The CARI guidelines. Evidence for peritonitis treatment and prophylaxis: peritoneal dialysis catheter-related infection: exit site and tunnel.

Exit site infection (ESI) has been defined as clinically apparent infection at the exit site with or without a positive culture. Included in this definition is catheter tunnel tract infection. Clinical signs of infection include purulent drainage, redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness over or around the exit site. Exit site and tunnel infections are a significant cause of morbidity and are responsible for a significant proportion of patient dropout from peritoneal dialysis. [1] The bacteria that colonise the exit site are the same as those responsible for ESIs, but are different to those that cause peritonitis. [2]