Management of Fungal Peritonitis during Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Abstract

A group of 138 patients (pts) on CAPD for a total of 1889 patientmonths had 176 episodes of peritonitis. Eighteen (13%) had fungal peritonitis at one to 20 months after beginning CAPD. The responsible organisms were Candida albicans (nine pts), Candida parapsilosis (five), Candida torulopsis (three), and Trichosporum capitatum (one). These infections were treated by various combinations of antifungal agents using two different strategies: Removal of the Tenckhoff catheter and interruption of CAPD for 10 to 14 days in nine pts (Group A), and continuous peritoneal lavage for four to six days in the remainder -nine pts (Group B). Fourteen of the 18 were cured (seven of nine in each group). In group A, two patients died, one continues on CAPD while the other six (67%) were transferred to hemodialysis because they developed peritoneal adhesions with significant loss in peritoneal space. In group B, only two patients have been transferred to hemodialysis; the other seven continue on CAPD. In our experience, the preferred initial form of treatment is continuous peritoneal lavage in conjunction with antifungal therapy. Catheter removal should be reserved for those who fail to respond to this treatment.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is now accepted as a alternative treatment for end-stage renal disease. However, despite continuous progress in this field, peritonitis still remains a major complication and results in increased morbidity and cost. Although pathogenic fungi account for only 2 7% of peritonitis in patients on CAPD (1–3), the illness is severe and represents a major clinical challenge to these patients. In addition, the therapy of fungal peritonitis is still controversial, especially with regard to the need for removal of the catheter.

This paper presents a retrospective study and describes our experience during the past four years with the management of fungal peritonitis in 18 patients undergoing CAPD at our center.