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Peritoneal leucocyte response to bacterial peritonitis in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.

We evaluated the quantitative peritoneal leucocyte response to antibiotic therapy in 25 CAPD patients with 57 episodes of bacterial peritonitis. Eighty-eight percent of the peritonitis episodes were initially treated with a first generation cephalosporin, but results of microbial sensitivity studies led to a change in the initial antibiotic regimen in 23 episodes. Overall, 47/57 (82%) episodes were cured by antibiotic therapy alone (responders), while 10/57 (18%) required removal of the peritoneal catheter as a curative procedure (nonresponder). Neither the duration of symptoms on initial presentation nor the status of being a nonresponder could be related to the baseline peritoneal leucocyte values, either the total (PLC) or polymorphonuclear counts (PMN). Since the baseline PLC and PMN showed a 500-fold variation, subsequent changes were expressed as a percent [PLC (%) and PMN-PLC (%)] of the baseline value. On day 3 of peritonitis, PLC (%) and PMN-PLC (%) were less in responders (26% and 10%) than nonresponders (251% and 254%) (p less than 0.001). Differentiation between responders and nonresponders based on PLC (%) and PMN-PLC (%) was associated with a high degree of sensitivity (90%) and specificity (90%). Similar results were obtained for day 4. These data suggest that the temporal pattern of PLC and PMN, when expressed as a percentage of the baseline value, may be useful in predicting those episodes of peritonitis which require removal of the peritoneal catheter.

Adult↗

Ca2+ concentration in the peritoneal dialysis solution regulates peritoneal fibroblast proliferation and peritoneal macrophage and lymphocyte cytokine release.

Peritoneal fibrosis remains one of the major causes of dropout in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), because it reduces ultrafiltration capacity. Since studies in vitro have demonstrated that cytoplasmic Ca2+ regulates the proliferation of most cell lines and the release of cytokines from immune cells, we evaluated in 8 uremic patients at the start of CAPD and in 4 control patients the effects in vitro of different peritoneal dialysis solution Ca concentrations (1, 1.25, 1.75, and 2 mmol/L) on peritoneal fibroblast (PF) proliferation, peritoneal macrophages (PM phi), and peritoneal lymphocyte (PLy) release of interleukin-1 (II-1) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (cytokines which are known to induce PF proliferation), and cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in PF, PM phi, and PLy. Results showed that in both the uremic and control patients, increasing the dose of Ca2+ in the medium induced a dose-dependent increase in PF proliferation and the release of IL-1 and IFN-gamma from PM phi and PLy. Meanwhile, the cytoplasmic parameters PF, PM phi, and PLy Ca2+ in the uremic patients were below normal; they exceeded the norm with a Ca2+ concentration of 1.75 and 2 mmol/L and were normal with a Ca2+ concentration of 1.25 mmol/L. These data suggest that in CAPD patients the use of a physiological Ca peritoneal dialysis solution (1 and 1.25 mmol/L) may be useful in reducing the proliferation of PF and the production of IL-1 and IFN-gamma thus preventing peritoneal sclerosis.

Calcium↗

Lactobacillus peritonitis: a rare cause of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Lactobacilli are part of the normal gastrointestinal and female genitourinary flora in humans and they are seldom pathogenic and rarely cause human disease. In the literature, Lactobacillus peritonitis was most common in immunocompromised patients, including patients under chronic peritoneal dialysis. We also suspect that the presence of Lactobacillus spp. in the peritoneal fluid might indicate the leakage of normal flora from a perforated intraabdominal hollow organ. To access the versatile clinical pictures of Lactobacillus peritonitis, this investigation retrospectively reviewed the medical records for Lactobacillus spp. isolated from peritoneal fluid from July 1998 to January 2002 at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study. Six of these 10 patients had concomitant intraabdominal hollow organ perforation, and peritoneal fluid cultures in these six patients also contained bacteria other than Lactobacillus spp. All six patients had recently experienced either abdominal surgery or blunt abdominal trauma. The remaining four patients who had not undergone surgery had decompensated liver cirrhosis with ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The results suggested that the presence of Lactobacillus spp. in the peritoneal fluid other than immunocompromised patients should raise the suspicion of hollow organ perforation in patients with recent abdominal surgery or blunt abdominal trauma.

