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

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.

• 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.
• 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:

• 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.
• Patients presenting with empyema or bacterial peritonitis secondary to an intra-abdominal organ perforation or surgical operation