Hospital-acquired peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis: A call to action

Abstract

Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), and severe episodes of peritonitis lead to structural and functional alterations of the peritoneal membrane, which can result in a permanent transfer to hemodialysis. Although PD is designed primarily to be delivered in the community setting, patients on PD get hospitalized for a number of reasons. In this commentary, we highlight the enormous risks each hospitalization has on the occurrence of peritonitis in patients on PD and the need to understand factors that predispose patients to hospital-acquired peritonitis. Furthermore, we suggest directions on several strategies that could not only reduce the risks of developing peritonitis but also improve outcomes of patients on PD who get hospitalized for an unrelated illness.