Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis: endemic or epidemic?

Abstract

A report is presented on bacteriologically proved bacterial peritonitis in 25 patients aged 33 to 61 yr with liver cirrhosis and ascites observed during a 4 yr period (1970-1974). Data on clinical features of cirrhosis and peritonitis, laboratory tests, bacteriology, liver function tests, predisposing and precipitating factors (ascites, previous paracentesis, significant infections of other location, use of an intraarterial catheter, corticoid application etc.) and the treatment in the cases under study are given in detail. The findings are compared with those of an earlier study from the same hospital concerning 23 similar cases observed between 1958 and 1970. The etiology, pathogenesis and prophylaxis of bacterial peritonitis in patients with ascitic liver cirrhosis are discussed. (Nizze - Rostock).