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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffOften, 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 antiseptic every day
- Store your supplies in a sanitary area
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.
- Baron MJ, et al. Intraabdominal infections and abscesses. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2890287. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- Treating kidney failure with peritoneal dialysis. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/patients/plu/plu_pd/pd_8.cfm. Accessed May 17, 2009.
- Mandell GL, et al. Peritonitis. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Philadelphia, Penn.: Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137891329-3/0/1259/540.html?tocnode=51378139&fromURL=540.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50071-4--cesec2_2535. Accessed May 17, 2009.
- Runyon BA. Treatment and prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- Rangel SJ, et al. Peritonitis. In: Long SS. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Penn.: Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137891329-3/0/1679/73.html?tocnode=55241490&fromURL=73.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50072-2_1499. Accessed May 17, 2009.
