ASPERGILLUS PERITONITIS - THERAPY, SURVIVAL, AND RETURN TO PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS

Peritonitis caused by fungi of the species Aspergillus is rare in peritoneal dialysis patients and is associated with high mortality. Four of the six reported survivors have been unable to resume peritoneal dialysis. We report the successful treatment of Aspergillus niger peritonitis with a combination of intravenous amphotericin a and peritoneal catheter removal in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and review previously reported cases of Aspergillus peritonitis, Our patient returned to CAPD after 2 months and has maintained good peritoneal transport 1 year after resumption of CAPD. The early recognition and aggressive treatment of peritonitis due to Aspergillus sp may allow eventual return to and successful maintenance of CAPD. (C) 1995 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.