J Int Med Sci, cilt.2, ss.35-40, 2006 (Hakemli Dergi)
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) related infections are major complications leading to patient morbidity, mortality and technique failure. When considering infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis, bacterial peritonitis tops the list. Exit site and tunnel infections are common complications as well. These types of infections are usually characterized by redness, induration, and a possible purulent discharge observed at the exit site. The majority of exit site and tunnel infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment options of exit site and tunnel infections include topical and systemic antibiotic therapy, topical treatment with povidone-iodine, tunnel revision, and shaving away the infected subcutaneous cuff. The catheter must be removed and replaced if other treatment options fail. The recent International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines (2005) on PD related peritonitis revised its opinion from discouraging to advocating the use of vancomycin.