[Incidence of peritonitis and catheter exit site infection in children undergoing automatic continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis].

The aim of this study was to find out the clinical aspects of peritonitis and catheter exit site infection in children undergoing continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis. The incidence of peritonitis and catheter related infections were reviewed in 8 children on continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis over a mean period of 14.9+/-15.8 months. Peritonitis occurred in 4 children. There were 14 episodes of peritonitis. The mean time from starting dialysis to the first episode of peritonitis was 1.9+/-1.0 months. The incidence of peritonitis was 1 episode in 9 treatment months. Gram-negative organisms (Enterococcus spp.) were responsible for the majority of episodes (35.7%) of peritonitis and gram-positive bacteria mainly caused the catheter exit site infections (Staphylococcus epidermidis). The incidence of catheter exit site infection was one episode in 8 treatment months. Recurrent peritonitis was present in 1 case. Most patients with dialysis-related peritonitis and catheter exit site infection responded to antibiotic therapy. Catheter was replaced in 2 patients. The mortality rate was 2 out of 8 patients but none of the deaths were related to peritonitis. Patients with exit site infection had 7 times higher risk than those without developing peritonitis.