Background: Peritonitis is a major complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Information on the specific risk of peritonitis is important in reducing this common complication.
Material and Method: A single center, retrospective cohort study was done to assess time to first peritonitis event and risk factors in Thai CAPD population.
Results: Between January 1995 and December 2005, 322 incident CAPD patients were recruited for the present study. During the study period of 4,281 patient-months, 198 episodes of first peritonitis were recorded. The median peritonitis-free time was 13.7 months. A Cox regression model showed that an increase in level of baseline albumin and hematocrit by 1 g/dL and 1% would decrease risk of peritonitis by 27% and 3%, respectively (hazard ratio (95%CI): 0.73 (0.59-0.91) and 0.97 (0.94-1.00)). A neutral effect of self and caregiver performer was observed in the present study.
Conclusion: The present study confirmed the susceptibility of hypoalbuminemia and anemia to peritonitis. Awareness of particular risk groups should be achieved to prevent peritonitis.

Keywords: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, First peritonitis episode, Risk factors