What is a common early complication of peritoneal dialysis?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Air leaks
• D. Peritonitis

Answer: (D)

Peritoneal dialysis introduces dialysate into the peritoneal cavity, creating a potential route for infection. The most common early complication is infection of the peritoneal cavity—peritonitis—often from contamination during exchanges or from the catheter exit site. It typically presents with abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate effluent, sometimes accompanied by fever. Prompt evaluation and treatment with broad-spectrum intraperitoneal antibiotics that cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms are essential, and catheter removal may be needed if the infection is persistent or fungal. While hypertension, electrolyte shifts like hypokalemia, and issues such as air leaks can occur with PD, they are not as characteristic or common in the early period as peritonitis.