Usefulness of light microscopic and Cytur test estimation of peritoneal dialysate in early diagnosis of peritonitis

In 50 patients with terminal renal failure treated by intermittent peritoneal dialysis quantitative and qualitative assessments of peritoneal cells present in six successive changes of dialysate were performed using light microscopy and the Cytur test (Boehringer). The examination was repeated in 25 patients in the course of peritonitis. The Cytur test was positive in all patients with and in only some patients without peritonitis. As compared with the assessment of peritoneal fluid prior to dialysis and of the 1st change of dialysate, the examination of the amount and type of cells present in successive dialysate changes yields more reliable results and can be regarded as a more valuable method for early diagnosis of dialysis-associated peritonitis.