title: Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: towards improving evidence, practices, and outcomes.
abstract: Peritonitis is a common serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that results in considerable morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. It also significantly limits the use of this important dialysis modality. Despite its importance as a patient safety issue, peritonitis practices and outcomes vary markedly and unacceptably among different centers, regions, and countries. This article reviews peritonitis risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly focusing on potential drivers of variable practices and outcomes, controversial or unresolved areas, and promising avenues warranting further research. Potential strategies for augmenting the existing limited evidence base and reducing the gap between evidence-based best practice and actual practice also are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Kidney Disease Research, Translational Research Institute at University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Yeoungjee
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Centre for Kidney Disease Research, Translational Research Institute at University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: david.johnson2@health.qld.gov.au.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000639:trends; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Antibiotics; bacteria; fungi; microbiology; outcomes; peritoneal dialysis; peritonitis; practice variation; prevention; quality improvement; risk factors