Peritonitis in continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.

The increased use of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) has generated interest in potential differences in the incidence and causes of peritonitis between APD and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Several seldom-considered factors may influence peritonitis rates in those patient groups. Patient selection and sequence of therapies, reuse practices, effect of solutions on host defenses, and promptness of diagnosis may have an effect on peritonitis rates. Those factors are reviewed in light of recent literature and technologic advances.