Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis Guidelines - Consensus Statement of Peritoneal Dialysis Society of India - 2020

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) related peritonitis is a major cause of technique failure, morbidity, and mortality in patients on CAPD. Its prevention and management is key to success of CAPD program. Due to variability in practice, microbiological trends and sensitivity towards antibiotics, there is a need for customized guidelines for management of CAPD related peritonitis (CAPDRP) in India. With this need, Peritoneal Dialysis Society of India (PDSI) organized a structured meeting to discuss various aspects of management of CAPDRP and formulated a consensus agreement which will help in management of patients with CAPDRP.

Intraperitoneal pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis

It is unclear if the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin are the same during automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), where cycler exchanges may affect the systemic, peritoneal, and urinary disposition of drug. We conducted a prospective pharmacokinetic study evaluating the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in plasma, dialysis fluid, and urine in peritonitis‐negative patients on APD. Patients underwent four drug‐free exchanges with 1.5% or 2.5% dextrose following the initial dwell period. Plasma, dialysis fluid, and urine was collected over the course of 7 days for pharmacokinetic analysis. Four patients completed the study with no adverse events. Following a median (range) dwell of 14.6 (14.2–17.6 h), the mean (±SD) observed maximum plasma concentration was 28.7 ± 4.9 mg/L with a mean bioavailability of 98.5 ± 1.4% prior to starting the cycler. The overall mean total plasma clearance estimated from study start to completion was 7.6 ± 1.2 ml/min. Mean total clearance during the dialytic exchange was 13.6 ± 4.9 ml/min. In patients with residual renal function, the mean vancomycin renal clearance was 3.1 ± 1.5 ml/min, representing 21.4%–58.9% of the overall total plasma clearance during the study period. Despite the small sample size, this pilot study suggests that the dwell time has important implications for systemic vancomycin exposure, time to therapeutic plasma concentration, and dosing. Dose is driven by dwell time, whereas the cycler determines the dosing interval. Rapid exchanges from APD will determine the frequency of dosing rather than the adequacy of absorption when vancomycin is given in the peritoneum.

Vancomycin in peritoneal dialysis: Clinical pharmacology considerations in therapy

Intraperitoneal vancomycin is the first-line therapy in the management of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. However, due to the paucity of data, vancomycin dosing for peritonitis in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is empiric and based on clinical experience rather than evidence. Studies in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients have been used to provide guidelines for dosing and are often extrapolated for APD use, but it is unclear whether this is appropriate. This review summarizes the available pharmacokinetic data used to inform optimal dosing in patients on CAPD or APD. The determinants of vancomycin disposition and pharmacodynamic effects are critically summarized, knowledge gaps explored, and a vancomycin dosing algorithm in PD patients is proposed.

Vancomycin Disposition following Intraperitoneal Administration in Children Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis

Background

Little information is available on the disposition of vancomycin during chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the disposition of vancomycin following intraperitoneal (IP) administration in children receiving short-dwell [ e.g., automated PD (APD)] and long-dwell [ e.g., continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD)] PD.

Methods

A 6-hour exchange containing vancomycin 500 mg/L, using an exchange volume of 1100 mL/m2body surface area (BSA), was followed by 4-, 6-, and 8-hour antibiotic-free exchanges. The 8-hour exchange was followed by three to four 90-minute antibiotic-free exchanges. Serial blood and dialysis effluent samples were obtained and analyzed for vancomycin concentration by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were computed using noncompartmental methods.

