Community-acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Research Articles

SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of ascitic fluid, posing a severe complication in patients with portal hypertension (PH). Hospital mortality rates are exceedingly high, sometimes surpassing 85%. Only timely diagnosis and treatment can mitigate mortality and morbidity levels. Purpose. Through literature analysis and review, demonstrate the necessity, appropriateness, and efficacy of SBP treatment in patients with decompensated portal hypertension. Additionally, highlight the potential development of ascites and subsequent infections, which may not always be linked to liver cirrhosis. Materials and methods. This article conducts a literature review and assesses recommendations, findings from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other review articles published in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between 2000 and 2023. Outcome. Diagnostic paracentesis is recommended for all ascites patients requiring emergency care or hospitalization to ascertain SBP presence. Accurate differentiation between SBP and secondary bacterial peritonitis is crucial, as treatment approaches differ for each condition. Conclusions. Standard SBP treatment entails promptly administering broad-spectrum antibiotics, considering the potential for community-acquired or nosocomial SBP, and factoring in microbial antibiotic resistance. Given SBP's annual mortality rate surpassing 50%, liver transplantation is recommended for SBP survivors.

Executive Summary: Guidelines for the Management of Adult Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in the ICU: Neurology, Peri-Transplant Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Gastroenterology Considerations.

Executive Summary: Guidelines for the Management of Adult Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in the ICU: Neurology, Peri-Transplant Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Gastroenterology Considerations.

Establishment of a model for predicting the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin in treatment of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Establishment of a model for predicting the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin in treatment of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis—A Literature Review

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as a bacterial infection of the ascitic fluid without a surgically treatable intra-abdominal infection source. SBP is a common, severe complication in cirrhosis patients with ascites, and if left untreated, in-hospital mortality may exceed 90%. However, the incidence of SBP has been lowered to approx. 20% through early diagnosis and antibiotic therapy. Clinical awareness, prompt diagnosis, and immediate treatment are advised when caring for these patients to reduce mortality and morbidity. Aim: To discuss important issues comprising types of SBP, pathogenesis, bacteriology, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, prompt diagnosis, risk factors, prognosis, treatment strategies, as well as recurrence prevention through antibiotic prophylaxis until liver transplantation and future trends in treating and preventing SBP in detail. Methods: This article is a literature review and appraisal of guidelines, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other review articles found on PubMed from between 1977 and 2022. Results: There are three types of SBP. Bacterial translocation from GI tract is the most common source of SBP. Therefore, two thirds of SBP cases were caused by Gram-negative bacilli, of which Escherichia coli is the most frequently isolated pathogen. However, a trend of Gram-positive cocci associated SBP has been demonstrated in recent years, possibly related to more invasive procedures and long-term quinolone prophylaxis. A diagnostic paracentesis should be performed in all patients with cirrhosis and ascites who require emergency room care or hospitalization, who demonstrate or report consistent signs/symptoms in order to confirm evidence of SBP. Distinguishing SBP from secondary bacterial peritonitis is essential because the conditions require different therapeutic strategies. The standard treatment for SBP is prompt broad-spectrum antibiotic administration and should be tailored according to community-acquired SBP, healthcare-associated or nosocomial SBP infections and local resistance profile. Albumin supplementation, especially in patients with renal impairment, is also beneficial. Selective intestinal decontamination is associated with a reduced risk of bacterial infection and mortality in high-risk group. Conclusions: The standard treatment for SBP is prompt broad-spectrum antibiotic administration and should be tailored according to community-acquired SBP, healthcare-associated or nosocomial SBP infections and local resistance profile. Since the one-year overall mortality rates for SBP range from 53.9 to 78%, liver transplantation should be seriously considered for SBP survivors who are good candidates for transplantation. Further development of non-antibiotic strategies based on pathogenic mechanisms are also urgently needed.

A comparative study on nosocomial and community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis at a university hospital.

The serious nature of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and the need for timely effective empirical antibiotic therapy in the context of the global surge of antimicrobial resistance and changing epidemiology necessitate a periodic review of the local epidemiologic features of the disease. The aim of the study is to investigate the differences in bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance between nosocomial and community-acquired SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis to guide empirical antibiotic choices for better outcomes. This cross-sectional study included 95 ascitic cirrhotic patients diagnosed with SBP. According to the setting in which the infection was acquired, the patients were divided into two groups: nosocomial and community-acquired SBP. The bacterial profile and rates of multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production among Gram-negative isolates in both groups were compared. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated bacteria (60% of all isolates) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%). Gram-positive bacteria were only isolated from nosocomial SBP cases; the most common was Staphylococcus aureus (11.4%) followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (5.7%). High rates of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, the first-line empirical treatment of SBP, were detected (76.6-100% in nosocomial isolates and 25-87% in community isolates). Carbapenems, amikacin and gentamycin showed good activity against Gram-negative bacilli in both nosocomial and community-acquired isolates. MDR bacteria, including ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, were significantly associated with nosocomial SBP. The significant increase in MDR phenotype and ESBL production among nosocomial isolates necessitates a change in the initial empirical therapy for nosocomial SBP and carbapenems seem good alternatives.

