Patient selection: peritoneal dialyis
Ways to reduce the risk for peritonitis:
(1) give prophylactic antibiotics at the time of catheter insertion
(2) insert the tunnel so that it is downward pointing
(3) use a 2-cuffed catheter
(4) use a twin bag connection system
(5) screen for Staphylococcus aureus carriage and treat if present
Other factors that may reduce the risk of infection:
(1) keep the exit site properly clean
(2) wash the hands prior to handling any part of the dialysis system
(3) minimize factors that may can impair host defenses (corticosteroid therapy, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, etc)
