Serum immunoglobulin G levels and peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients

{Background Peritonitis is a frequent and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Whether low immunoglobulin level is associated with PD-related peritonitis is unknown. Methods We conducted a prospective study to assess whether immunoglobulin levels at PD onset could predict the occurrence of peritonitis. All patients starting peritoneal dialysis between 01/2005 and 12/2010 at the University hospital of Besanc, on, France, were included in the study. Results Of 240 consecutive PD patients enrolled (mean follow-up 25 +/- 12 months), 76 (32 %) had at least one episode of peritonitis. Mean immunoglobulin (Ig)G level at PD start was lower in patients who subsequently experienced peritonitis (7.9 + 3.4 vs. 9.7 + 3.4 g/l