What is a common complication associated with peritoneal dialysis?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Renal cell carcinoma
• C. Nephrocalcinosis
• D. Peritonitis

Answer: (D)

Peritoneal dialysis uses a catheter to fill and drain dialysate in the abdominal cavity, so the peritoneum is directly exposed to potential contamination. The most common complication is peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal lining that typically arises from contamination during exchanges or from an infected catheter exit site. Patients often present with cloudy dialysate, abdominal pain, and fever; diagnosis is supported by analyzing the dialysate, which shows an elevated white cell count with neutrophils, and by culture to identify the organism. Treatment relies on prompt intraperitoneal antibiotics that cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with adjustments once culture results are known, and preventive steps include strict sterile technique during exchanges. This complication is more directly linked to the PD process than the other conditions listed, which are not common PD-specific problems.