Frequency and Predictors of Recurrent SBP in Cirrhotic Patients in Al Rajhi University Hospital

Frequency and Predictors of Recurrent Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients in Al Rajhi University Hospital

• Assess the frequency of recurrent SBP in ascitic cirrhotic patients.
• Determine the predictive factors of recurrence after the first episode of SBP in ascitic cirrhotic patients

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication in cirrhotic patients. The prevalence of SBP in hospitalized patients and the mortality rate were reported to be 10%-30% and 30%-50%, respectively.

SBP has been considered a life-threatening infection that requires a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any cirrhotic patient above the age of 18 years old of both sexes, having a first episode of SBP will be included in our study.

  1. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical manifestation (ascites, splenomegaly, lower limb edema and/or esophageal varices by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy), laboratory findings and radiological (abdominal ultrasonography), or liver histology.
  2. The diagnosis of SBP was based on a neutrophil cell count of 250 cell or more per mm3 with or without culture positivity of ascitic fluid, in the absence of hemorrhagic ascites and secondary peritonitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient with one or more of the following criteria will be excluded:

  1. Patients with bacterial ascites defined by a positive culture of ascitic fluid associated with a neutrophil cell count less than 250 cell per mm3 in the ascitic fluid.
  2. Patients presenting with empyema or bacterial peritonitis secondary to an intra-abdominal organ perforation or surgical operation