OBJECTIVE: To determine if disconnect systems reduce the incidence of exit-site infections when compared to nondisconnect systems. DESIGN: We prospectively monitored exit-site infections and peritonitis rates in 96 disconnect patients (Y-set, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)) and 60 nondisconnect patients (spike, ultraviolet connection device (UVXD)). SETTING: A freestanding chronic peritoneal dialysis unit staffed by physicians from both a medical school and a private setting. PATIENTS: All patients who began peritoneal dialysis at our unit were monitored, regardless of cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or age. INTERVENTION: Patients were dialyzed using the system (Y-set, spike, etc.) most appropriate for their life-style and their ability to administer self-care. MAIN OUTCOME: We attempted to follow disconnect and nondisconnect patients for a similar median time on dialysis and compared differences in exit-site infections. RESULTS: Peritonitis rates (episodes/pt year) were reduced for disconnect (0.60) versus nondisconnect (0.99) systems (p = 0.0006). Despite the marked reduction in peritonitis rates, there was no difference in exit-site infection rates (0.35 vs 0.38), the time to the first exit-site infection, or the time to the first catheter removal for disconnect versus nondisconnect groups. When individual systems were compared, differences in exit-site infection rates (episodes/pt years) were noted (0.62,spike; 0.26,UVXD; 0.32,Y-set; 0.41,APD). CONCLUSION: We found no overall difference in exit-site infection rates for disconnect versus nondisconnect systems, despite a reduction in peritonitis rates for disconnect systems.

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