Results

The bioavailability of vancomycin during a 6-hour IP exchange was 70% ± 5%, resulting in a delivered dose of 12.0 ± 1.8 mg/kg, and a 6-hour serum vancomycin concentration of 23.3 ± 7.2 μg/mL. Total body vancomycin clearance measured 10.72 ± 4.52 mL/minute/1.73 m2BSA, while clearance attributable to PD measured 2.78 ± 1.08 mL/min/1.73 m2BSA and accounted for 29% ± 11% of total vancomycin clearance. Dialysis clearance during long-dwell (CAPD) and short-dwell (APD) regimens was similar, measuring 2.46 ± 1.04 and 3.09 ± 1.28 mL/min/1.73 m2BSA, accounting for 25% ± 13% and 32% ± 12% of total body clearance respectively.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal absorption and dialysis clearance of vancomycin in children receiving PD are similar to those reported in adult dialysis patients. In contrast, total body clearance of vancomycin appears to be increased and the elimination half-life decreased in children, due to increased elimination by non-renal nondialysis routes. For intermittent IP vancomycin therapy in children with peritonitis, an IP load containing vancomycin 1000 mg/L (or 30 mg/kg), followed a single full-fill (1100 mL/m2BSA) daily exchange, containing vancomycin 250 mg/L (or 7.5 mg/kg), from day 2 until the end of treatment will maintain a vancomycin dialysate concentration of >4 μg/mL.

Review of Antibiotic Dosing with Peritonitis in APD

Peritonitis is the leading cause of transfer from peritoneal dialysis (PD) to hemodialysis (HD). It is also the leading cause of hospitalization of PD patients. The usual treatment of peritonitis for automated PD (APD) patients consists of antibiotics given once daily in the long dwell. However, the once-daily antibiotic dosing recommendations are based primarily on studies with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) regimens. Published studies on antibiotic dosing in APD are very limited. We will review the scant literature on this topic. It is possible that extrapolating once-daily dosing from CAPD to APD may lead to underdosing. There is a need for further pharmacokinetic studies of antibiotic dosing in APD.

Vancomycin Removal During High-Volume Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute Kidney Injury Patients

Studies on vancomycin pharmacokinetics in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients on high-volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) are lacking. We studied the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) vancomycin in AKI patients treated by HVPD who received a prescribed single IV dose of vancomycin (15 - 20 mg/kg total body weight) to determine the extent of vancomycin removal and to establish vancomycin dosing guidelines for the empirical treatment of AKI patients receiving HVPD. The application of 18 mg/kg vancomycin every 48 - 72 hours in AKI patients undergoing HVPD was required to maintain therapeutic concentrations.

Antibiotic Dosing in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Focus on Contemporary Challenges

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, appropriate antibiotic dosing is imperative to achieve positive patient outcomes while minimizing antibiotic dose-related toxicity. Accurately assessing renal function and determining the influence of renal replacement therapy on antibiotic clearance makes drug dosing in this patient population challenging. Furthermore, as technological advances in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis occur, research incorporating newer dialysis parameters to guide drug dosing may not be readily available. Currently, there are limited data to guide drug dosing in the setting of automated peritoneal dialysis, short daily hemodialysis, and nocturnal hemodialysis. Antibiotic-dosing recommendations should be carefully evaluated considering the accuracy of the renal function assessment, the similarity of the operating characteristics of the renal replacement therapy studied compared with those being used, and whether the dosing strategy takes advantage of the pharmacodynamic profile of the antibiotic under consideration. After implementing the antibiotic-dosing regimen, therapeutic drug monitoring should occur when possible along with careful monitoring for antibiotic efficacy and safety.

Vancomycin Removal During High-Volume Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute Kidney Injury Patients: A Prospective Cohort Clinical Study

Introduction

Vancomycin pharmacokinetic data in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) on high-volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) are lacking. The aims were to study the pharmacokinetics of i.v. vancomycin in patients with AKI treated by HVPD who received an i.v. dose of vancomycin (15–20 mg/kg), to determine the vancomycin removal, and to establish vancomycin dosing and evaluation pharmacokinetics target attainment achievement for the empirical treatment of patients with AKI treated by HVPD.

Methods

Vancomycin was administered 1 hour before dialysis start. Samples of all dialysate were collected for a 24-hour period. Blood samples were collected after 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours of therapy. Vancomycin concentrations were determined using a liquid chromatographic (high-performance liquid chromatography)–fluorescence method. Pharmacokinetic calculations were completed assuming a 1-compartment model.

Results

Ten patients completed the study. The mean vancomycin dose administered was 18.0 ± 2.95 mg/kg (14.7–21.8 mg/kg) on the day of study (first day) and the mean percentage of vancomycin removal by HVPD was 21.7% ± 2.2% (16%–29%). Peritoneal clearance was 8.1 ± 2.2 ml/min (5.3–12 ml/min). The serum vancomycin half-life was 71.2 ± 24.7 hours (42–110 hours) during HVPD session, the maximum serum concentration was 26.2 ± 3.5 mg/l, which occurred 1 hour after vancomycin administration and HVPD start. Area under the curve (AUC)0–24/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio ≥400 was achieved in all patients when MIC = 1 mg/l was considered.

Conclusion

HVPD removes considerable amounts of vancomycin in septic patients with AKI. Administration of 18 mg/kg vancomycin each 48 to 72 hours in patients with AKI undergoing HVPD was required to reach and maintain therapeutic concentrations.

Residual Kidney Function and Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Residual kidney function contributes to the clearance of antibiotics excreted by the kidneys, lowering the antibiotic concentration, which may adversely affect the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. The objective of our study was to examine the relationship between residual kidneyfunction and peritonitis treatment outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Our study included 181 participants who experienced 339 episodes of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and culture-negative peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis at a single centerfrom 2003 to 2010. Episodes were categorized according to participants' urinary creatinine clearance (0, >0-5, and >5 ml/min). The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equation models to determine the covariate-adjusted association between urinary creatinine clearance and treatment failure (defined as relapse or recurrent peritonitis episodes, peritoneal catheter removal, or death from any cause during peritonitis treatment).

RESULTS

Among episodes of peritonitis due to Gram-positive organisms or culture-negative infections, those experienced by participants with urinary creatinine clearance >5 ml/min had significantly higher odds of treatment failure than episodes experienced by anuric participants (27 of 80 versus 20 of 119 episodes resulting in treatment failure for creatinine clearance >5 versus 0 ml/min; odds ratio, 6.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.37 to 19.6). Episodes experienced by participants with creatinine clearance >0-5 ml/min also had significantly higher odds of treatment failure than episodes experienced by anuric participants (14 of 64 episodes resulting in treatment failure for creatinine clearance >0-5 ml/min; odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 7.35). The odds of relapse and recurrent peritonitis among participants with creatinine clearance >5 ml/min was also significantly higher compared with in anuric participants (17 of 80 versus 12 of 119 episodes resulting in relapse and recurrence for creatinine clearance >5 versus 0 ml/min; odds ratio, 6.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.90 to 23.8). Among participants with Gram-negative peritonitis, creatinine clearance was significantly associated with neither treatment failure nor relapse and recurrent peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Residual kidney function as measured by greater urinary creatinine clearance was associated with treatment failure among participants with Gram-positive and culture-negative peritonitis.

Effects of peritoneal dialysis on pharmacotherapy: a deductive pharmacokinetic-model approach to predict drug concentration profiles in plasma and peritoneal fluid

The aim of this study was to present a deductive compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model to predict the concentration profiles of drugs in plasma and peritoneal fluid in peritoneal dialysis (PD) rats. PK parameters of model drugs in normal and experimentally induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats not undergoing PD were obtained inductively in a common regression manner with a two-compartment model. In PD normal and ARF rats, PK parameters relating to the transfer of drugs to the peritoneal dialysate and the progress of renal failure were deductively modified to simulate the drug concentration-time profiles in plasma and in the peritoneal fluid in PD rats. The deductively introduced modifiers were the volume of distribution in the peripheral compartment, plasma protein binding, and solvent movement factor to the peritoneal fluid. Predicted profiles of tolbutamide, propranolol and cefazolin in PD normal and ARF rats were compared with the corresponding observed data. This minimal deductive approach yielded satisfactory accuracy in the prediction of both the plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of tolbutamide and propranolol.

