Peritonitis; dialysis associated

Alternative names:

dialysis-associated peritonitis

Definition:

An acute or chronic inflammation of the peritoneum that occurs in people receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of dialysis-associated peritonitis may be the introduction of bacteria into the peritoneum by the dialysis procedure. Risk factors include renal failure requiring peritoneal dialysis. Pneumococci and staphylococci are the most common organisms.