Frequency of asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients of chronic liver disease with ascites

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitisin patient of chronic liver disease with ascites. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted atAbbasiShaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from August 2015 to February 2016.Patients with chronic liver disease with ascites in the absence of symptoms of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis of either gender and greater than 18 years of age were included while patients with typical symptoms like fever,abdominal pain and tenderness were excluded. Abdominal paracentesis was performed for presenceof polymorph nuclearneutrophils, SerumAscitic Albumin Gradient and bacterial cultures were done. Data wereanalyzed on SPSS version 16. Results:Out of 100 patients, asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was found in 13 patients. Majority of these were between 41 to 60 years of age (mean 54 years). Cirrhosis was found in 68% and 32% were secondary to hepatitis C and hepatitis B.Conclusion: Asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a hidden entity, which is common in chronic liver disease patients. By virtue of its early detection morbidity can be reduced.