Ascitic Fluid Polymorphonuclear Cell Count Research Articles

51-Year-Old Man With Ascites and Abdominal Pain

51-Year-Old Man With Ascites and Abdominal Pain

Changes in Ascitic Fluid Polymorphonuclear Cell Count After Antibiotics Are Associated With Mortality in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a feared complication of ascites that affects 10%-30% of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis with an associated mortality rate of approximately 20%.1-3 Although efforts have been undertaken to encourage prompt evaluation and treatment of SBP, outcomes have generally remained dismal.3 There is significant interest in identifying factors that can reliably predict mortality among individuals with SBP.

Influence of proton pump inhibitors in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

AIMTo investigate whether the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.METHODSAn historical cohort study was carried out in cirrhotic outpatients with ascites followed in a specialized clinic at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Patient charts were reviewed to collect information on the variables of interest as the use of PPIs. Primary outcome was defined as development of SBP during the study period. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count ≥ 250 cells/mm³ without evidence of an intra-abdominal, surgically treatable source of infection.RESULTSOf 738 cirrhotic patients, 582 (58.2% male) were enrolled, with mean age of 53.6 ± 12 years. Hepatitis C virus infection (36.2%) and alcohol abuse (25.6%) were the main etiologies of cirrhosis. The presence of ascites was detected in 299 (51.4%) patients during the development of the study. Nineteen patients with previous diagnosis of SBP undergoing secondary prophylaxis and 22 patients with insufficient PPI data were further excluded. Of 258 patients with ascites, 151 used PPIs, and 34 developed SBP (22.5%). Among 107 non-users of PPIs, 23 developed SBP (21.5%) (HR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.85-2.47, P = 0.176). The median follow-up time of patients using PPI was 27 mo vs 32 mo for non-users. Univariate analysis of the risk factors associated with the development of SBP revealed a significant association of SPB with the severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CTP score was the only independent variable influencing the occurrence of SBP. Survival at 60 mo (Kaplan-Meier analysis) was similar in users and non-users of PPI, independently of the presence of SBP (58.4% vs 62.7% respectively, P = 0.66). For patients with SBP, survival at 60 mo was 55.1%, vs 61.7% in patients without SBP (P = 0.34).CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, the rate of SBP was not significantly different in users or non-users of PPIs in this cohort of cirrhotic with ascites.

Effect of alternative antibiotics in treatment of cefotaxime resistant spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

To evaluate effective alternative antibiotics in treatment of cefotaxime-resistant spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. One hundred cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count (PMNLs) ≥ 250 cells/mm(3) at admission] were empirically treated with cefotaxime sodium 2 g/12 h and volume expansion by intravenous human albumin. All patients were subjected to history taking, complete examination, laboratory tests (including a complete blood cell count, prothrombin time, biochemical tests of liver and kidney function, and fresh urine sediment), chest X-ray, a diagnostic abdominal paracentesis, and the sample subjected to total and differential cell count, chemical examination, aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Patients were divided after 2 d by a second ascitic PMNL count into group I; patients sensitive to cefotaxime (n = 81), group II (n = 19); cases resistant to cefotaxime (less than 25% decrease in ascitic PMNL count). Patients of group II were randomly assigned into meropenem (n = 11) or levofloxacin (n = 8) subgroups. All patients performed an end of treatment ascitic PMNL count. Patients were considered improved when: PMNLs decreased to < 250 cells/mm(3), no growth in previously positive culture cases, and improved clinical manifestations with at least 5 d of antibiotic therapy. Age, sex, and Child classes showed no significant difference between group I and group II. Fever and abdominal pain were the most frequent manifestations and were reported in 82.7% and 80.2% of patients in group I and in 94.7% and 84.2% of patients in group II, respectively. Patients in group II had a more severe ascitic inflammatory response than group I and this was demonstrated by more ascitic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [median: 540 IU/L (range: 150-1200 IU/L) vs median: 240 IU/L (range: 180-500 IU/L), P = 0.000] and PMNL [median: 15,000 cell/mm(3) (range: 957-23,822 cell/mm(3)) vs 3400 cell/mm(3) (range: 695-26,400 cell/mm(3)), P = 0.000] counts. Ascitic fluid culture was positive in 32% of cases. Cefotaxime failed in 19% of patients; of these patients, 11 (100%) responded to meropenem and 6 (75%) responded to levofloxacin. Two patients with failed levofloxacin therapy were treated according to the in vitro culture and sensitivity (one case was treated with vancomycin and one case was treated with ampicillin/sulbactam). In group II the meropenem subgroup had higher LDH (range: 108-860 IU/L vs 120-491 IU/L, P = 0.042) and PMNL counts (range: 957-23,822 cell/mm(3)vs 957-15,222 cell/mm(3), P = 0.000) at initiation of the alternative antibiotic therapy; there was no significant difference in the studied parameters between patients responsive to meropenem and patients responsive to levofloxacin at the end of therapy (mean ± SD: 316.01 ± 104.03 PMNLs/mm(3)vs 265.63 ± 69.61 PMNLs/mm(3), P = 0.307). The isolated organisms found in group II were; enterococci, acinetobacter, expanded-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli, β-lactamase producing Enterobacter and Staphylococcus aureus. Empirical treatment with cefotaxime is effective in 81% of cases; meropenem is effective in cefotaxime-resistant cases.

