Candida parapsilosis peritonitis has more complications than other Candida peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Candida parapsilosis is the most prevalent pathogen of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The difference between C. parapsilosis peritonitis and other C. species for clinical outcomes and treatment responses to fungal peritonitis remains unclear. This retrospective study of fungal peritonitis attempts to answer that question. A total 22 patients with fungal peritonitis in 762 PD patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the 22 patients, 9 males and 13 females, was 54.7 +/- 12.5 years with a mean PD duration of 39.7 +/- 33.4 months. Candida species accounted for 86% (19 cases) of fungal peritonitis and 41% (9 cases) were C. parapsilosis. Thirteen (59%) patients received fluconazole as monotherapy; others received either amphotericin B alone or in combination with fluconazole. Catheters were removed for all patients. The mean duration from peritonitis onset to catheter removal was 5.8 +/- 4.1 days. Eleven (50%) patients developed severe complications, with abscess formation or persistent peritonitis after catheter removal. C. parapsilosis peritonitis had a higher complication rate than other Candida species (78% versus 20%, p = 0.012). In patients who received fluconazole as monotherapy, the rate of severe complications of C. parapsilosis peritonitis was statistically higher than those of other Candida species (100% versus 29%, p = 0.013). Because of different severity and prognosis, C. parapsilosis peritonitis in PD patients should be treated more aggressively than other Candida species.