Infections in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Considering experience acquired in the past years, it seems as though physi cians have reached plateau in the frequency of peritonitis. A peritonitis r ate of 1 every 2 patient years may be acceptable. Further reduction of this peritonitis rate will require inordinately large efforts on all fronts. On e will have to consider what are the acceptable costs and risks of peritoni tis in patients on peritoneal dialysis. New developments in catheter techno logy, improved connections, better understanding of patient selection and t raining programs, improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods in the manage ment of peritonitis, and understanding of the infectious and immune process es are eagerly awaited developments.