Treatment of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Infections

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) represents an important treatment choice for patients with kidney failure. It allows them to dialyze outside the hospital setting, facilitating enhanced opportunities to participate in life-related activities, flexibility in schedules, time and cost savings from reduced travel to dialysis centers, and improved quality of life. Despite its numerous advantages, PD utilization has been static or diminishing in parts of the world. PD-related infection, such as peritonitis, exit-site infection, or tunnel infection, is a major concern for patients, caregivers, and health professionals-which may result in hesitation to consider this as treatment or to cease therapy when these complications take place. In this review, the definition, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of PD-related infection on the basis of the contemporary evidence will be described.

Serum vancomycin levels predict the short-term adverse outcomes of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis

BACKGROUND

The role of monitoring serum vancomycin levels during treatment of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is controversial. Substantial inter-individual variability may result in suboptimal serum levels despite similar dosing of vancomycin. The published predictors of suboptimal serum vancomycin levels remain limited.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from 541 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 312019. For gram-positive cocci and culture-negative peritonitis, we adopted a vancomycin administration and monitoring protocol. Short-term adverse outcomes of PD-associated peritonitis, including transfer to haemodialysis, death, persistent infection beyond planned therapy duration and relapse, were observed. The association between trough serum vancomycin levels and short-term adverse outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal vancomycin was used in 61 gram-positive cocci or culture-negative peritonitis episodes in 56 patients. Fourteen episodes of short-term adverse outcomes occurred in 12 patients, whose average trough serum vancomycin levels on day 5 of treatment were significantly lower than those who didn't experience any adverse outcomes (8.4 ± 1.7 vs 12.5 ± 4.3 mg/L, p = 0.003). In gram-positive cocci or culture-negative peritonitis patients, those with higher day 5 trough serum vancomycin levels had a lower risk of short-term adverse outcomes (odds ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 0.9, p = 0.011). Receiver operating charecteristic curve (ROC) analyses showed that the day 5 trough serum vancomycin levels diagnostic threshold value for short-term adverse outcomes was 10.1 mg/L. After adjustments for gender, exchange volume and residual kidney function (RKF), baseline higher peritoneal transport was associated with a suboptimal (<10.1 mg/L) day 5 serum vancomycin level.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum vancomycin levels are correlated with short-term adverse outcomes of PD-associated peritonitis, and higher peritoneal solute transport status is associated with suboptimal trough serum vancomycin levels on day 5.

Plasma and Peritoneal Ceftriaxone Concentrations After Intraperitoneal Administration in Horses With Septic Peritonitis

Intraperitoneal ceftriaxone administration in healthy horses results in high and prolonged peritoneal concentrations. Recent findings suggest that intraperitoneal ceftriaxone might increase survival rates in horses affected by peritonitis. The present study aimed to evaluate plasma and peritoneal concentrations of ceftriaxone after intraperitoneal administration in horses with septic peritonitis. Twenty-six horses presenting clinical, laboratorial, and sonographic findings compatible with the disease were included. All horses received daily intraperitoneal ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg bwt) in addition or not with other antibiotics and support therapies. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine plasma and peritoneal ceftriaxone concentrations before and after 12 and 24 hours of ceftriaxone administration. Mean plasma concentrations 12 and 24 hours after administration were, respectively, 1.84 ± 0.43 and 0.37 ± 0.07 μg/mL, and mean peritoneal concentrations were 5.7 ± 2.84 and 0.42 ± 0.13 μg/mL. Ceftriaxone concentration was lower in comparison with previous studies in healthy horses and presented under the minimal inhibitory concentration for enterobacteria (≤1 μg/mL) and for gram-positive isolates (≤0.5 μg/mL) at 24 hours. The variation of the results obtained between healthy horses and with septic peritonitis demonstrated that pharmacokinetics/dynamics are different between these patients and suggests the use of an interval of dose of 12 hours.

Adjuvant intraperitoneal ceftriaxone in the treatment of septic peritonitis in horses

BACKGROUND

Intraperitoneal administration of ceftriaxone maintains therapeutic abdominal concentrations for 24 hours in healthy horses. Therefore, it is a possible treatment for septic peritonitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ceftriaxone as an adjuvant treatment in horses with septic peritonitis.

