A fungal peritonitis in patient after heart transplant treated by continous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis — case report

Abstract

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a rare but very severe complication of peritoneal dialysis. It usually leads to method failure, even to the patient’s death. The risk factors predisposing to FP are: older age, female gender, prior antibiotic use, immunosuppressive treatment. The most common cause of FP are yeasts, mainly Candida albicans. We present a case report of a 63-year-old women on immunosuppressive treatment because of heart transplant, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The patient underwent renal replacement therapy — peritoneal dialysis. Twelve months after continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis begun, we observed severe peritonitis. The cause of peritonitis was fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Quick and proper diagnostic, Tenckhoff’s catheter removing, antifungal therapy and transfer on hemodialysis made patient’s survival possible.