Peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: analysis of an 8-year experience.

Experiences with peritonitis in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) program at a single center over 8 years were reviewed. Home-acquired peritonitis rates have been less than 1 episode per patient year since 1982. Gram-positive organisms continue to account for most episodes in a similar proportion. Actual known contamination could be pinpointed in only 7.4% of cases, but was strongly suspected in 35.8% of episodes. Exit site and/or tunnel infections were thought to have caused 20% of the cases. Intrinsic peritonitis probably accounted for 10.5%. Recurrence of peritonitis with the same organisms following cessation of antibiotics represented only 2.1% of cases.