The efficacy of fluconazole for anti-fungal prophylaxis in peritoneal dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of fluconazole as a prophylactic strategy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with prior antibiotic exposure is controversial in the current literature. This study aimed to compare a strategy of fluconazole prophylaxis versus no-prophylaxis for patients in PD on antibiotics for previous episodes of peritonitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fluconazole prophylaxis with no prophylaxis for PD-related peritonitis. The search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central in January 23, 2023. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of fungal peritonitis (FP).

RESULTS

We included six studies (1 RCT, 5 observational) with 4515 occurrences of peritonitis, of which 1098 (24.8%) received fluconazole prophylaxis in variable doses, whereas 3417 (75.6%) did not receive prophylaxis during peritonitis episodes. Overall, fluconazole prophylaxis was associated with a lower incidence of FP (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.12-0.41; p<0.001; I2=0%). Subgroup analysis of studies that administered daily doses of fluconazole also demonstrated a reduced incidence of FP in patients who received antifungal prophylaxis (OR 0.31; CI 0.14-0.69; p=0.004; I2=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis of 4515 episodes of PD-related peritonitis, prophylaxis with fluconazole significantly reduced episodes of FP as compared with no antifungal prophylaxis.

ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a serious complication of PD and prevention and treatment of such is important in reducing patient morbidity and mortality. The ISPD 2022 updated recommendations have revised and clarified definitions for refractory peritonitis, relapsing peritonitis, peritonitis-associated catheter removal, PD-associated haemodialysis transfer, peritonitis-associated death and peritonitis-associated hospitalisation. New peritonitis categories and outcomes including pre-PD peritonitis, enteric peritonitis, catheter-related peritonitis and medical cure are defined. The new targets recommended for overall peritonitis rate should be no more than 0.40 episodes per year at risk and the percentage of patients free of peritonitis per unit time should be targeted at >80% per year. Revised recommendations regarding management of contamination of PD systems, antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive procedures and PD training and reassessment are included. New recommendations regarding management of modifiable peritonitis risk factors like domestic pets, hypokalaemia and histamine-2 receptor antagonists are highlighted. Updated recommendations regarding empirical antibiotic selection and dosage of antibiotics and also treatment of peritonitis due to specific microorganisms are made with new recommendation regarding adjunctive oral N-acetylcysteine therapy for mitigating aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Areas for future research in prevention and treatment of PD-related peritonitis are suggested.

Fungal Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Peritonitis is one of the most frequent complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 1% – 15% of episodes are caused by fungal infections. The mortality rate of fungal peritonitis (FP) varies from 5% to 53%; failure to resume PD occurs in up to 40% of patients. The majority of these FP episodes are caused by Candida species. Candida albicans has historically been reported to be a more common cause than non-albicans Candida species, but in recent reports a shift has been observed and non-albicans Candida may now be more common. Unusual, often “nonpathogenic,” fungi are being increasingly reported as etiologic agents in FP. Clinical features of FP are not different from those of bacterial peritonitis. Phenotypic identification of fungi in clinical microbiology laboratories is often difficult and delayed. New molecular diagnostic techniques ( e.g., polymerase chain reaction) are being developed and evaluated, and may improve diagnosis and so facilitate early treatment of infected patients. Abdominal pain, abdominal pain with fever, and catheter left in situ are risk factors for mortality and technique failure in FP. In programs with high baseline rates of FP, nystatin prophylaxis may be beneficial. Each program must examine its own history of FP to decide whether prophylaxis would be beneficial. Catheter removal is indicated immediately after fungi are identified by Gram stain or culture in all patients with FP. Prolonged treatment with antifungal agents to determine response and attempt clearance is not encouraged. Antifungals should be continued for 10 days to 2 weeks after catheter removal. Attempts at reinsertion should be made only after waiting for 4 – 6 weeks.

Prevention of Fungal Peritonitis with Nystatin Prophylaxis in Patients Receiving CAPD

Objective

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of nystatin prophylaxis during antibiotic therapy in the prevention of FP remains controversial, especially in programs with a modest or low baseline FP rate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nystatin prophylaxis on the occurrence of FP in programs with a relatively modest baseline FP rate.