Abdominal Cavity↗

Peritoneal fluid titer test for peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis.

Standard microbiological tests (i.e., MIC) do not account for the unique factors of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis which can significantly influence treatment response. Our goals were to develop a peritoneal fluid titer (PFT) test and to conduct a pilot study of its association with clinical outcome. The methodology was developed by using spent dialysate collected from patients with bacterial PD-related peritonitis prior to the initiation of antibiotics. Dialysate was processed and spiked with antibiotic to simulate two standard intraperitoneal regimens: cefazolin plus tobramycin and cefazolin alone. Thirty-six clinical isolates, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were tested. In the pilot study, dialysate was collected from 14 patients with bacterial PD-related peritonitis. Titers were determined by using each patient's dialysate and infecting pathogen. Titers were highly reproducible, with discrepancies in only 1% of cases. Overall, PFTs were notably higher against gram-positive bacteria (P < 0.0001). The addition of tobramycin increased titers significantly from zero to values of 1/16 to 1/64 against E. cloacae and P. aeruginosa (P < 0.0001). In the pilot study, peritoneal fluid inhibitory titers were significantly associated with clinical outcome, with a median value of 1/96 for patients who were cured compared to 1/32 for those who failed treatment (P = 0.036). In conclusion, this study provides preliminary support for the PFT as a pharmacodynamic index specific to the treatment of PD-related peritonitis. With further characterization and validation in patients, the PFT test may advance the study of antibiotic therapies for PD-related peritonitis.

Aged↗

Role of peritoneal loss of albumin in the hypoalbuminemia of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients: relationship to peritoneal transport of solutes.

The effects of peritoneal albumin loss and the consequences of heterogeneous peritoneal solute transport on serum albumin levels were investigated in 25 adult patients on standard continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (0-58 months). The patients were divided into three groups according to their albumin concentrations (g/l/l.73 m2) in 8-hour overnight effluents: group 1 ( < 0.6, n = 5), group 2 (0.6-1.1; n = 14), and group 3 ( > 1.1;n= 6). Significant differences (mean +/- SD) were observed in serum albumin levels (4.4 +/- 0.2, 3.7 +/- 0.3, and 3.1 +/- 0.5 g/dl, respectively) and in net ultrafiltration (0.37 +/- 0.13, 0.19 +/- 0.21, and -0.06 +/- 0.20 liters/8 h/1.73m2, respectively). The serum albumin levels were strongly correlated with 8-hour peritoneal mass transfer, clearance of albumin, 8-hour effluent concentrations of protein and glucose, and ultrafiltration rate. Moreover, the serum albumin levels showed significant negative correlations with dialysate-to-serum ratios of small solutes (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) and macromolecules (IgG, IgA, and IgM) estimated from 8-, 4-, and 1-hour dwell times. In addition, an overnight dialysate glucose-to-protein ratio < 1.0 was highly predictive of low serum albumin levels ( < or = 3.5 g/dl) and poor ultrafiltration. From the results of this study we conclude that peritoneal loss of albumin as well as peritoneal transport of other solutes of wide size ('permeability') contribute to the low serum albumin levels during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, especially in patients with a high peritoneal permeability.

Adolescent↗

Can the inflammation markers of patients with high peritoneal permeability on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis be reduced on nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis?

