Increased Peritoneal Dialysis Associated Peritonitis Episodes During Novel Coronavirus Pandemics: Experience from Western Region in Türkiye

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered healthcare access and routine follow-up for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. This study investigates the impact of the pandemic on peritonitis episodes among PD patients in the western region of Türkiye.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing 48 PD patients from 4 nephrology centers between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the pre-pandemic control group and the COVID-19 period study group. Peritonitis episodes were calculated at 3-month intervals. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, including peritoneal membrane transport type, causative microorganisms, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to compare peritonitis episodes and outcomes between the groups.

Results: No significant differences were found in age, gender, or peritoneal transport type between the groups. A significant increase in peritonitis cases was observed during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-pandemic period (P < .001). The incidence of Gram-negative infections was notably higher in the study group (46.2% vs. 4.5% in the control group, P < .01).

Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, peritonitis episodes increased during the pandemic despite heightened personal hygiene measures. This emphasizes the crucial role of in-person follow-up visits in maintaining PD patient adherence and infection control. The findings highlight the need for structured and standardized PD education programs to ensure treatment compliance, especially during periods of restricted healthcare access.

Cite this article as: Bıldacı YD, Korucu B, Oktan MA, et al. Increased peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis episodes during novel coronavirus pandemics: Experience from western region in Türkiye. Turk J Nephrol. 2025;34(3):201-205.