Intra-peritoneal chronic loculation in peritoneal dialysis patients - a new medical management approach

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2014;55(4):1409-13.

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) limitation as renal replacement therapy is mostly due to peritonitis and complications. Formation and persistence of intra-abdominal loculations is often under-diagnosed. Encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a life-threatening complication, but malnutrition, recurrent peritonitis and early membrane failure are insidious enemies that need to be emphasized. It is important to highlight the persistence of intra-abdominal fluid collection after clinical resolution of peritonitis in PD patients and to indicate a new medical management approach for an early diagnosis. During five years, we selected PD peritonitis cases followed by a six months interval free of infections. Ninety-seven subjects were followed at six months and one year after the first peritonitis. Tomography had been performed to patients presenting a positive inflammatory state without a specific infectious cause. Subjects presenting documented localized fluid collection (31 cases) were divided into: drug-treated group and those undergoing laparoscopy by a new surgery technique (seven patients); a comparison regarding the clinical state and biohumoral parameters was assessed in both groups. The prevalence of intra-abdominal loculation following an apparent resolved peritonitis was high (31.9%). The cases undergoing laparoscopy presented a better evolution - improved clinical status (p=0.001), higher hemoglobin values (p=0.06), significant lower doses of erythropoietin requirement (p=0.03), improved dialysis adequacy (p=0.005) and inflammatory state. In cases with confirmed fluid encapsulated loculation, an active attitude (screening imaging protocol and laparoscopic exploration) appears to be mandatory, decreasing the risk of EPS, a serious complication which pathology and treatment are incompletely understood.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Ascitic Fluid / microbiology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Dialysis*
  • Peritoneum / pathology*
  • Peritoneum / surgery
  • Peritonitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Peritonitis / surgery*
  • Postoperative Care
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Biomarkers