BACKGROUND: Patients with high peritoneal permeability have the greatest degree of inflammation on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which may be associated with their higher mortality. Nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD; "dry day") may decrease inflammation by reducing the contact between dialysate and peritoneum and/or providing better fluid overload control. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine and compare serum and dialysate concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) of patients with high or high-average peritoneal transport on CAPD, changed to NIPD, and ultimately to continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). METHODS: Crossover clinical trial in 11 randomly selected patients. All subjects had been on CAPD and were changed to NIPD, and ultimately to CCPD (6.4 +/- 3.1 months after initiation of study). All patients used glucose-based dialysate. Evaluations of clinical and biochemical parameters, dialysis adequacy, and serum and dialysis inflammation markers were performed at baseline on CAPD, 7 - 14 days after changing to NIPD, 7 - 14 days after switching to CCPD, and after 1 year of follow-up. All patients used only 1.5% glucose dialysate during evaluation days. CRP was determined by nephelometry, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha by ELISA. RESULTS: Seven patients were high transporters and 4 high average. Ultrafiltration increased (p < 0.05) when patients changed from CAPD [0.38 L (-0.3 - 1.1 L)] to NIPD [2.64 L (0.7 - 4.7 L)]; it then decreased on CCPD [0.88 L (0.4 - 1.3 L) and at the end of study [0.65 L (0.3 - 1.0 L)]. This better fluid overload control was accompanied by decreased weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure when patients changed from CAPD (89 +/- 13 kg, 160 +/- 23 and 97 +/-9 mmHg, respectively) to NIPD (86 +/- 17 kg, 145 +/- 14 and 86 +/- 9 mmHg, respectively), and increased weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure on CCPD (85 +/- 15 kg, 143 +/-23 and 88 +/- 14 mmHg, respectively) and at the end of follow-up (87 +/- 16 kg, 155 +/- 24 and 89 +/- 12 mmHg, respectively). Median serum CRP decreased (p = 0.03), from 3.8 (1.6 - 8.5) mg/L on CAPD to 1.0 (0.4 - 4.4) mg/L on NIPD, but increased on CCPD [1.8 (1.3 - 21) mg/L] and at the end of the study [3.2 (0.3 - 8.2) mg/L]. Dialysate CRP decreased nonsignificantly, from 0.10 (0 - 0.5) mg/L on CAPD to 0 (0 - 0.03) mg/L on NIPD, to 0.01 (0 - 0.08) mg/L on CCPD, and to 0 (0 - 0) mg/L at final evaluation. Serum TNF-alpha concentration decreased, from 0.14 (0.04 - 0.6) pg/mL on CAPD to 0.01 (0 - 0.08) pg/mL on NIPD, and then increased to 0.06 (0 - 0.4) pg/mL on CCPD and to 0.11 (0 - 0.2) pg/mL at the end of the study; whereas dialysate TNF-alpha decreased, from 0.08 (0.03 - 0.2) pg/mL on CAPD to 0.04 (0 - 0.2) pg/mL on NIPD, and to 0 (0 - 0) pg/mL and 0 (0 - 0.05) pg/mL on CCPD and final evaluation respectively. Serum IL-6 decreased (p = 0.07), from 2.5 (2.0 - 4.2) pg/mL on CAPD to 1.0 (0.7 - 2.0) pg/mL on NIPD, and to 1.0 (0.8 - 2.9) pg/mL on CCPD and 1.0 (0.5 - 9.8) pg/mL at the end of the study; whereas dialysate levels remained similar on CAPD [8.0 (3.7 - 13) pg/mL] and NIPD [7.8 (5.1 - 23) pg/mL], and increased on CCPD [11.2 (9.5 - 19) pg/mL] and at final evaluation [11.2 (8.3 - 15) pg/mL]. CONCLUSIONS: NIPD significantly decreased serum CRP and displayed a trend to decrease TNF-alpha and IL-6 serum concentrations compared with CAPD; whereas CCPD tended to reverse these effects. These results did not appear to be due to decreased local peritoneal inflammation, but they could be associated with better control of fluid overload on NIPD. Thus, NIPD, as Long as the residual renal function allows it, may be useful in reducing the systemic inflammation of patients with high peritoneal membrane permeability.

Adult↗

Peritoneal urea and creatinine clearances in continuous peritoneal dialysis patients with different types of peritoneal solute transport.