METHODS

Twenty-six horses with clinical signs, sonography and/or laboratory findings of septic peritonitis were included. Peritoneal fluid was collected for microbiological culture and in vitro microbial sensitivity profile assessment. Daily intraperitoneal administration of ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg) was initiated with supportive and systemic antimicrobial treatment. The animals were divided into three groups: group 1-gastrointestinal tract injuries and abdominal surgery (excluding perforations/ruptures); group 2-not related to changes in the gastrointestinal tract; group 3-secondary to intestinal rupture and/or faeces contamination.

RESULTS

The mean success rate of the treatment was 77 per cent (20/26 animals), with success rates of 84.6 per cent in group 1; 87.5 per cent, group 2; and 40 per cent, group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report adjuvant intraperitoneal treatment ceftriaxone for septic peritonitis in horses and indicates that this treatment can successfully treat septic peritonitis in horses.

Implantable Device-Related Infection

Over half of the nearly two million healthcare-associated infections can be attributed to indwelling medical devices. In this review, we highlight the difficulty in diagnosing implantable device-related infection and how this leads to a likely underestimate of the prevalence. We then provide a length-scale conceptualization of device-related infection pathogenesis. Within this conceptualization we focus specifically on biofilm formation and the role of host immune and coagulation systems. Using this framework, we describe how current and developing preventative strategies target specific processes along the entire length-scale. In light of the significant time horizon for the development and translation of new preventative technologies, we also emphasize the need for parallel development of in situ treatment strategies. Specific examples of both preventative and treatment strategies and how they align with the length-scale conceptualization are described.

Emergency medicine evaluation and management of the end stage renal disease patient

BACKGROUND

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing in the U.S., and these patients demonstrate greater all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and hospitalization rates when compared to those with normal renal function. These patients may experience significant complications associated with loss of renal function and dialysis.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates complications of ESRD including cardiopulmonary, neurologic, infectious disease, vascular, and access site complications, as well as medication use in this population.

DISCUSSION

ESRD incidence is rapidly increasing, and patients commonly require renal replacement therapy including hemodialysis (HDS) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), each type with specific features. These patients possess greater risk of neurologic complications, cardiopulmonary pathology, infection, and access site complications. Focused history and physical examination are essential. Neurologic issues include uremic encephalopathy, cerebrovascular pathology, and several others. Cardiopulmonary complications include pericarditis, pericardial effusion/tamponade, acute coronary syndrome, sudden cardiac death, electrolyte abnormalities, pulmonary edema, and air embolism. Infections are common, with patients more commonly presenting in atypical fashion. Access site infections and metastatic infections must be treated aggressively. Access site complications include bleeding, aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis/stenosis, and arterial steal syndrome. Specific medication considerations are required for analgesics, sedatives, neuromuscular blocking agents, antimicrobials, and anticoagulants.

CONCLUSIONS

Consideration of renal physiology with complications in ESRD can assist emergency providers in the evaluation and management of these patients. ESRD affects many organ systems, and specific pharmacologic considerations are required.

Bacterial pathogens activate plasminogen to breach tissue barriers and escape from innate immunity

Both coagulation and fibrinolysis are tightly connected with the innate immune system. Infection and inflammation cause profound alterations in the otherwise well-controlled balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Many pathogenic bacteria directly exploit the host's hemostatic system to increase their virulence. Here, we review the capacity of bacteria to activate plasminogen. The resulting proteolytic activity allows them to breach tissue barriers and evade innate immune defense, thus promoting bacterial spreading. Yersinia pestis, streptococci of group A, C and G and Staphylococcus aureus produce a specific bacterial plasminogen activator. Moreover, surface plasminogen receptors play an established role in pneumococcal, borrelial and group B streptococcal infections. This review summarizes the mechanisms of bacterial activation of host plasminogen and the role of the fibrinolytic system in infections caused by these pathogens.

Honey in the Prevention and Treatment of Infection in the CKD Population: A Narrative Review

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multiresistant organisms are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the CKD population. Unfortunately, the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance has not been mirrored by innovation in new antibiotic agents. Novel treatments are therefore urgently needed. Honey has garnered much interest due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties based on extensive experimental data. Unlike conventional antibiotics, honey has an added advantage as it appears to avoid inducing antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. This review discusses the potential mechanisms of action and role of honey in infection management in the general population, epidemiology and special challenges of infections in CKD populations, and the clinical trial evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of honey for the prevention and treatment of infections in CKD population.

