Abstract
Background and Aims
Serratia species can cause catheter-related infections in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients but data on this clinical entity remains limited. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, antibiotics susceptibility/resistance profiles and treatment outcomes of Serratia catheter-related infections in PD patients.
Method
We retrospectively reviewed all PD patients who were followed up at Queen Mary Hospital and Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong between 2004 to 2017. Patients with Serratia exit site infection (ESI) or peritonitis were included for analysis.
Results
One hundred and seventy-three patients with Serratia catheter-related infections were included. 161 patients had ESI, of which 10 (6.2%) progressed to tunnel tract involvement and 11 (6.8%) developed PD peritonitis. Skin abnormalities surrounding the exit site were present in 58 patients (36%), and 40 patients (24.8%) were hospitalized within 1 month prior to Serratia ESI. 142 patients (88.2%) with ESI responded to medical therapy alone, and repeat ESI occurred in 56 patients (34.7%) at a median of 12 months. Twenty-two patients had Serratia peritonitis, which accounted for 1% of peritonitis during the study period. Concomitant intra-abdominal pathologies were detected in 12 patients (54.5%). Ten patients (45.5%) responded to medical treatment while the remaining 12 (54.5%) required catheter removal. Nine patients (36.4%) failed PD resumption and switched to chronic haemodialysis. Repeat peritonitis occurred in two patients at 2 months and 3 years after the initial episode respectively. While Serratia species in PD patients are generally susceptible to aminoglycosides, carboxy-/ureido-penicillins and carbapenems, they exhibit substantial rates of resistance to ampicillin, and 1st- and 2nd-generation cephalosporins.
Conclusion
Serratia ESI responds favourably to medical therapy and seldom progresses to tunnel tract infection or peritonitis. Serratia peritonitis is associated with considerable risk of catheter loss and peritoneal failure.
Effect of rosuvastatin on outcomes in chronic haemodialysis patients – design and rationale of the AURORA study
