antibiotics are given into a vein (intravenous injection) or into the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
Laboratory tests that show which bacteria or fungi are causing the infection will determine the type of antibiotic used.
Outlook (Prognosis)Most patients recover.
Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you receive peritoneal dialysis treatments and develop symptoms of peritonitis.
PreventionCareful sterile technique when performing peritoneal dialysis may help reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing bacteria during the procedure. Some cases are not preventable. Equipment design improvements have made these infections less common.
References Sharma A, Blake PG. Peritoneal Dialysis. In: Brenner BM, ed.Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 59.
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REFERENCE FROM A.D.
Alternative NamesDialysis-associated peritonitis
CausesDialysis-associated peritonitis may be caused by bacteria that get into the area during the dialysis procedure. Skin bacteria or fungi can cause the infection.
Symptoms
- Abdominal tenderness
- Distended abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
Exams and TestsThe doctor will do a physical examination and may find that your abdomen is tender when touched. There may be some discharge from the site where the catheter used for dialysis enters the skin. Dialysis fluid may be cloudy.
Tests that can show infection include:
- Blood culture
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Peritoneal fluid culture, cell count and gram stain
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Antibiotics are given into a vein (intravenous injection) or into the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
Laboratory tests that show which bacteria or fungi are causing the infection will determine the type of antibiotic used.
Outlook (Prognosis)Most patients recover.
Possible Complications
- Intraabdominal abscess
- Peritonitis that returns after treatment
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you receive peritoneal dialysis treatments and develop symptoms of peritonitis.
PreventionCareful sterile technique when performing peritoneal dialysis may help reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing bacteria during the procedure. Some cases are not preventable. Equipment design improvements have made these infections less common.
References Sharma A, Blake PG. Peritoneal Dialysis. In: Brenner BM, ed.Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 59.