Real-World Effectiveness of Piperacillin/Tazobactam with and without Linezolid for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Background: Guidelines recommend empirical therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) with low risk of multidrug-resistant organisms. Whether coverage of beta-lactam-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, such as ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, provides clinical benefit in such situations is unknown. Methods: In this observational study, we investigated the real-world effectiveness of empirical therapy with TZP monotherapy versus TZP plus linezolid (LZD) combination therapy in patients with SBP from two centers. Treatment failure, defined as the need to escalate antibiotic therapy due to in vitro resistance, lack of neutrophil decrease in ascitic fluid, or clinical decision, and 30-day survival were retrospectively assessed. Results: In the first cohort, 100 SBP episodes were empirically treated with TZP + LZD combination therapy (n = 50) or TZP monotherapy (n = 50). Treatment failure was recorded in 48% with TZP monotherapy compared with 16% with TZP + LZD combination therapy (p = 0.001), and this difference persisted after stratification for community-acquired versus hospital-acquired SBP. Although treatment failure after TZP therapy was associated with lower 30-day survival (56% vs. 82%; p = 0.04), 30-day survival with empirical TZP + LZD combination therapy was not different from empirical TZP monotherapy (Kaplan-Meier estimates 74% vs. 69%; p = 0.87). TZP concentrations in ascitic fluid were >32 mg/L in 94% samples after continuous administration. In a second cohort of 41 patients empirically treated with TZP, treatment failure was observed in 37%, which was also higher than in episodes treated with TZP + LZD in cohort 1 (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, empirical TZP + LZD combination therapy for SBP was associated with fewer treatment failures without impact on short-term survival.

Cephalosporin resistance in community acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Objective:To determine 3rd generation cephalosporin resistance in patients with community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) using early response assessment.Methods:This prospective quasi-experimental study was carried out at Doctors Hospital & Medical Center from January 2016 to September 2018. Patients with cirrhosis and SBP were included. Third generation cephalosporins i.e. cefotaxime/ceftriaxone were used for treatment of SBP. Response after 48 hours was assessed and decline in ascitic fluid neutrophil count of < 25% of baseline was labelled as cephalosporin resistant. Carbapenem were used as second line treatment. Recovery and discharge or death of patients were primary end points.Results:Male to female ratio in 31 patients of SBP was 1.2/1 (17/14). Hepato-renal syndrome was diagnosed in 11(37.9%) patients. Cefotaxime was used for 16(51.6%) patients whereas ceftriaxone for 15(48.3%) patients. Early response of SBP was noted in 26(83.8%) patients while 5 (16.2%) were non-responders to cephalosporins. SBP resolved in all non-responding patients with i/v carbapenem. In-hospital mortality was 12.9% and had no association with cephalosporin resistance. High bilirubin (p 0.04), deranged INR (p 0.008), low albumin (p 0.04), high Child Pugh (CTP) score (p 0.03) and MELD scores (p 0.009) were associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusion:Cephalosporin resistance was present in 16.2% of study patients with community-acquired SBP. Mortality in SBP patients is associated with advanced stage of liver disease.

Risk factors predicting nosocomial, healthcare-associated and community-acquired infection in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and survival outcome.

Aim of the studyTo determine risk factors predicting nosocomial, healthcare-associated and community-acquired infection in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and survival outcome.Material and methodsThis prospective observational study included confirmed cases of cirrhosis with ascites requiring paracentesis, age > 18 years, either gender, any aetiology and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) stage, with or without cirrhosis-related complications. Patient data included age, gender, co-morbidity, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, CTP score, cirrhosis-related complications, details of previous hospitalization, ascitic tapping and antibiotics instituted. SBP was diagnosed as ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leucocyte count greater than 250/mm3 (0.25 × 109/l) and/or culture positivity for a single organism. Statistics – chi square test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA, survival plot. A p value < 0.05 was statistically significant.Results610 cases fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. 122 (20%) patients had SBP: community-acquired SBP 37 (30.3%), nosocomial SBP 19 (16.5%) and healthcare-associated SBP 66 (54.5%). The majority were men (106; 86%) with median age of 51.5 (27-78) years. A significantly higher percentage of community-acquired SBP belonged to CTP class B. Thirtytwo and 7 patients respectively were blood and ascitic fluid culture positive. Significant nosocomial SBP were blood culture positive (p < 0.02). The most common isolates were E. coli followed by Klebsiella. Survival plot analysis at 3 months showed the worst survival for nosocomial SBP (p = 0.0009).ConclusionsPrevalence of SBP in our study was 20%, the majority with healthcare-associated SBP belonging to CTP C. Patients with nosocomial SBP had significant bacteremia with high mortality.

