Exit site infection in peritoneal dialysis : predictive factors for adverse outcome

Abstract

Infection-related complications in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a leading complication. Our aim was to evaluate the type and natural course of ESI events in a cohort of PD treated in last decade of our PD program. Registry data of ESI events (n=126, in 74 patients) were retrieved. ESI protocols followed standard international guidelines. A systematic quality control is performed. The median follow-up was 29.1 (14.0-47.4) months. In this population the adverse outcomes of TI rate and peritonitis rate was 0.12 and 0.13 patient/year, respectively. Male sex (0.048), older age (0.007) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) agent (0.006) were predictive of TI while non-optional PD and lower levels of albumin were predictive of peritonitis. After grouping the ESI events according to the date of the occurrence of infection (group 1: 2008 to 2012, group 2: 2013 to 2017 and group 3: 2018) a substantial increase of TI in 2018 was evident (P <0.001 when comparing group 3 vs 1 and 0.005 when comparing group 2 and 3). When ESI occurs simultaneous with TI, the probability of not reaching cure is 65%. Drop-out occurred in 50% of ESI without peritonitis vs 86% with peritonitis (P <0.001). SA is the microorganism most implicated in the failure to heal (P 0.002) and drop-out (P 0.010). In spite of a number of efforts to reduce ESI, a regular audit still point to the need for protocols review in order to avoid adverse outcomes. Focused training of patients is mandatory but also prophylaxis and antibiotic protocols deserve improvement.

Keywords

• peritoneal dialysis
• exit site infections
• outcomes
• catheter