Timing of peritoneal dialysis catheter removal after pediatric renal transplantation

Background. A peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is in place at the time of kidney transplantation in children receiving PD. Removal of the catheter el iminates the risk of catheter-related infections. However, the patient bene fits from leaving the catheter in place if dialysis is necessary posttransp lantation. There is currently no consensus on the proper timing of PD cathe ter removal after kidney transplantation in children. Objective: To identify the risks and benefits of an indwelling PD catheter after renal transplantation in children. Design: Retrospective single-center study of infectious complications and p osttransplantation PD catheter use in 31 renal transplantations in 26 child ren. Results: Peritoneal dialysis catheters were used postoperatively in 13 of t he 31 transplantations. In 12 instances the catheter was needed during the first month after transplantation, and 2 of the patients involved did not h ave a catheter in place when needed. Six catheter-related infections occurr ed in 5 patients posttransplantation, with only 1 infection taking place wi thin 1 month after transplantation. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the need for catheter use occurs predomin antly during the first month, while infectious complications usually happen later. This strongly suggests that PD catheters should not be removed unti l approximately 1 month after kidney transplantation.