Pharmacokinetic profiles of ceftazidime after intravenous administration in patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftazidime after intravenous (i.v.) administration during automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and their dependence on peritoneal membrane transport are the targets of the present study. Eleven patients receiving a single i.v. dose of ceftazidime (15 mg/kg of body weight) (seven males, median [interquatile] age, 59 [36 to 62]) were recruited. Serum and dialysate samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and end of each of the five dwells during a 24-h period, with dwells 1, 2, and 3 using an automated cycler (designated on-cycler) and dwells 4 and 5 being manual exchanges (designated off-cycler), together with urine collection during the same period. Population PK analysis was employed to estimate the PK parameters. Peritoneal equilibration tests were performed for all patients, and correlations between peritoneal clearance (CL(PD)) for ceftazidime and dialysate-to-plasma ratios for creatinine (D/P(cr)) were obtained using the Spearman's product correlation coefficient (ρ). Ceftazidime renal clearance (CL(renal)) was 0.052 ml/min/kg, and CL(PD) was 0.063 ± 0.050 ml/min/kg. CL(PD) for on- and off-cycler were 0.071 and 0.058 ml/min/kg (P = 0.164), respectively. A significant correlation between CL(PD) and D/P(cr) was observed, with one outlier excluded, suggesting that CL(PD) for ceftazidime during APD is dependent upon the peritoneal small-solute transport rate. A model prediction yielded adequate serum and dialysate concentrations of ceftazidime throughout a 24-h period for sensitive organisms (MIC, 8 μg/ml) by either i.v. (at 15 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal (i.p.; at 20 mg/kg) administration during off-cycler dwells. The present study suggests that the i.v. administration of ceftazidime at 15 mg/kg or i.p. administration of ceftazidime at 20 mg/kg during a long dwell every 24 h can be recommended for treating systemic or intraperitoneal infections of APD patients.

Similar peritonitis outcome in CAPD and APD patients with dialysis modality continuation during peritonitis

BACKGROUND

As few data exist on treatment of peritonitis in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), and as pharmacokinetics of several antibiotics are reported to be unfavorable in APD, some favor switching to continuous ambulant PD (CAPD) while treating APD-related peritonitis. We explored whether treating peritonitis with patients continuing their usual PD modality had an effect on outcome.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the 508 episodes of PD-associated peritonitis seen in 205 patients in our center from January 1993 to January 2007. During this period, the standard initial therapy for PD-related peritonitis was a combination of intraperitoneal gentamicin and rifampicin.

RESULTS

There was no difference in cure rate between CAPD and APD groups. Likewise, initial and maximal leukocyte counts in the PD fluid (PDF), relapse rates, catheter removal rates, and death during treatment of peritonitis were similar in the CAPD and APD groups. Median (interquartile range) duration of elevated leukocyte count in PDF was longer in APD: 5.0 (3.0 - 9.0) days versus 4.0 (2.5 - 7.0) days in CAPD (p <0.001). APD patients were treated with antibiotics longer than CAPD patients: 16.0 (12.5 - 21.0) versus 15.0 (12.0 - 18.0) days (p = 0.036). Also, after correction for possible confounders, odds ratios for death and for the combined end point death or catheter removal showed no difference when patients treated for peritonitis stayed on their own modality.

CONCLUSION

Regarding rate of relapse, mortality, or the combined end point mortality plus catheter removal, we found no difference between CAPD and APD patients continuing their own PD modality during treatment of PD-related peritonitis. Intermediate end points such as duration of elevated PDF leukocyte count and duration of antibiotic treatment were longer in APD patients.

