What causes spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can occur when bacteria that normally live in the intestine enter the abdominal cavity and the ascites becomes infected. This happens in advanced liver disease because the immune system response weakens and the bacterial environment in the gut changes.

How does spontaneous bacterial peritonitis cause hepatorenal syndrome?

Albumin. Patients with SBP are prone to develop hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The translocation of bacteria and their endotoxins trigger the production of cytokines and vasodilators (nitric oxide) from inflammatory pathways.

How is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis treated?

The empirical treatment of SBP consists of any of a number of cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime (Claforan), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), ceftizoxime (Cefizox), or amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (e.g., an IV formulation in Europe).

What happens if peritonitis is not treated?

Left untreated, peritonitis can extend beyond your peritoneum, where it may cause: An infection throughout your body (sepsis). Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock, organ failure and death.

Is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis fatal?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and often fatal complication occurring in cirrhotic patients with ascites. It is defined as an infection of the ascitic fluid in the absence of any obvious intra-abdominal source.

What does spontaneous bacterial peritonitis ( SBP ) mean?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as an ascitic fluid infection without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source [ 1 ].

What is the PMN count for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis refers to infection of the ascitic fluid, as evidenced by an ascitic fluid absolute polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count of at least 250 cells/mm3(0.25 × 109/L), with or without a positive ascitic fluid culture, in the absence of an intra-abdominal surgically treatable source of

Is there a drug for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

No drug references linked in this topic. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as an ascitic fluid infection without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source [ 1 ].

How to diagnose bacterial peritonitis in adults?

The performance of paracentesis, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of SBP, and the general evaluation of adults with ascites are discussed elsewhere.