Peritoneal dialysis-related infections due to nontuberculous Mycobacteria in children and adolescents: A critical review of reported cases.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections due to nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are rare in children and adolescents but appear to be increasingly recognized. To better understand the clinical profile, characteristics, management and outcomes of these infections, we conducted a systematic review of pediatric cases reported in the literature. We identified 25 episodes in 23 patients under the age of 18, drawn from 19 studies. The mean age was 7.35 years with a slight male predominance. The most common underlying condition leading to end stage renal disease and initiation of PD, was congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, particularly hypoplastic or dysplastic kidneys. Clinical manifestations were non-specific, often including fever, abdominal pain and cloudy effluent. Among the reported cases 52% presented with peritonitis, 36% with exit site infection and 12% had both. Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacteriumfortuitum emerged as the most prevalent species, each accounting for a comparable proportion of the recovered isolates. Notably, Mycobacterium chelonae was the most frequent isolated specie among infants. Diagnosis was frequently delayed and treatment required prolonged antibiotic regimens. Catheter removal was performed in almost all cases, while most patients were temporarily switched to hemodialysis. Mortality rate was low approaching 4%. These findings underscore the need for heightened clinical suspicion, early diagnosis and aggressive management to improve outcomes in pediatric patients with PD-related infections due to NTM.