[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis- undervalued complication in liver cirrhosis]

Abstract

This complication described rather late and theoretically and practically under-evaluated occurs in long term evolution of ascitic hepatic cirrhosis. The positive diagnosis is indicated by the following elements: more than 250 polymorphonuclear count in ascitic fluid, under 1 g/dl protein concentration ascitic fluid, a positive culture for a unique bacterium. Treatment of SBP is made with third generation cephalosporins with immediate favorable evolution. Antibiotic prophylaxis appears to be effective in the prevention of the first SBP episode and long term norfloxacin administration appeared to be very effective in the prevention of the recurrence. The survivors of SBP episode should be recommended for a potential liver transplant.