Peritonitis

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Often, peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is caused by germs around the catheter. If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis, take the following steps to prevent peritonitis:

  • Wash your hands, including underneath your fingernails and between your fingers, before touching the catheter.
  • Clean the skin around the catheter with an antiseptic every day.
  • Store your supplies in a sanitary area.
  • Talk with your dialysis care team about proper care for your peritoneal dialysis catheter.

If you've had spontaneous peritonitis before, or if you have peritoneal fluid buildup due to a medical condition such as cirrhosis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent peritonitis.

If you develop new abdominal pain or have a new injury
Peritonitis may result from a burst appendix or trauma-related abdominal injury.

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you develop abdominal pain so severe that you're unable to sit still or find a comfortable position.
  • Call 911 or emergency medical assistance if you have severe abdominal pain following an accident or injury.
References
  1. Rangel SJ, et al. Peritonitis. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7020-3468-8..50075-4&isbn=978-0-7020-3468-8&uniqId=252862957-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-7020-3468-8..50075-4. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  2. Prasad AG, et al. Peritonitis, secondary. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  3. Treating kidney failure with peritoneal dialysis. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/patients/plu/plu_pd/pd_8.cfm. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  4. Runyon BA. Treatment and prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  5. Acute abdominal pain. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec02/ch011/ch011b.html. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  6. Fort GG, et al. Peritonitis, spontaneous bacterial. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed May 30, 2011.
  7. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 13, 2011.
DS00990 July 9, 2011

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