We studied whether anuric subjects on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who achieve the target Kt/V urea of 2.0 weekly will also achieve the target normalized creatinine clearance (NCCr) of 60 liter/1.73 m2 weekly, and the reasons of discrepancy between the two clearances in anuric subjects, by analyzing 476 clearance studies performed in 309 CAPD patients within 12 months of the performance of a peritoneal equilibration test (PET). On the basis of the PET, peritoneal solute transport was classified as low (37 clearance studies), low-average (199 studies), high-average (186 studies) and high (54 studies). We found that weekly values of Kt/V urea in the low transport group (LTG) was 1.74 +/- 0.51, in the low-average transport group (LATG) was 1.66 +/- 0.41, in the high-average transport group (HATG) 1.68 +/- 0.41, and in the high transport group (HTG) 1.73 +/- 0.46 (NS, variance analysis). Weekly values for NCCr, liter/1.73 m2 were: LTG, 37.8 +/- 9.0; LATG, 44.0 +/- 9.2; HATG, 49.2 +/- 10.0; HTG 56.8 +/- 13.3 (P < 0.0001). The ratios of raw (not-normalized) peritoneal creatinine clearance to peritoneal urea clearance were: LTG, 0.65 +/- 0.14; LATG, 0.76 +/- 0.09; HATG, 0.84 +/- 0.09; HTG, 0.91 +/- 0.12 (P < 0.0001). Linear regression with Kt/V urea as x and NCcr as y revealed the following results: LTG, y = 19.486 + 10.500x, r = 0.591 [if x = 2.0, y = 15.004 + confidence interval (95% CI) of y 25.3 to 55.7]; LATG, y = 15.0004 + 17.482x, r = 0.774 (if x = 2.0, y = 50.0, 95% CI of y 38.4 to 61.6); HATG, y = 15.285 + 20.162x, r = 0.829 (if x = 2.0, y = 55.6, 95% CI of y 44.4 to 66.8); HTG, y = 14.945 + 24.134x, r = 0.839 (if x = 2.0, y = 63.2, 95% CI of y 48.4 to 78.1). Peritoneal solute transport type has a major effect on peritoneal creatinine clearance, but an insignificant effect on peritoneal urea clearance. Consequently, the majority of anuric patients who achieve a weekly Kt/V urea of 2.0 will have a weekly NC cr lower than 60 liter/1.73 m2 and will require a Kt/V urea much higher than 2.0 to achieve the target NCcr of 60 liter/1.73 m2 weekly. The current targets of urea and creatinine clearance are not compatible in anuric patients on CAPD.

Adult↗

Effect of peritoneal dialysis on peritoneal cell biology: peritoneal fibroblasts.

Despite the fact that the characterization of human peritoneal fibroblast biology and function is, at present, only in its early stages, the evidence available to date clearly indicates that direct interactions of peritoneal macrophages and fibroblasts may significantly contribute to the production of chemotactic and pro-inflammatory factors within the peritoneal cavity. In vitro models studying human peritoneal fibroblasts in two-dimensional or three-dimensional culture systems will further contribute to our understanding of the regulatory processes involved in peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, the development of novel peritoneal dialysis solutions will have not only to examine the effect of these solutions on immune cells and the peritoneal mesothelium, but also to take into consideration the potential impact on peritoneal fibroblast function.

Cells, Cultured↗

Residual peritoneal volume and body size in children on peritoneal dialysis. [Members of the Mid European Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group (MEPPS)].

Residual peritoneal volume may play an important role in dialysis efficacy and abdominal compliance in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). In children on CPD, the relationship between residual peritoneal volume and different measures of body size, as well as the day-to-day variability of residual volume, have not been established. We therefore investigated, on two consecutive days, residual peritoneal volume in 25 children on CPD, using the dextran dilution technique. Residual volume was linearly correlated with body size. Residual volume was independent of body size when normalized to body surface area, but decreased with increasing body size when normalized to body weight (r = -0.62, p < 0.001). Mean residual volume was 79 +/- 25 mL/m2, with an intra-individual day-to-day coefficient of variation of 21% +/- 15%. Residual volume was not correlated with the duration of PD, frequency of peritonitis, or peritoneal permeability as estimated by D/P creatinine or D/D0 glucose. In conclusion, residual peritoneal volume is constant across the pediatric age range when normalized to body surface area. It accounts for approximately 8% of the usual fill volume in patients on CPD. Residual volume is not a major confounder of the transport status estimation obtained by peritoneal equilibration test.

