Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2026
Identifier
DOI: 10.1007/s00467-026-07323-5; PMCID: PMC13481577
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neonates with kidney failure require placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PD-C) shortly after birth. PD-C malfunction and peritonitis, both common in this population, are associated with PD failure. The aim of this study was to describe our center's PD-C-related practices and outcomes in neonates with kidney failure.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of neonates who required kidney replacement therapy (KRT) within the first 30 days of life from 01/2018-12/2023. We evaluated for PD-C duration, PD-C replacement or revision, and peritonitis.
RESULTS: Twenty-four neonates had PD-C placed for chronic dialysis at a median of 9.7 days and 3 kg. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was initiated a median of 14 days after PD-C placement, at a median age of 26.5 days. During a median follow-up time of 26.2 months, there were 42 PD-Cs tracked. Initial PD-C lasted a median of 355 days (IQR 165-632, range 50-953). Reasons for removal of initial PD-C included mechanical complications (38%), kidney transplant (25%), and infection (21%). There were 44 episodes of peritonitis in 19 patients. Seventeen of these episodes (39%) occurred within four weeks of a surgical procedure, despite all patients but one receiving perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for all surgical procedures. The overall rate of peritonitis was 0.34 per 100-catheter days.
CONCLUSIONS: PD-C complications are common in this highly complex population, despite mitigation attempts with perioperative antibiotics. Future work should focus on neonatal-specific recommendations for surgery timings and prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infection and PD failure in the neonatal kidney failure population.
Journal Title
Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
Volume
41
Issue
10
First Page
3509
Last Page
3518
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Peritoneal Dialysis; Infant, Newborn; Retrospective Studies; Female; Catheters, Indwelling; Male; Peritonitis; Renal Insufficiency; Equipment Failure; Catheter-Related Infections; Device Removal; Kidney Transplantation; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed ID
42065739
Keywords
Neonatal kidney failure; Pediatric dialysis; Peritoneal dialysis
Recommended Citation
Reinert S, Yarlagadda M, Bondoc A, Claes D, Riddle S, Schuh MP. Peritoneal dialysis catheter complications in neonates with kidney failure. Pediatr Nephrol. 2026;41(10):3509-3518. doi:10.1007/s00467-026-07323-5
Comments
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Publisher's Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00467-026-07323-5