Risk factors for peritonitis in long-term peritoneal dialysis: the Network 9 peritonitis and catheter survival studies. Academic Subcommittee of the Steering Committee of the Network 9 Peritonitis and Catheter Survival Studies.

To determine factors involved in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis and catheter loss, all point prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients in Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) Network 9 were followed throughout 1991 for peritonitis events and throughout 1991 to 1992 for catheter survival. Data were collected by questionnaires compiled by the dialysis facility and validated by network staff. Peritonitis was reported 1,168 times in 729 of the 1,930 patients. By gamma-Poisson regression, a significantly increased risk for peritonitis was observed for patients with previous peritonitis, black race, and those dialyzing with standard connectors or cyclers compared with disconnect systems. Decreased risks were observed for patients with longer ESRD experience and when prophylactic antibiotics were administered before catheter insertion. Postinsertion leakage, diabetes, visual problems, previous or current immunosuppression, and physical activity were not risk factors. Infection of any kind caused the removal of 68% of the 414 catheters lost. Patients with downward-directed tunnels were less likely to experience concomitant exit site/tunnel infections associated with peritonitis. Peritonitis episodes with Staphylococcus epidermidis-like organisms were more likely to resolve with a single course of antibiotics. Perhaps because of their higher infection rate, blacks were more likely than whites to use a disconnect system. In general, the outcome of peritonitis in blacks was similar to that in whites, except that blacks were less likely to be hospitalized and were less likely to die.

Severe rickets in Lowe syndrome: treatment with continuous nasogastric infusion.

A boy with Lowe syndrome who manifested renal Fanconi syndrome by severe hypophosphatemic rickets, failure to thrive, and metabolic acidosis failed to improve with conventional bolus therapy of phosphate and bicarbonate. He was then placed on home continuous nasogastric infusion of phosphate and bicarbonate in addition to caloric supplementation. Rapid reversal of metabolic acidosis and hypophosphatemia was achieved. There was significant improvement in clinical and radiological signs of rickets and in bone mineral content. After 9 months therapy, his ponderal age improved dramatically from 7.5 to 29.5 months and his statural age from 16 to 26 months. We conclude that continuous nasogastric infusion of phosphorus and bicarbonate is a useful alternative mode of therapy in patients with renal Fanconi syndrome who are resistant to conventional bolus therapy.

Juvenile gouty arthritis. Two cases associated with mild renal insufficiency.

Two patients had onset of juvenile gouty arthritis at ages 16 and 1 1/2 years, respectively. Both had mild renal insufficiency, with creatinine clearances of 46 and 54 mL/min/1.73 sq m, respectively. Their presenting hyperuricemia (13.8 and 11 mg/dL, respectively) was out of proportion to the degree of renal insufficiency. Clinical and laboratory studies did not suggest an inborn error of purine metabolism, glycogen storage disease type I, or any myeloproliferative disorder. Neither patient had a family history of gout or inherited renal disease. Although juvenile gouty arthritis is rare, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of episodic arthritis in children, especially if renal impairment, even mild, is present.