Adolescent↗

Peritoneal rest may successfully recover ultrafiltration in patients who develop peritoneal hyperpermeability with time on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Temporary transfer to hemodialysis, as a peritoneal rest, may be a rescue therapy to recover ultrafiltration (UF) in patients who develop peritoneal hyperpermeability as a complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, peritoneal sclerosis has been reported after peritoneal pause. Since the beginning of our CAPD program in 1985, 12 elective peritoneal pauses have been performed in 11 patients who developed type I ultrafiltration failure (D/P240 creatinine: 0.88 +/- 0.09) after 42 +/- 14 months on CAPD. Eight patients recovered UF and remained on CAPD with standard solutions for 10 +/- 9 months more (minimum: 5 months; maximum: 29 months). Only 3 of those patients were later switched to hemodialysis because of recurring UF failure. One patient remains on CAPD (62 months of follow-up). Four patients failed to respond and were permanently transferred to hemodialysis, without signs of developing encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. The failed pauses were performed later after the detection of UF failure than were the successful ones (483 +/- 574 days vs. 54 +/- 52 days). In our study, 8 of 12 peritoneal pauses (66.6%) successfully treated type I UF failure and prolonged CAPD retention. If a pause is initiated soon after diagnosis of UF failure, results may improve further. We urge prospective studies to better determine the best and timely therapeutic approach in patients with loss of ultrafiltration.

Creatinine↗

[Comparison of various pharmacologic and conventional methods of increasing the effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis. V. Usefulness of selected parameters of peritoneal transfer for evaluating the effectiveness of intermittent peritoneal dialysis].

On the basis of analysis of peritoneal transfer parameters in intermittent++ peritoneal dialysis it was shown that 1) dialysate/plasma ratio is a good parameter for comparison of efficiency of peritoneal dialyses performed using different schedule only when dialysis fluid flow rate is unchanged; 2) dialysis-induced ultrafiltration markedly influences peritoneal transfer parameters of sodium; 3) when the influence of residual dialysis fluid on peritoneal transfer parameters is excluded, peritoneal clearance is very useful in comparison of efficiency of peritoneal dialyses performed using different dialysis schedule, but if dialysis schedule is changed during the course of dialysis, the determination of clearance value in each exchange is advisable because dialysis schedule used in one dialysis period can influence clearance value in following exchanges performed in different manner; 4) concentration of low-molecular-weight substances in dialysate after intraperitoneal administration of pharmacological agent if does not decrease in the course of dialysis may indicate on enhancing effect of this agent on peritoneal transfer.

Creatinine↗

Restoration of peritoneal integrity after withdrawal of peritoneal dialysis: characteristic features of the patients at risk of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological characteristics of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), such as its high incidence in patients with long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment, and the onset of EPS after patients are switched to hemodialysis (HD) may indicate an activated pathological process after PD withdrawal, especially in long-term PD patients. Accordingly, we aimed to observe changes in peritoneal function after the stoppage of PD, and to clarify the characteristic features of the patients at risk of EPS. METHODS: Thirty-three patients who were switched from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to HD were enrolled in this trial. Changes in the dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P Cr) and CA125 levels in the effluent of the peritoneal equilibration test were observed for 6 months. Furthermore, each patient was followed-up for 36 months after PD withdrawal to monitor for the development of EPS. RESULTS: D/P Cr decreased significantly, while CA125 levels tended to increase. Nine patients developed EPS during the follow-up period and they specifically showed significant increases of D/P Cr levels and significantly lower levels of CA125 at PD withdrawal. The accumulation of high transporters in the EPS group at 0 and 6 months after PD withdrawal was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal recovery may take place after withdrawal from PD treatment and such recover indicated by improvement of transport states and a rise of the CA125 level. The present study revealed that a high-transport state and lack of increase of CA125 in the effluent were associated with EPS development after PD withdrawal. This may suggest that the lack of peritoneal recovery after PD withdrawal is predictive for EPS development.

