The risk factors and outcome of fungal peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

AIM To determine the risk factors and outcome of fungal peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients over a 7-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study was conducted on 30 cases of fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients during a 7-year period (2000-2007). The diagnosis was based on elevated CAPD effluent count and isolation of fungi. Patients were evaluated for previous episode of bacterial peritonitis. RESULTS The incidence of fungal peritonitis was 16.2%. Age varied between 8 and 75 years, with a mean age of 57 years. Twenty-three were males (76.7%) and seven were females (23.3%). Seventeen patients (56.6%) had previous episodes of bacterial peritonitis that was treated with multiple antibiotics. The common fungus was Candida species (50%). CAPD catheter removal and initiation of antifungal therapy was done for all patients. Reinsertion was done for three (10%) patients. Mortality rate was 20%. CONCLUSION Patients with previous bacterial peritonitis and antibiotic usage are at greater risk of developing fungal peritonitis.