Peritoneal dialysis related eosinophilic peritonitis: a case report and review of the literature

Overt eosinophilic peritonitis (EP) is a relatively uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), although not rare. Here we reported a case of EP relieved after changing dialysate. 

A 28-year old male patient developed cloudy PD effluents within the first month after PD started. Cytological study of PD effluents showed elevated white blood cells and polynuclear cells. Bacteria culture of PD effluents repeated for several times were all negative, and no pathogen was found by metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS). Antibiotic therapy for 28-day was ineffective. Based on these and increased eosinophils in peritoneal fluid, he was finally diagnosed as EP. PD dialysate was changed (consists of the same buffer agent and electrolytes, but is packed in bags that do not contain PVC), and the patient’s PD effluent became clear. Of note, EP did not relapse 5 months later when the patient started to use the former PD solution again.

Although PD effluent turbidity almost always represents infectious peritonitis, there are other differential diagnoses including EP. For patients with cloudy fluid accompanied by mild symptoms who do not response to antibiotic therapy, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of this disease. EP tends to heal spontaneously, however, antihistamines or glucocorticoids are required sometimes to avoid catheter obstruction. For patients with no obvious incentives, replacement of dialysate may be useful.