Current reports have demonstrated that copeptin predicts disease progression and prognosis in cirrhotic patients, independent of liver-specific scoring systems. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have addressed the association between copeptin and sepsis in cirrhotic patients, however, they were performed on different types of infections. Therefore, we will conduct this study with a focus on it is possible role in patients with SBP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis will be based on clinical data and findings on abdominal ultrasound. The diagnosis of SBP will be based on the presence of at least 250 cells/ml PMNLs in the ascitic fluid, with or without positive ascitic fluid culture in the absence of hemorrhagic ascites and secondary peritonitis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with heart failure, coronary insufficiency, advanced chronic respiratory disease, polyuria-polydipsia syndrome and hypotension or shock.

  • Patients with chronic kidney disease treated with hemodialysis before admission.
  • Patients with previous liver or kidney transplantation.
  • Patients with intraabdominal malignancy.
  • Patients with severe infection other than SBP.
  • Patients who had received antibiotics before hospital admission.

Patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites