Peritonitis and antibiotic therapy in patients on cycler peritoneal dialysis--an update.

The increased use of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and the inherent differences between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and APD have generated interest in the treatment of peritonitis in cycler patients. This review considers variations in the incidence of peritonitis and in its microbiological spectrum among CAPD and APD patients, and discusses the potential causes for these variations, with emphasis on recent literature. Flow-pattern variances between CAPD and APD demand special considerations in the diagnosis of peritonitis. Multiple alternatives for the management of peritonitis in APD are discussed in light of recent clinical experiences and pharmacokinetic considerations.