ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis in our centre. METHODS: Forty patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis between 2006-2010 were enrolled in this study. Nutritional, sociodemographical, psychological, dialysis related (peritoneal modality, characteristics and adequacy) possible risk factors associated with the development of peritonitis were recorded. Data of patients with and without peritonitis were compared using the Student's t-test and chi-square test. RESULTS: There were 31 episodes of peritonitis among 21 patients, while other 19 patients had not experienced peritonitis resulting in a rate of 1 episode / 44 patient months. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent microorganism isolated (31 %). Hypoalbuminemia, technical problems, poor personal and environmental hygiene, low educational status, current or former smoking history and less urine output were observed significantly more in patients who had peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that educational, psychological, nutritional, smoking and hygiene status and amount of urine output are closely associated with peritonitis among peritoneal dialysis patients. Measures to improve these factors may help prevent and control peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis (Tab. 4, Ref. 14).
