Common Salt Effective for PD Catheter Exit-Site Granulomas: Study

Dr. Shravani Dali

Common Salt Effective for PD Catheter Exit-Site Granulomas: Study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-03-02T20:15:52+05:30 | Updated On 2 March 2026 8:16 PM IST

Researchers have found in a new study that common salt may serve as a safe and effective non-pharmacological home treatment for removing granulomas at peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter exit sites. It appears to work without adverse reactions when used appropriately; however, it should only be applied after healthcare professional evaluation and in the absence of acute infection.

Granulomas at the exit sites of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters are common among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and cause pain, discomfort, and infections. Few studies have explored non-pharmacological interventions that can be performed at home. This study examined the effectiveness of common salt in improving these granulomas in such patients.MethodsThis prospective study examined patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis who had exit-site granulomas and no acute infections. The 55 eligible patients were allocated to a common salt group (n = 31) or a salt-and-vinegar mixture group (n = 24) based on their preference. The outcome indicators were the Exit-Site Scoring System (ESSS) score, time until granuloma resolution, and adverse reactions.

Results: There was a significant difference in the number of participants with complete resolution of granulomas between the two groups on day 7 post-intervention (T3). The resolution rate in the common salt group was significantly higher than that in the salt-and-vinegar mixture group (adjusted odds ratio = 0.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.44, p = 0.008). Generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that on day 3 post-intervention (T2), the ESSS score in the common salt group was significantly better than that in the salt-and-vinegar mixture group (β = -1.148, p = 0.002). No adverse reactions were observed in either group throughout the entire study period.

Common salt appears to be an effective non-pharmacological home intervention for the removal of granulomas at the exit sites of peritoneal dialysis catheters without adverse reactions, although it should be implemented after evaluation by a healthcare professional and in the absence of acute infection.

Reference:

Wu, Shu-Fen, et al. "Effect of Common Salt On Granulomas at Exit Sites of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: a Prospective Study." Peritoneal Dialysis International : Journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, 2026, p. 8968608261418884.

Keywords:

Common Salt, Effective, PD Catheter, Exit-Site, Granulomas, Study,Wu, Shu-Fen

Common SaltEffectivePD CatheterExit-SiteGranulomasStudy

Source : Journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.