CA-125 Antigen↗

Human peritoneal B-1 cells and the influence of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis on peritoneal and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) composition and immunoglobulin levels.

In mice, peritoneal B cells are composed of a unique B-1 cell population which can repopulate the intestinal lamina propria with IgA-producing cells, as well as contribute to the majority of serum IgM. In this study, peritoneal lymphocytes from patients starting continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and from women undergoing bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) were analysed for the presence of a B-1 cell population as well as the expression of potential homing receptors. Up to 63% of the peritoneal B cells express surface antigen CD5, and most peritoneal lymphocytes express the mucosal homing receptors, alpha4 beta7 and alphaE beta7. When analysing serial samples collected from patients from the beginning of dialysis to 1 year, no marked changes were observed in serum or salivary immunoglobulin levels, although the peritoneal lymphocyte population was reduced by 50%. These data suggest that the phenotype of human peritoneal B-1 cells is similar to that of mice, but the contributions to the immune system may differ.

Adult↗

Open peritoneal drainage for treatment of contaminated peritoneal cavity and septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1980-1986).

The medical records of 22 dogs and 2 cats in which generalized peritonitis had been treated by open peritoneal drainage were reviewed. The age of the affected animals ranged from 5 months to 14 years. The causes of peritonitis were numerous, with the most common being leakage of gastrointestinal contents through spontaneous gastric or intestinal perforations and peritoneal contamination resulting from surgical complications. Bacteria were isolated from 18 (94.7%) of 19 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of diagnosis of peritonitis and from 8 (80%) of 10 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of final abdominal closure. Only 2 (25%) of 8 of the animals in which bacteria were isolated at the time of final abdominal closure died. The overall mortality was 33%. The mortality attributable to peritonitis or its direct complications was 21%. Open peritoneal drainage was tolerated well by all patients.

Animals↗

Inflammatory fluids regulate TNF-alpha, but not IL-1 beta, production by human peritoneal macrophages. A study of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with peritonitis.

To gain insight into the factors regulating an inflammatory response in vivo, the activities of peritoneal macrophages and the influence of the inflammatory fluids from which they were harvested were studied in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with peritonitis. Specifically, the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peritoneal macrophages from CAPD patients with peritonitis was examined in the presence of the inflammatory dialysates from which they were isolated. When tested at a dilution of 20%, the dialysates inhibited production of TNF-alpha, a key monokine in the orchestration of the inflammatory response. In contrast to the effect on TNF-alpha, the dialysates did not affect IL-1 beta production by stimulated macrophages. The activity inhibitory for TNF-alpha synthesis was not fully characterized, but a number of known inhibitors were shown not to be responsible for the suppressive activity. The inhibitory activity was detected in cases of noninfective peritonitis and excluded the possibility that a bacterial product was responsible. Hyperosmolality, pH, protein levels, glucose, uremic molecules, cortisol, heparin, and antibiotics were not responsible for the inhibitory activity. The activity had some similarity to the reported actions of alpha-globulins (which are acute phase proteins), PGE2, TNF-alpha soluble receptors, and IL-6, but there was no evidence for their involvement. Whether the selective suppression of TNF-alpha production is a general finding in inflammatory responses will require additional studies. This study nevertheless illustrates the potential for the host to regulate tightly the development of an excessive inflammatory response and thus to limit tissue pathology. However, it is unknown whether an appropriate host defense is compromised.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Pseudomonas peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: the Network #9 Peritonitis Study.