Patients and Methods

Incident and prevalent patients receiving CAPD between April 1995 and April 2005 at our center were included and divided into 2 groups. The control group included 320 patients (total follow-up 8875 patient-months) being treated without nystatin before October 1999; the nystatin group included 481 patients (total follow-up 13725 patient-months) being treated after October 1999. Nystatin tablets (500000 units, 4 times per day) were given orally during whatever use of antibiotics to cover the whole course of antibiotic therapy. Occurrence of FP and antibiotic-related FP (AR-FP) in patients with and without nystatin prophylaxis was compared.

Results

The two groups were of similar age but the nystatin group had a significantly higher percentage of diabetics. In addition, the nystatin group had a higher proportion of patients using disconnecting twin-bag exchange systems and had a significantly lower peritonitis rate compared with the control. There were 13 and 14 episodes of FP in the nystatin and control groups respectively. The fungal peritonitis rate of the nystatin group was slightly lower than that of the control group (0.011 vs 0.019 per patient-year) but it did not reach statistical significance. There was, however, a significant decrease in the incidence and proportion of AR-FP in the nystatin group compared with the control group, which persisted even after adjustment for the peritonitis rate. Kaplan–Meier analysis further demonstrated significantly better AR-FP-free survival in the nystatin group compared with the control group. No significant side effects were observed for nystatin. Subgroup analyses in patients of the 2 different connecting systems revealed a similar but nonsignificant trend toward reduction of AR-FP in patients given nystatin prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Oral nystatin prophylaxis might prevent the occurrence of AR-FP in CAPD patients, resulting in a trend toward reduction in the incidence of FP even in programs with a modest baseline FP rate. A large scale, prospective, randomized controlled trial is needed to further examine this issue.

Current epidemiology and practice patterns in prevention and treatment of PD-related infections in Poland

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) related infections are associated with technique failure and mortality. The aim of this multicentre study was to examine epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of PD-related infections in Poland as well as practice patterns for prevention of these complications in the context of current ISPD recommendations.

METHODS

A survey on PD practices in relation to infectious complications was conducted in 11 large Polish PD centres. Epidemiology of peritonitis and exit-site infections (ESI) was examined in all patients treated in these units over a 2 year period.

RESULTS

The study included data on 559 PD patients with 62.4% on CAPD. Practice patterns for prevention of infectious complications are presented. The rate of peritonitis was 0.29 episodes per year at risk, with Gram positive microorganisms responsible for more than 50% of infections and 85.8% effectively treated. Diagnosis and treatment followed ISPD guidelines however most units did not provide an anti-fungal prophylaxis. Although neither of the centres reported routine topical mupirocin on catheter exit-site, the rate of ESI was low (0.1 episodes per year at risk), with Staphylococcus aureus as most common pathogen and full recovery in 78.3% of cases.

CONCLUSION

The study shows rewarding outcomes in prevention and treatment of PD-associated infections, mainly due to a thorough compliance with the current ISPD guidelines, although some deviations from the recommendations in terms of practice patterns have been observed. More studies are needed in large numbers of patients to differentiate the importance of specific recommendations and further support the guidelines.

Prevention of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis

Reducing the frequency of peritonitis for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) continues to be a challenge. This review focuses on recent updates in catheter care and other patient factors that influence infection rates. An experienced nursing staff plays an important role in teaching proper PD technique to new patients, but nursing staff must be cognizant of each patient's unique educational needs. Over time, many patients become less adherent to proper dialysis technique, such as washing hands or wearing a mask. This behavior is associated with higher risk of peritonitis and is modifiable with re-training. Prophylactic antibiotics before PD catheter placement can decrease the infection risk immediately after catheter placement. In addition, some studies suggest that prophylaxis against fungal superinfection after antibiotic exposure is effective in reducing fungal peritonitis, although larger randomized studies are needed before this practice can be recommended for all patients. Over time, exit site and nasal colonization with pathogenic organisms can lead to exit-site infections and peritonitis. For patients with Staphylococcus aureus colonization, exit-site prophylaxis with either mupirocin or gentamicin cream reduces clinical infection with this organism. Although there are limited data for support, antibiotic prophylaxis before gastrointestinal, gynecologic, or dental procedures may also help reduce the risk of peritonitis.

Characteristics and outcomes of fungal peritonitis in a modern North American cohort

INTRODUCTION

Peritonitis remains a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although representing only 1 - 12% of overall peritonitis in dialysis patients, fungal peritonitis (FP) is associated with serious complications, including technique failure and death. Only scarce data have been published regarding FP outcomes in modern cohorts in North America. In this study we evaluated the rates, characteristics and outcomes of FP in a major North American PD center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all fungal peritonitis episodes among peritoneal dialysis patients followed in a large PD center between January 2000 and February 2013. Our pre-specified endpoints included rates of FP, characteristics, outcomes and determinants of death.

RESULTS

Thirty-six episodes of FP were identified during the follow-up period (one episode per 671 patient-months), representing 4.5% of the total peritonitis events. Patients' mean age and peritoneal dialysis vintage were 61.3 ± 15.5 and 2.9 (1.5 - 4.8) years, respectively. Of the 36 episodes of FP, seven (19%) resulted in death and 17 (47%) led to technique failure with permanent transfer to hemodialysis. Surprisingly, PD was eventually resumed in 33% of cases with a median delay of 15 weeks (interquartile range 8 - 23) between FP and catheter reinsertion. In a univariable analysis, a higher Charlson comorbidity index (Odds ratio [OR] 3.25 per unit increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 - 8.58) and PD fluid white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 3,000/mm(3) at presentation (OR 6.56, 95% CI 1.05 - 40.95) predicted death.

CONCLUSION

While fungal peritonitis is still associated with a high frequency of death and technique failure, one third of our patients eventually returned to PD. Patients with a high burden of comorbidities appear at higher risk of death. We postulate that the high mortality associated with FP is partially related to the severity of comorbidity among patients with FP, rather than the infection per se. Importantly, PD can be resumed in a significant proportion of cases.

Prevention of peritoneal dialysis-related infections

Despite substantial advances in peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a renal replacement modality, PD-related infection remains an important cause of morbidity, technique failure, and mortality. This review describes the microbiology and outcomes of PD peritonitis and catheter infection, followed by a discussion of several strategies that may reduce the risk of PD-related infections. Strategies that are reviewed include use of antibiotics at the time of PD catheter insertion, selection of PD catheter design and insertion technique, patient training, PD connectology, exit site prophylaxis, periprocedural prophylaxis, fungal prophylaxis, and choice of PD solutions.

Does antifungal prophylaxis with daily oral fluconazole reduce the risk of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients? The Pan Thames Renal Audit

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Fungal peritonitis increases the risk of transfer to haemodialysis and mortality.

METHODS

We audited the effect of co-prescription of daily oral fluconazole with antibiotics in the Pan Thames centres on fungal peritonitis.

RESULTS

We found 49 (1.5%) fungal peritonitis cases in 3,322 episodes of peritonitis. Two centres co-prescribed prophylactic fluconazole with antibiotics, with a fungal peritonitis rate of 0.0032/patient year, compared to 0.0099 from centres not using prophylaxis. However, centres using fungal prophylaxis had lower peritonitis rates of 0.036, compared to 0.05 for the other centres. Correcting for background peritonitis rates, there was no significant difference in the incidence of fungal peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In centres with a low incidence of fungal peritonitis, additional co-prescription of fluconazole with antibiotics appeared to reduce the risk of fungal peritonitis. However, variation in practice between centres is the main determinant of the observed incidence of fungal peritonitis rather than the use of antifungal prophylaxis.

Fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: successful prophylaxis with fluconazole, as demonstrated by prospective randomized control trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether oral administration of the antifungal fluconazole during the entire period of treatment of bacterial peritonitis (BP), exit-site infection (ESI), or tunnel infection (TI) prevents later appearance of fungal peritonitis (called secondary) in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) program. ♢

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients treated in the PD program in RTS Ltda Sucursal Caldas, during the period 1 June 2004 to 30 October 2007 were screened. Patients that had infectious bacterial complications (BP, ESI, TI) were included in a prospective randomized trial to receive or not receive oral fluconazole (200 mg every 48 hours) throughout the time period required by the administration of therapeutic antibiotics via any route. It was evaluated whether the fungal peritonitis complication appeared within 30 - 150 days following the end of antibacterial treatment. Based on local results, the sample size necessary to obtain statistically significant results was determined to be 434 episodes of peritonitis. ♢

RESULTS

The 434 episodes of peritonitis presented between the previously specified dates and during this same period there were 174 ESI or TI, of which only 52 received oral antibiotic treatment. Information in relation to consumption of antibiotics for purposes other than BP, ESI, and TI was not reliable and thus this variable was excluded. Among the episodes of peritonitis, 402 (92.6%) were of bacterial origin and 32 (7.3%) were mycotic, mainly Candida species [30 (93.75%)]. Of the fungal peritonitis, 14 (43.73%) were primary (without prior use of antibiotics) and 18 (56.25%) were secondary. In the group of patients that received prophylaxis with fluconazole (210 for BP and 26 for ESI or TI), only 3 occurrences of fungal peritonitis were observed within 30 - 150 days of its administration, which is opposite to the group without prophylaxis (210 for BP and 26 for ESI or TI), in which 15 occurrences of fungal peritonitis were detected. Statistical analysis of the group of patients with BP found comparisons of the proportions of those receiving fluconazole (0.92%) or not (6.45%) presented a highly significant difference in favor of prophylaxis (p = 0.0051, Z = 2.8021). Given that only 1 patient in each group with ESI or TI, with or without prophylaxis, presented the complication fungal peritonitis, it was concluded that this result was not statistically significant. During laparoscopic surgery attempting reintroduction of the peritoneal catheter, it was found that 11 patients had severe adhesions or peritoneal fibrosis leading to obliteration of the peritoneal cavity. In 19 patients, reintroduction of the catheter was possible and the patients returned to PD without consequence. ♢

CONCLUSION

In patients with bacterial peritonitis, administration of prophylactic oral fluconazole throughout the time they received antibiotics significantly prevented the appearance of secondary fungal peritonitis.

Dialysis-associated peritonitis in children

Peritonitis remains a frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis in children and is the most common reason for technique failure. The microbiology is characterized by a predominance of Gram-positive organisms, with fungi responsible for less than 5% of episodes. Data collected by the International Pediatric Peritonitis Registry have revealed a worldwide variation in the bacterial etiology of peritonitis, as well as in the rate of culture-negative peritonitis. Risk factors for infection include young age, the absence of prophylactic antibiotics at catheter placement, spiking of dialysis bags, and the presence of a catheter exit-site or tunnel infection. Clinical symptoms at presentation are somewhat organism specific and can be objectively assessed with a Disease Severity Score. Whereas recommendations for empiric antibiotic therapy in children have been published by the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis, epidemiologic data and antibiotic susceptibility data suggest that it may be desirable to take the patient- and center-specific history of microorganisms and their sensitivity patterns into account when prescribing initial therapy. The vast majority of patients are treated successfully and continue peritoneal dialysis, with the poorest outcome noted in patients with peritonitis secondary to Gram-negative organisms or fungi and in those with a relapsing infection.

Update on Fungal Peritonitis and its Treatment

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD), associated with high morbidity and mortality ranging between 20% and 30%. If not leading to death, the inflammatory process usually causes irreversible damage to the peritoneal membrane with subsequent dropout from PD therapy. Fungal peritonitis accounts for 3% – 6% of all peritonitis episodes; however, in some areas, the numbers can be much higher. The most common cause of the disease is Candida, predominately C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and—more recently— C. glabrata; other yeasts and filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, and Zygomycetes are found, but much less frequently. The main factors associated with the development of FP include previous antibiotic therapy, particularly for bacterial peritonitis, when two important operative mechanisms coincide: fungal overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract and declining peritoneal defense because of peritonitis.

The management of FP poses a difficult challenge. Prompt initiation of therapy is critical, but no typical clinical picture has emerged, and the infecting organism can be difficult to isolate. The approach to the disease has changed considerably in recent years, and the 2005 guidelines from the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis list FP as a strong indication for immediate catheter removal with temporary hemodialysis. The conventional antifungal regimens include fluconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine alone or in combination, optimally based on fungal sensitivities. The newer agents such as caspofungin and voriconazole have the potential to alter treatment strategies for FP, but further studies are required to clarify the precise role of these agents in this group of patients.