Evidence-based medicine: An update on treatments for peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis

Peritonitis continues to be a major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), and adequate treatment is crucial for a favorable outcome. There is no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic regimen, and few prospective controlled studies have been published. The objective of this manuscript is to review the results of PD peritonitis treatment reported in narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and proportional meta-analyses. Two narrative reviews, the only existing systematic review and its update published between 1991 and 2014 were included. In addition, we reported the results of a proportional meta-analysis published by our group. Results from systematic reviews of randomized control trials (RCT) and quasi-RCT were not able to identify any optimal antimicrobial treatment, but glycopeptide regimens were more likely to achieve a complete cure than a first generation cephalosporin. Compared to urokinase, simultaneous catheter removal and replacement resulted in better outcomes. Continuous and intermittent IP antibiotic use had similar outcomes. Intraperitoneal antibiotics were superior to intravenous antibiotics in reducing treatment failure. In the proportional meta-analysis of RCTs and the case series, the resolution rate (86%) of ceftazidime plus glycopeptide as initial treatment was significantly higher than first generation cephalosporin plus aminoglycosides (66%) and glycopeptides plus aminoglycosides (75%). Other comparisons of regimens used for either initial treatment or treatment of gram-positive rods or gram-negative rods did not show statistically significant differences. The superiority of a combination of a glycopeptide and a third generation cephalosporin was also reported by a narrative review study published in 1991, which reported an 88% resolution rate.

Efficacy of antibiotic therapy for peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a proportional meta-analysis

Background

The choice of antimicrobials for initial treatment of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is crucial for a favorable outcome. There is no consensus about the best therapy; few prospective controlled studies have been published, and the only published systematic reviews did not report superiority of any class of antimicrobials. The objective of this review was to analyze the results of PD peritonitis treatment in adult patients by employing a new methodology, the proportional meta-analysis.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted. There was no language restriction. Studies were obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were: (a) case series and RCTs with the number of reported patients in each study greater than five, (b) use of any antibiotic therapy for initial treatment (e.g., cefazolin plus gentamicin or vancomycin plus gentamicin), for Gram-positive (e.g., vancomycin or a first generation cephalosporin), or for Gram-negative rods (e.g., gentamicin, ceftazidime, and fluoroquinolone), (c) patients with PD-related peritonitis, and (d) studies specifying the rates of resolution. A proportional meta-analysis was performed on outcomes using a random-effects model, and the pooled resolution rates were calculated.

Results

A total of 64 studies (32 for initial treatment and negative culture, 28 reporting treatment for Gram-positive rods and 24 reporting treatment for Gram-negative rods) and 21 RCTs met all inclusion criteria (14 for initial treatment and negative culture, 8 reporting treatment for Gram-positive rods and 8 reporting treatment for Gram-negative rods). The pooled resolution rate of ceftazidime plus glycopeptide as initial treatment (pooled proportion = 86% [95% CI 0.82–0.89]) was significantly higher than first generation cephalosporin plus aminoglycosides (pooled proportion = 66% [95% CI 0.57–0.75]) and significantly higher than glycopeptides plus aminoglycosides (pooled proportion = 75% [95% CI 0.69–0.80]. Other comparisons of regimens used for either initial treatment, treatment for Gram-positive rods or Gram-negative rods did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

We showed that the association of a glycopeptide plus ceftazidime is superior to other regimens for initial treatment of PD peritonitis. This result should be carefully analyzed and does not exclude the necessity of monitoring the local microbiologic profile in each dialysis center to choice the initial therapeutic protocol.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2334-14-445) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: towards improving evidence, practices, and outcomes

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.

Peginesatide to Manage Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

♦

BACKGROUND

Peginesatide is a novel, synthetic, peptide-based pegylated erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that is designed specifically to stimulate the erythropoietin receptor. The purpose of the present study was to assess, for the first time, the efficacy and safety of peginesatide in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and previously on epoetin treatment. ♦

METHODS

In this open-label multicenter study, 59 PD patients with CKD were converted from epoetin (alfa or beta) to once-monthly peginesatide. Doses were titrated to maintain hemoglobin levels between 10 g/dL and 12 g/dL during the 25 weeks of the study. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean hemoglobin values during the evaluation period (weeks 20 - 25). ♦