Peritoneal Dialysis Alters Tolbutamide Pharmacokinetics in Rats with Experimental Acute Renal Failure

The plasma concentration profile of the antidiabetic agent tolbutamide was investigated in glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats receiving or not receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) to assess the impact of performing dialysis on tolbutamide pharmacokinetics. It was revealed that the plasma concentration of tolbutamide was decreased by 23.4% by performing PD in ARF rats, while it was not changed by PD in normal rats. The decrease in the plasma concentration of tolbutamide was nearly proportional to the increase in its volume of distribution. To clarify the mechanisms responsible for the decreased tolbutamide concentration caused by PD, the plasma protein binding of tolbutamide was examined in normal and ARF rats. The plasma unbound fraction of tolbutamide was higher in ARF rats than in normal rats, and the dissociation constants were 3.5+/-0.7 and 5.5+/-0.2 microg in normal and ARF rats, respectively. These results indicated that the unbound fraction of tolbutamide was increased in ARF rats because of its protein binding being suppressed. It is therefore likely that since a measurable amount of tolbutamide can distribute in peritoneal dialysate in ARF rats, but not in normal rats, the plasma concentration of tolbutamide was decreased by performing PD only in ARF rats. These findings suggest that diabetes medication with tolbutamide should be carefully performed in patients receiving dialysis treatment.

Continuous peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a review and current concepts

The percentage of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in the United States maintained on continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) therapy is decreasing. Complications from CPD therapy, including peritonitis, may be the reason for the decline. Improvements in CPD technology and a better understanding of the risk factors that predispose patients to the development of peritonitis have been responsible for a decline in the rate of peritonitis. Yet peritonitis remains a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality and the overall outcome of peritonitis is not acceptable. Factors that have limited our ability to lessen the impact of peritonitis include a lack of data on dosing antibiotics in patients on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) therapy, a lack of knowledge concerning the biology of bacterial biofilm, and the development of resistance to the current prophylactic antibiotic protocols. Further studies are needed concerning the optimal management of the peritoneal catheter and whether it is feasible to resume CPD therapy after catheter removal.

Glycopeptide Antibiotics

Vancomycin and teicoplanin are still the only glycopeptide antibiotics available for use in humans. Emergence of resistance in enterococci and staphylococci has led to restriction of their use to severe infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria for which no other alternative is acceptable (because of resistance or allergy). In parallel, considerable efforts have been made to produce semisynthetic glycopeptides with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and with activity towards resistant strains. Several molecules have now been obtained, helping to better delineate structure-activity relationships. Two are being currently evaluated for skin and soft tissue infections and are in phases II/III. The first, oritavancin (LY333328), is the 4'-chlorobiphenylmethyl derivative of chloroeremomycin, an analogue to vancomycin. It is characterised by: i) a spectrum covering vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to some extent glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus (GISA); ii) rapid bactericidal activity including against the intracellular forms of enterococci and staphylococci; and iii) a prolonged half-life, allowing for daily administration. The second molecule is dalbavancin (BI397), a derivative of the teicoplanin analogue A40926. Dalbavancin has a spectrum of activity similar to that of oritavancin against vancomycin-sensitive strains, but is not active against VRE. It can be administered once a week, based on its prolonged retention in the organism. Despite these remarkable properties, the use of these potent agents should be restricted to severe infections, as should the older glycopeptides, with an extension towards resistant or poorly sensitive bacteria, to limit the risk of potential selection of resistance.

Antibiotic Administration in an Animal Model of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysate Exposure

♦ Objectives

The high incidence of intraperitoneal infection remains an important problem in animal models of chronic dialysate exposure. Prophylactic antibiotic administration can be used to resolve this problem, but the isolated effects of antibiotics on peritoneal membrane function and structure are unknown. The present study examined the effects of prophylactic antibiotics on infection rate and peritoneal membrane function and structure in a rat model of chronic dialysate exposure.

♦ Design

A first group of rats (A; n = 12) received 10 mL 3.86% glucose dialysate twice daily through a heparin-coated catheter. In a second group of animals (B; n = 12), oxacillin 2.5 mg/day and gentamicin 0.04 mg/day were added to the dialysate. Group C ( n= 12) was injected twice daily with an identical dose of antibiotics dissolved in 1 mL of buffer solution. Group D ( n = 12) was left untreated. Dialysate cultures were obtained regularly. After 8 weeks of exposure, peritoneal transport studies were performed and samples for histology were obtained.