Ascitic Fluid Lactoferrin for Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

The diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is based on a manual count of ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). This procedure is operator-dependent and lysis of PMNs during transport to the laboratory may lead to false-negative results. Furthermore, ascitic fluid culture is insensitive and leads to delays in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of ascitic fluid lactoferrin (AFLAC) for the diagnosis of SBP and to identify a cut-off level that can be used for future development of a rapid bedside test. A total of 218 consecutive ascites samples from 148 patients (1-8 samples per patient) with cirrhosis at 2 tertiary care medical centers were examined for PMN count, bedside culture, and lactoferrin concentration. AFLAC concentrations were determined using a polyclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An ascitic fluid PMN count of 250 cells/mL or greater with or without a positive culture was used for diagnosis of SBP. Twenty-two (10.1%) samples fulfilled diagnostic criteria for SBP. Samples with SBP had a significantly higher lactoferrin concentration (median, 3744 ng/mL; 25th-75th percentiles [P25-P75], 788-9617) compared with non-SBP samples (median, 31 ng/mL; P25-P75, 12-67; P < .001). By using a cut-off level of 242 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for diagnosis of SBP were 95.5% and 97%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98. AFLAC can serve as a sensitive and specific test for diagnosis of SBP. Qualitative bedside assays for the measurement of AFLAC can be developed easily and may serve as a rapid and reliable screening tool for SBP in patients with cirrhosis.

An Evidence-Based Manual for Abdominal Paracentesis

The purpose of this study was to provide evidence-based approaches to detect ascites, perform paracentesis, order tests, and interpret the results. A Medline search was performed to identify relevant articles. Of 731 identified articles, 50 articles were used. The most sensitive findings for ascites detection are ankle edema (93%), increased abdominal girth (87%), flank dullness (84%), and bulging flanks (81%). Paracentesis is safe, with bleeding rates and leakage of <1%. An ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count >or=250 cells/mm(3) is the most sensitive test (86%-100%) to diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The serum-ascites albumin gradient is the most useful test in identifying portal hypertension-related ascites. Large-volume paracentesis is effective in the treatment of refractory ascites. We conclude that paracentesis is a safe and vital procedure in patients with new-onset ascites. Once detected, an algorithmic approach to ordering tests and their interpretation is useful to determine etiology and direct further management.

Renal impairment after spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: incidence and prognosis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an important complication in cirrhotic patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence, predictive factors and prognosis for renal impairment (RI) after SBP in cirrhotic patients from southern Brazil. Of the 1030 hospitalizations evaluated, 114 episodes of SBP were diagnosed in 94 patients (mean age 49 years; 76.59% men). SBP diagnosis was established when the ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count was equal to or greater than 250 cells/mm3. Five cases were excluded. The variables assessed as possible predictors of steady or progressive RI were blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels before the diagnosis of SBP; type of infection, antibiotic prophylaxis, first episode or recurrent SBP, presence of gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy during hospitalization, SBP resolution, Child-Pugh classification, levels of blood pressure, ascitic fluid and blood polymorphonuclear cell count, bacteriological data (positive and negative ascitic fluid culture), albumin, bilirubin, sodium and prothrombin time at the moment of diagnosis. The incidence of SBP was 11.07%. In 61 (55.96%) episodes, SBP was associated with RI (transient in 57.37%; steady in 19.67%; and progressive in 22.95%). The mortality rate associated with progressive RI was 100%; 58.33% with steady RI; and 2.85% with transient RI. The mortality rate in patients with or without RI was 36.07% and 6.25%, respectively (P<0.001). The level of creatinine (greater than or equal to 1.3mg/dL) before the diagnosis of SBP and the rate of infection resolution were the only predictors of RI in the multivariate analysis. RI after SBP is a common complication, and indicates a poor prognosis for this infection. High levels of creatinine before infection and the rate of infection resolution are independent predictors of RI.

