title: Prevention of peritoneal dialysis-related infections.
abstract: The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) varies widely from country to country, with the main limitation being infectious complications, particularly peritonitis, which leads to technique failure, hospitalization and increased mortality. A large number of prophylactic strategies have been employed to reduce the occurrence of peritonitis, including the use of oral, nasal and topical antibiotics, disinfection of the exit site, modification of the transfer set used in continuous ambulatory PD exchanges, changes to the design of the PD catheter implanted, the surgical method by which the PD catheter is inserted, the type and length of training given to patients, the occurrence of home visits by trained PD nurses, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing certain invasive procedures and the administration of antifungal prophylaxis to PD patients whenever they are given an antibiotic treatment course. This review summarizes the existing evidence evaluating these interventions to prevent exit-site/tunnel infections and peritonitis.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Kidney Research, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Westmead, New South Wales, Australia School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Denise J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Mudge
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney and George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Martin P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.affiliation: Centre for Kidney Research, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Westmead, New South Wales, Australia School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Jonathan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: catheter-related infections; exit site; peritoneal dialysis; peritonitis; randomized controlled trial