♦ Results

Technique survival was 92% in group A and 100% in the remaining groups. Five rats in group A but none of the animals in the other groups developed peritonitis. The transport rates of small solutes were elevated and net ultrafiltration was decreased in group A compared to the controls. Fibrosis, as evaluated by quantifying Picro Sirius Red staining with image analysis, was significantly elevated in group A (3.48% ± 1.06% vs 0.72% ± 0.51% in group D, p < 0.05) but not in group B (0.29% ± 0.07%) or in group C (0.52% ± 0.28%). Vascular density, measured by counting the number of blood vessels that stained positive for endothelial NO synthase, was increased in both groups that were exposed to dialysate: 153.0 ± 12.9/μm2 in group A and 131.6 ± 14.3/μm2 in group B, versus 76.76 ± 12.37/μm2 in group C and 73.2 ± 10.4/μm2 in group D ( p < 0.01).

♦ Conclusions

Prophylactic administration of oxacillin and gentamicin adequately prevented intraperitoneal infection in an animal model of chronic dialysate exposure. In addition, fibrosis was absent, suggesting intra-peritoneal infection rather than dialysate exposure is a causative factor.

Peritoneal dialysis catheter replacement: "save the patient and not the catheter"

A 63-year-old man on ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (APD) developed peritonitis with Enterococcus faecalis, treated with 2 g intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin, with rapid clearing of the effluent white blood cells, but persistence of positive cultures. Vancomycin was redosed on day 8 (2 g IP), and then weekly. Gentamicin 140 mg IP loading dose, followed by 40 mg IP once a day was added after cultures were still positive at 2 weeks. The two drugs were continued for six additional weeks. Although the patient was asymptomatic, the effluent cultures continued to grow E. faecalis and the catheter was replaced 2 months after the onset of peritonitis. There was no evidence of either tunnel infection or intra-abdominal abscess. Refractory peritonitis is defined as continuation of peritonitis after 5 days of appropriate therapy. This patient had persistently positive cultures but quickly became asymptomatic and signs of inflammation resolved readily. The most likely etiology appears to have been colonization of the slime layer of the intra-abdominal portion of the catheter with the organism. The vancomycin dosing schedule may have played a role in the persistently positive cultures. A recent pharmacokinetic study suggested that patients on APD require 35 mg/kg IP of vancomycin as a loading dose, followed by 15 mg/kg IP once a day, given in a long day exchange. Simultaneous placement and removal as a single procedure was successful in this patient and can be done safely in patients whose effluent white blood cell count (WBC) is less than 100/mm3. Most patients can then be subsequently managed by doing supine dialysis (using a cycler) with decreased exchange volumes and a dry abdomen until healing occurs (usually 1-2 weeks). In this way hemodialysis can be avoided. By minimizing the effect on the patient's lifestyle, the patient is more likely to agree to a catheter exchange.

Treatment of peritonitis in APD: pharmacokinetic principles

Clinicians treating peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis should be aware that continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD) have different effects on the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics. Results from various APD and comparative CAPD pharmacokinetic studies are reviewed. In APD patients, antibiotic half-lives were shorter during the cycler exchanges. Antibiotic peritoneal clearance was greater in patients treated with APD than those treated with CAPD regimens. Antibiotic clearance depends upon residual renal function and dialysate flow rate. To ensure that maximal antibiotic bioavailability occurs with intermittent intraperitoneal (IP) dosing, it is recommended that the antibiotic-containing dialysate must dwell at least 4 hours to ensure an adequate antibiotic depot in the body. Knowledge of antibiotic disposition in PD patients will assist clinicians in appropriate IP antibiotic dose selection and prevention of dose-related adverse effects.