Nontuberculous mycobacteria infections of peritoneal dialysis patients: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections pose a diagnostic challenge in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this study, we sought to identify findings that are suggestive of NTM infection in PD adult patients. METHODS: All patients with NTM exit-site infection (ESI) with/without tunnel infection and peritonitis identified during the last decade in eight medical centers in Israel were included. Clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty patients were identified; 16 had ESI (53%) and 14 had peritonitis (47%). Median age was 65 years (interquartile range 52-76). Abdominal pain and cloudy PD fluid were reported in all patients with peritonitis, whereas exit-site discharge and granulation tissue were common in patients with ESI. Fourteen patients (47%) had negative cultures prior NTM diagnosis, and isolation of diphtheroids or Corynebacterium spp. was reported in 9 of 30 patients (30%). Antimicrobial treatment prior to diagnosis was documented in 13 of 30 patients (43%). Delayed diagnosis was frequent. Treatment regimens and duration of therapy varied widely. In 26 of 30 (87%) patients, catheter was removed and 19 of 30 patients (63%) required permanent transition to hemodialysis. Two patients with peritonitis (2 of 14, 14%) and seven with ESI (7 of 16, 44%) were eligible for continuation of PD. CONCLUSIONS: Culture negative peritonitis, isolation of diphtheroids or Corynebacterium spp., previous exposure to antibiotics, and/or a refractory infection should all prompt consideration of PD-related NTM infection and timely workup. Catheter removal is recommended aside prolonged antimicrobial therapy. In select patients with ESI, continuation of PD may be feasible.

N-acetylcysteine improves residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of peritoneal membrane function and residual renal function is important for the optimal care of peritoneal dialysis patients. N-Acetylcysteine may ameliorate oxidative stress, which is thought to be involved in peritoneal membrane dysfunction. In addition, N-acetylcysteine may have a positive effect on renal function in the setting of nephrotoxic contrast media administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on peritoneal and residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: Ten prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients were administered oral N-acetylcysteine 1200 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of treatment, peritoneal membrane function and residual renal function were assessed using a 4.25% dextrose peritoneal equilibration test and 24-hour dialysate and urine collection for calculation of peritoneal and residual renal Kt/V and mean urea and creatinine residual renal clearance. RESULTS: No significant changes were demonstrated in peritoneal membrane function, including dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, sodium sieving, and net ultrafiltration. Residual renal function improved significantly: urine volume increased from 633 ± 426 to 925 ± 552 mL/24 hours (p = 0.022), residual renal Kt/V increased from 0.56 ± 0.41 to 0.75 ± 0.47 (p = 0.037), and mean residual urea and creatinine clearance increased from 4.96 ± 3.96 to 5.95 ± 4.08 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: N-acetylcysteine may improve residual renal function in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis.