Primary peritonitis in nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Primary peritonitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with nephrotic syndrome. A review article on primary peritonitis in children with nephrotic syndrome showed there is no association with female gender as historically reported.

Primary peritonitis occurs in patients with ascites and with no gut perforation. The typical features of peritonitis might point towards surgical peritonitis especially when it occurs at the onset of nephrotic syndrome. The cases in this review were seen during relapse or first episode of Nephrotic syndrome and were not related to steroid therapy.  Treatment with appropriate antibiotics usually leads to good recovery with no need for surgical interference.

Conclusion: Nephrotic syndrome associated peritonitis is usually spontaneous and caused mainly by pneumococci organism sensitive to penicillin or vancomycin.