Controversies in the management of infective complications of peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is an effective form of renal replacement therapy. Despite improvements in connection technology, peritoneal infection is still the most important preventable cause of patient morbidity and mortality. There has been a shift in focus from treatment to prevention of infection, but wide variation in peritonitis incidence across and within peritoneal dialysis populations remains. This minireview aims to highlight current best practice, whilst discussing controversies in the diagnosis, prediction, prevention and management of peritonitis. Exit-site infection will not be discussed per se but only as it relates to peritonitis. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.