Tuberculous and Fungal Peritonitis in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Tuberculous and fungal infections are two relatively uncommon but important causes of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The clinical features, diagnosis, and management of these two special forms of CAPD-related peritonitis are highlighted in this article.

Prevention of infectious complications in peritoneal dialysis: best demonstrated practices

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) related infections continue to be a serious complication for PD patients. Peritonitis can be associated with pain, hospitalization and catheter loss as well as a risk of death. Peritonitis risk is not evenly spread across the PD population or programs. Very low rates of peritonitis in a program are possible if close attention is paid to the causes of peritonitis and protocols implemented to reduce the risk of infection. Protocols to decrease infection risk in PD patients include proper catheter placement, exit-site care that includes Staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis, careful training of patients with periodic retraining, treatment of contamination, and prevention of procedure-related and fungal peritonitis. Extensive data have been published on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent exit site infections. There are fewer data on training methods of patients to prevent infection risk. Quality improvement programs with continuous monitoring of infections, both of the catheter exit site and peritonitis, are important to decrease the PD related infections in PD programs. Continuous review of every episode of infection to determine the root cause of the event should be routine in PD programs. Further research is needed examining approaches to decrease infection risk.

Factors predicting outcome of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis: analysis of a 9-year experience of fungal peritonitis in a single center

Fungal peritonitis causes significant morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We retrospectively reviewed 70 episodes of fungal peritonitis in a single center over the last 9 years in 896 CAPD patients. Seventy percent of the episodes of fungal peritonitis were caused by Candida species, among which 50% were Candida parapsilosis. As a result of fungal peritonitis, 44% of the patients died, whereas further peritoneal dialysis failed in 14%, requiring a change to long-term hemodialysis. Only 37% managed to continue CAPD. The remaining 5% either underwent transplantation or were lost to follow-up. We identified the factors associated with poor outcome, namely mortality and technique failure. The presence of abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and a catheter remaining in situ were significantly associated with greater mortality. Abdominal pain, antibiotic use within 3 months before fungal peritonitis, and complication by bowel obstruction were associated with greater technique failure. In choosing antifungal agents with catheter removal, oral fluconazole alone appears equally as effective as combined oral fluconazole with 5-flucytosine for peritonitis caused by Candida species. For peritonitis caused by species other than Candida, the choice of antifungal therapy needs to be individualized, based on fungal species and sensitivities.

Peritoneal dialysis. Prevention and control of infection

In spite of the reduction in peritonitis and catheter-related infection rates in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, these infections remain major sources of morbidity and transfer to haemodialysis. Touch contamination at the time of doing the exchanges is still a major cause of peritonitis and leads to Gram-positive organisms (coagulation-negative staphylococcus) being the most common pathogens. Newer exchange techniques have reduced this incidence but the more serious pathogens (Staphylococcal aureus, pseudomonas and fungi) remain a major problem. Treatment has to be immediate, and hence empirical, giving adequate cover for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The use of vancomycin as an initial antibacterial has been discontinued because of the problem of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. Recent guidelines advocate the use of a first generation cephalosporin combined with ceftazidime (if the urine output is >100 ml/day) or an aminoglycoside in anuric patients. Subsequent therapy changes are made upon bacterial isolation and sensitivities. Vancomycin is reserved for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Peritoneal catheter-related infections (exit site and tunnel) are predominantly caused by S. aureus and pseudomonal organisms and can be difficult to eradicate. Tunnel infections invariably involve the catheter dacron cuffs and therefore are more likely to lead to peritonitis; in this situation catheter removal is the treatment of choice. Treatment of exit-site infections is with oral antibacterials (penicillinase-resistant penicillins, cefalexin). Vancomycin is avoided if possible. The identification that nasal carriage of S. aureus predisposes to exit-site and tunnel infections has led to prophylactic regimens to combat this problem. Mupirocin applied at the exit site leads to a reduction in catheter-related infections and peritonitis.