RESULTS

The mean hemoglobin value during the evaluation period was 11.3 ± 1.07 g/dL, and the mean change from baseline was 0.10 ± 1.15 g/dL (95% confidence limits: -0.24, 0.44 g/dL). During the evaluation period, most patients maintained hemoglobin levels between 10 g/dL and 12 g/dL (63.0%) and within ±1.0 g/dL of baseline (60.9%). The median weekly epoetin dose at baseline was 96.0 U/kg, and the median starting peginesatide dose was 0.047 mg/kg. Forty-three patients (72.9%) completed the study. Six patients (10.2%) received red blood cell transfusions. The observed adverse event profile was consistent with underlying conditions in the PD patient population. The most common adverse event was peritonitis (20.3%), a complication commonly associated with PD. Four deaths occurred during the study (2 related to septic shock, and 1 each to myocardial ischemia and myasthenia gravis). ♦

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, once-monthly peginesatide maintained hemoglobin levels in PD patients after conversion from epoetin.

Peritonitis in recent years: clinical findings and predictors of treatment response of 170 episodes at a single Brazilian center

PURPOSE

Peritonitis continues to be a major cause of dropout in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Changes in the prevalence of peritonitis etiologies and an increase in the frequency of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Gram-negative species resistant to commonly used antibiotics have been reported. As a consequence, the current clinical presentation and patient outcome may differ from classical descriptions. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of PD-related peritonitis episodes that occurred over a period of 6 years at a single Brazilian dialysis center and to identify predictors of outcome.

METHODS

A total of 170 peritonitis episodes that occurred in 92 PD patients between January 2004 and December 2009 were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical, and microbiological factors predicting endpoints (resolution and peritonitis-related death). Patients' characteristics and peritonitis incidence, etiology and outcomes were compared with a series of 232 episodes that occurred in the first 6 years (1995-2000) of the PD program at the same center.

RESULTS

The overall peritonitis rate was 0.65 episodes/patient-year. Gram-positive cocci were identified in 79 (46.5%) episodes, whereas Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from 48 (28.2%). CoNS were the main Gram-positive species identified in 48 episodes. Of these, 56.3% were resistant to methicillin. Among Gram-negative species, amikacin resistance was observed in 60% of non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) and in only 3.6% of Enterobacteriaceae. The overall resolution rate was 44.1%. Oxacillin resistance and NFGNB etiology were strong predictors of non-resolution, whereas older age was the only predictor of death. Antibiotic protocols did not influence outcome. Comparison with the results obtained for the 1990-1995 period showed a lower peritonitis rate, a strong decline in the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus episodes, a significant increase in the frequency of oxacillin-resistant CoNS and amikacin-resistant NFGNB, and a significantly lower resolution and higher death rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The current clinical characteristics and outcome suggest a greater severity of peritonitis episodes and higher risk of death, possibly due to bacterial resistance. Older age is a risk factor for death.

MIC versus MBEC to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus in peritoneal dialysis peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is a common and morbid complication of PD. Bacteria are able to create a biofilm on the PD catheter, which can be a source of recurrent infection. Biofilms undergo a phenotypic change resulting in increased antibiotic resistance. ♢

METHODS

21 clinical isolates of different patients with PD peritonitis secondary to Staphylococcus aureus were collected. They were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility in the planktonic form using the standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and in a biofilm using minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). Chi-square was used to compare the sensitivity results. ♢

RESULTS

The isolates were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested using MIC. Every antibiotic except gentamicin lost its efficacy when the bacteria were grown in a biofilm (p > 0.05). The change in susceptibility was statistically significant to a level of p < 0.001 for all antibiotics tested. ♢

DISCUSSION

In PD peritonitis that is long standing, recurrent, or not responsive to therapy, MBEC testing should be considered as a biofilm may be present. Gentamicin should be strongly considered over other agents for empiric gram-negative coverage as it may be providing synergy in the setting of Staphylococcus aureus. Also, the newer anti-staphylococcal drugs should be tested for their performance in a biofilm using the MBEC method.