Malignancy-related ascites: a diagnostic pitfall of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count

To define patients with an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count > or = 250 cells/mm3 or > or = 500 cells/mm3 but without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 166 patients with sterile cirrhotic ascites, 46 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 123 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 67 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis or massive liver metastasis and 12 patients with other miscellaneous diseases were studied. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were 100, 86 and 88% with the cut-off value of an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count > or = 250 cells/mm3; and were 93, 91 and 92% with that value > or = 500 cells/mm3, respectively. With the cut-off value > or = 250 cells/mm3 or > or = 500 cells/mm3, the prevalence was 18% or 14% in hepatocellular carcinoma; and 30% or 19% in peritoneal carcinomatosis or massive liver metastasis. The ascitic fluid lactate concentration was insensitive and nonspecific. Among the patients with an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count greater than the cut-off values, an ascitic fluid erythrocyte count > or = 10,000 cells/mm3, a ratio of ascitic fluid erythrocyte to total leukocyte count > or = 100, and the ratio of ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell to total leukocyte count < or = 75% indicated hepatocellular carcinoma, while serum to ascites albumin gradient < or = 1.1 g/dl and a ratio of ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell to total leukocyte count < or = 75% indicated peritoneal carcinomatosis or massive liver metastasis.

Ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count and serum to ascites albumin gradient in the diagnosis of bacterial peritonitis

The analysis of ascitic fluid has been complicated by several recently reported new tests. To simplify this assessment, we evaluated nine parameters prospectively and simultaneously in blood and ascitic fluid from 285 patients with ascites to determine which were the most reliable for immediate diagnosis of the etiology of the ascites and of its complications. Subjects were first divided into four groups: sterile cirrhotic ascites (n = 201), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (n = 41), malignant ascites (n = 34), and miscellaneous ascites (n = 9). An ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear count > 500/μl was the test with the greatest accuracy (96%) for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Neither the most precise cutoff values for ascitic fluid pH (<7.32) and ascitic fluid lactate (>32 mg/dl), nor their respective blood-ascitic fluid gradients (>0.11 and <−20 mg/dl) were more reliable indexes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, mainly due to the decreased ascitic fluid pH and increased ascitic fluid lactate observed in malignant ascites, tuberculous peritonitis, and pancreatic ascites. A blood-ascitic fluid albumin gradient <1.1 g/dl was the most accurate parameter for the diagnosis of malignant ascites (diagnostic efficacy, 93%). Therefore, the etiologic analysis of ascitic fluid might be simplified and the single practice of two tests, ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count and blood-ascitic fluid albumin gradient, provides immediately useful information.

Polymorphonuclear cell count response and duration of antibiotic therapy in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

The purposes of this study were (a) to measure serially ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell response in treated spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and (b) to determine whether an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count of less than 250 per mm3 on serial paracenteses was a satisfactory endpoint for antibiotic therapy. Thirty of 33 patients showed an exponential fall in ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count after 48 hr of antibiotic therapy; the magnitude of decrease correlated with survival (p less than 0.01). Among the patients whose antibiotic therapy was discontinued when the ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count reached 250 per mm3 or less, the duration of therapy was considerably shorter than for the patients who received "conventional" therapy (p less than 0.01). Recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was similar in the two groups. Mortality correlated with the severity of underlying liver disease but not with duration of antibiotic therapy.

Is the acidity of ascitic fluid a reliable index in making the presumptive diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Ascitic fluid pH and arterial-ascitic fluid pH gradient were compared to ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count in 84 patients with cirrhotic ascites and in 12 with malignant ascites to assess their role as diagnostic tests for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and to clarify the relationship between ascitic fluid pH and lactate. Ascitic fluid pH was significantly lower (pH 7.30) in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (n = 18) and probable spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (n = 12) than in sterile ascites (pH 7.41; n = 54). Since blood pH levels were not different in the presence of infection, arterial-ascitic fluid pH gradient was significantly higher in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and probable spontaneous bacterial peritonitis than in sterile ascites (0.12 vs. 0.02). The close correlations between arterial-ascitic pH gradient and lactate (r = 0.77, p less than 0.0001), lactate and bicarbonate gradient (r = 0.64, p = 0.003) and arterial-ascitic pH gradient and pCO2 gradient (r = -0.90, p less than 0.0001) suggest that the low ascitic fluid pH may be due to an increase in lactate and CO2. Patients with Escherichia coli-induced spontaneous bacterial peritonitis had significantly lower ascitic fluid pH and higher lactate than those with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by other organisms. Values of ascitic fluid pH, lactate and arterial-ascitic fluid pH gradient in malignant ascites were similar to those of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and probable spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Cutoff points, selected by receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, of 450 per mm3 for polymorphonuclear cells and of 0.07 for arterial-ascitic fluid pH gradient, allow high positive and negative predictive values for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)