To determine risk factors for the development of Pseudomonas peritonitis (PsP) and outcomes of PsP, the authors compared peritoneal dialysis patients who developed PsP with peritoneal dialysis patients who developed non-Pseudomonas bacterial peritonitis (non-PsP). The authors also sought to determine if there were differences in patients who had resolution of PsP compared with those patients whose PsP did not resolve. The data were derived from the prospective Tristate Renal Network Peritonitis and Catheter Survival Study. Resolution in this study was defined as clearing of peritoneal dialysate on visual inspection, with up to three courses of antibiotic therapy allowed. Catheter removal, switch to hemodialysis, or death were outcomes that were considered separately from resolution because of the study design. There were 31 cases of PsP in 28 patients and 886 cases of non-PsP identified in 667 adult patients. There were no differences in race, gender, age, or incidence of diabetes between the groups. The PsP group had a 25% incidence of previous exposure to immunosuppressive agents, whereas it was 10.6% in the non-PsP group (P = 0.028). PsP infections were more frequently associated with concomitant exit and tunnel infections, higher hospitalization rates, increased incidence of catheter loss, switch to hemodialysis, and a worse rate of resolution when compared with non-PsP (all, P < 0.05). Logistic regression could not identify patients at increased risk of PsP. PsP resolved with antibiotic therapy only in 10 of 31 episodes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female↗

Low-calcium peritoneal dialysis fluid should not impact peritonitis rates in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

It has been suggested that reducing the calcium content of peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) to 2.5 mEq/L decreases peritoneal macrophage (PMO) function and increases the incidence of peritonitis (especially Staphylococcus epidermidis peritonitis) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. We studied the uptake and killing of S epidermidis and Escherichia coli by PMOs and peripheral blood leukocytes incubated in control buffer (Hank's balanced salt solution containing 0.1% gelatin [GHBSS]) and PDF containing varying concentrations of calcium (O to 3.5 mEq/L) and magnesium (O to 1.5 mEq/L) using ether diamine tetraacetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid chelation, respectively. In addition, interleukin-1-beta-induced interleukin-6 production by human mesothelial cells was measured in the presence of concentrations of calcium increasing from 0 to 3.0 mmol/L. Fc receptor- mediated uptake of S epidermidis by PMO in the complete absence of Ca++ was comparable to that by PMO incubated in GHBSS with calcium. In contrast, the complement-dependent uptake of E coli was significantly lower in GHBSS devoid of Ca++ (46% +/- 5% v 24% +/- 3%; 0.05 < P < 0.02). No effect on intracellular killing of either microorganism by PMO was observed. The same held true for the phagocytic and killing capacity of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and monocytes obtained from healthy donors. Using Ca++ (2 to 3.5 mEq/L) and Mg++ (0.5 to 1.5 mEq/L) concentrations as applied in commercial PDFs, however, phagocytes performed as well as in control buffer. Interleukin-6 production by stimulated human mesothelial cells also required a small amount of Ca++ only, being normal above the 0.1 to 3 mmol/L Ca+ + range tested. Thus, complement- dependent uptake of bacteria by phagocytes is calcium dependent, whereas antibody-dependent uptake of S epidermidis is not. The concentrations of calcium in the current PDFs, however, will not compromise human mesothelial cells and leukocyte functions, and therefore should not impact the peritonitis rate.

Calcium↗

Alterations in the peritoneal transport of water and solutes during peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

The in situ intraperitoneal volume and the mass transfer area coefficients (MTC) of urea, lactate, creatinine, glucose, kanamycin, inulin, beta 2-microglobulin, albumin and IgG were studied in eight continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. All patients were studied during a 4-h dialysis dwell, first during peritonitis and subsequently after recovery from the infection. The maximal intraperitoneal volume was reached at 68 min during peritonitis and at 150 min in the study after recovery (P less than 0.01), suggesting increased water transport during the infection. For all investigated solutes MTCs were higher in the presence of peritonitis than after recovery. This increase was most marked for the proteins (greater than 100%). The power curve relationships between MTCs and molecular weight indicated that peritoneal transport of the low- and middle-molecular weight solutes was determined by free diffusion and that the infection-induced rise was due to an increase in effective surface area. For protein transport restricted diffusion was found. The increase of this transport during peritonitis was probably caused by both a larger effective surface area and a higher vascular permeability.

Adult↗