Comparative in vitro antimicrobial activity of vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin and ceftobiprole in four different peritoneal dialysis fluids

Peritoneal dialysis used in the treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure is often complicated by peritonitis. Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis is severe, particularly if caused by a methicillin-resistant strain (MRSA). Intraperitoneal administration of drugs for treatment of peritonitis is preferable to intravenous or oral routes because of the resulting higher local antibiotic concentrations. However, peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) have a bacteriostatic effect, which may compromise the efficacy of antibiotics. The bactericidal efficacy of vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin and ceftobiprole was studied in the PDFs Dianeal PD4® (glucose 1.36%), Physioneal 40® (glucose 1.36%), Extraneal® (7.5% icodextrin), and Nutrineal PD4® (1.1% amino acid) using time-kill curves. To simulate in vivo conditions, human serum albumin was added at a final concentration of 2 g/l. All four PDFs had a bacteriostatic effect on the growth of the MRSA test isolate. All antibiotics showed less activity in PDFs compared to control broth. Vancomycin and teicoplanin achieved the greatest reduction in bacterial numbers in the amino-acid containing PDF Nutrineal PD4®. Daptomycin showed its highest activity in Extraneal® and better overall efficacy than the other tested antibiotics. Ceftobiprole showed no killing activities in any of the four PDFs. Based on these in vitro data we conclude that the choice of PDFs for intraperitoneal administration is not trivial and could be crucial for therapy outcome.

Use of antibacterial agents in renal failure

This article provides background information on the pharmacokinetics of antibacterial agents in patients who have normal and impaired renal function. Tables are provided to allow quick determination of appropriate dosages for varying degrees of renal failure. The use of serum levels; newer strategies for cefazolin, vancomycin and aminoglycoside dosing; methods of dialysis and associated antibiotics dosage adjustments, and antibiotic toxicity in renal failure are reviewed.

Treatment of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis with Ciprofloxacin Monotherapy: Clinical Outcomes and Bacterial Susceptibility over Two Decades

Background

There is controversy about the preferred initial antibiotic therapy for peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. Quinolones have been used extensively in this setting, yet their long-term effectiveness is unknown.

Aim

To analyze the results of a protocol of treatment of PD-related peritonitis with ciprofloxacin, maintained over two decades.

Method

We analyzed the clinical outcome of 682 episodes of bacterial peritonitis treated with intraperitoneal ciprofloxacin monotherapy, and the time course of bacterial susceptibility to this antimicrobial, in a historical cohort of 641 PD patients (1988-2007). Main outcome variables included changes to initial therapy and rates of hospital admission, catheter removal, relapse, reinfection, PD dropout, and mortality. For comparisons we divided the study period into phases A (1988-1994), B (1995-2000), and C (2001-2007).

Results

The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis decreased, while the incidences of polymicrobial and negative-culture peritonitis increased after phase A. In vitro susceptibility to ciprofloxacin decreased significantly only among coagulase-negative staphylococci (87.0% susceptible strains in phase A vs 70.0% in B and 70.1% in C, p = 0.006). Overall success rates (catheter not removed and ongoing PD after the episode) remained stable, at over 85%. However, the proportion of patients treated solely with ciprofloxacin declined from 75.7% (A) to 47.3% (B) to 32.4% (C) ( p < 0.0005) and admission rates increased from 12.7% to 16.8% to 24.9% respectively ( p = 0.001). These changes affected all the etiologic groups except culture-negative peritonitis. In vitro resistance to ciprofloxacin was a marker of multiresistance and correlated strongly with clinical outcome of peritonitis. Among isolates susceptible to ciprofloxacin, changing initial therapy for any reason also predicted a poor outcome.

Conclusions

Following satisfactory early results, the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin as monotherapy for PD-related peritonitis has declined markedly in the long term. This decline cannot be explained solely by a decrease of in vitro susceptibility to this antimicrobial, which was significant only among coagulase-negative staphylococci. Resistance to ciprofloxacin is a strong marker of in vitro multiresistance and poor clinical outcome of peritonitis.

Intraperitoneal Administration of Drugs in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Review of Compatibility and Guidance for Clinical Use

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home-based therapy for end-stage renal failure. Intraperitoneal administration of drugs to PD patients is particularly important for the treatment of peritonitis. Clinicians need to know that the administered drug is compatible with both the PD solution and its container. A detailed literature search on drug compatibility and stability was performed and results of all published stability studies are presented for all drugs, PD solutions, and containers studied. These data will aid clinicians managing PD patients and provide a resource to demonstrate which drugs have been shown to be stable in various PD solutions and solution containers. This is important information to assist clinicians in applying effective treatments, in particular, for peritonitis.

Surgical Peritonitis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

In this short review we highlight the diagnostic challenge presented by surgical peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients, giving attention to etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. Despite improvements in medical imaging and a reduction in overall rates of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis, the mortality of surgical peritonitis has not changed in recent years and remains a challenge for the clinical team.