A study of prevalence and clinico-laboratory profile of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis liver with ascites

 

 

Abstract              Background: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication occurring in cirrhotic patients. The prevalence varies from 8% to 27%. Over 60% of the SBP episodes are produced by Gram- negative enteric bacilli. Aim: To study the prevalence and clinico-laboratory profile of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis liver with ascites. Material and Methods: A total of 75 patients with cirrhosis of liver with ascites diagnosed on the basis of clinical evaluation, biochemical investigations and ultrasonography. Ascitic fluid analysis was done for microbiological profile. Results: Prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in this study was25.33%. The most common presenting feature of SBP was abdominal pain followed by abdominal tenderness and fever. The commonest organism isolated was E. coli followed by K. pneumoniae. Conclusion: Early recognition and treatment of SBP could reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with cirrhosis liver and ascites and improve their quality of life.

Key Word: Cirrhosis liver, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prevalence