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Description

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may occur in patients with advanced cirrhosis, especially if certain predisposing conditions are present.


 

Criteria for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:

(1) infection of the ascitic fluid with a positive bacterial culture

(2) ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) count >= 250 per µL

(3) absence of surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection

 

Risk factors for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:

(1) severe liver disease (Child-Pugh Class C)

(2) ascitic fluid total protein < 1 g/dL and/or C3 level < 13 mg/dL

(3) gastrointestinal bleeding

(4) presence of a urinary tract infection

(5) intestinal bacterial overgrowth

(6) urinary bladder and/or intravascular catheters

(7) a history of one or more previous episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

 


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