Are third-generation cephalosporins still the empirical antibiotic treatment of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication among cirrhotic patients. Guidelines recommend third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) as empiric antibiotic therapy (EAT) of SBP. Recently, a broad-spectrum EAT was shown to be more effective than cephalosporins in the treatment of nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (N-SBP); however, the prevalence of 3GCs-resistant bacteria is high in the nosocomial setting and broad-spectrum EAT cannot be used in all cases of SBP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3GCs resistance distribution between N-SBP and community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (CA-SBP) to clarify whether 3GCs are still an effective therapeutic intervention for CA-SBP. We searched for studies that reported the aetiology of SBP and the resistance profile of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases (since 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2017). A meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the risk difference [relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for 3GCs resistance in N-SBP and CA-SBP. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I-test. A total of eight studies were included, including 1074 positive cultures of ascitic fluid in cirrhotic patients; 462 positive cultures were from N-SBP and, among these, 251 (54.3%) were 3GCs resistant. Six hundred and twelve positive cultures were from CA-SBP and, among these, 207 (33.8%) were 3GCs-resistant SBP. A pooled RR of 3GCs resistance in N-SBP compared with CA-SBP showed a significant difference (RR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.14-2.44; P=0.008). We carried out two subgroup analyses: the first according to the median year of study observation (before vs. since 2008) and the second according to the country of the study (China vs. others). The studies carried out before 2008 (327 SBP-positive culture) showed a significantly higher risk for 3GCs-resistant strains in N-SBP compared with CA-SBP (RR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.39-3.99; P=0.001), whereas this was not found in SBP acquired after 2008 (RR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.83-1.84; P=0.29). N-SBP occurring in China had no significantly higher risk for 3GCs-resistant strains compared with CA-SBP (RR=1.44, 95% CI: 0.87-2.37; P=0.16). Our findings suggest that although the pooled RR of 3GCs resistance in N-SBP compared with CA-SBP show that 3GCs are still an effective option for the treatment of CA-SBP, the subanalysis of studies that enroled patients in the last decade did not show a significant higher RR of 3GCs resistance in N-SBP compared with CA-SBP. Therefore, in centres where local patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility (with low rates of 3GCs resistance) are not available, 3GCs should not be used initially for CA-SBP treatment. Future studies are needed to confirm this trend of 3GCs resistance.

Nosocomial and Community-Acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis in China: Comparative Microbiology and Therapeutic Implications

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. This study was performed to compare the microbiological characteristics of nosocomial and community-acquired episodes of bacterial peritonitis in China. Five hundred and seventy-five strains were isolated from the ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients from the Beijing 302 Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. The patients in the community-acquired SBP (n = 264) and the nosocomial SBP (n = 311) groups exhibited significant differences in clinical symptoms (P < 0.01). In both groups, most of the bacteria were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, coagulase-negative staphylococcus and Enterococcus. There were more frequent gram-positive cocci (G+ C) in the nosocomial group (n = 170). Compared with the community-acquired group, the proportion of Enterococcus was significantly increased in the nosocomial group (9.0% vs. 16.6%, P < 0.05). The resistance rate of the main pathogenic bacteria to the recommended first-line drug in the guideline was very high. Community-acquired and nosocomial SBP groups exhibited differences in clinical symptoms and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Optimal treatments should be provided for these patients. We recommend that cefoperazone/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam should be used for the empirical treatment of SBP.

Comparative Study of Community Acquired and Nosocomial Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and its Variants in 150 Patients

Nosocomial acquisition of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is debated as having a different microbial etiology and prognosis. Identification of clinical, laboratory predictors of mortality and appropriate empirical antimicrobial selection is necessary to prevent early mortality and morbidity. We aimed to find the clinical and bacteriological profile in nosocomial and community acquired SBP and its variants, and the predictors of mortality. One hundred and fifty patients with 162 discrete episodes of different types of SBP were analyzed. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. SBP was diagnosed according to standard criteria and classified as community acquired if the infection detected within 48h of admission and as nosocomial after 48h of admission to the hospital. Eighty seven percent had community acquired SBP (CSBP), 13% had nosocomial SBP (NSBP). Patients of NSBP were older, had more episodes of GI bleed and higher previous episodes of encephalopathy. Patients who died were older, had worse encephalopathy. NSBP had higher one month mortality. Age, serum sodium, encephalopathy and NSBP predicted mortality. Culture positivity was 22.22%. Escherichia coli was the commonest organism isolated. There was no difference in the bacteriological profile between CSBP and NSBP. E. coli showed up to 48% resistance to third generation cephalosporins. Overall sensitivity to aminoglycosides was more than 75%. Overall mortality was 59%. NSBP had significantly high one month mortality. Age, serum sodium, encephalopathy and NSBP were predictors of mortality. Bacteriological profile was similar between CSBP and NSBP.

Antibiotic resistance in healthcare-related and nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) can be life threatening in patients with liver cirrhosis. In contrast to community-acquired SBP, no standard treatment has been established for healthcare-related and nosocomial SBP. We prospectively collected healthcare-related and nosocomial SBP cases from March 2012 till February 2016 at the Department of Internal Medicine I of the University of Bonn and analysed the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among the isolated bacteria. SBP was diagnosed according to international guidelines. Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and meropenem were used as reference substance for resistance to quinolones, third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, respectively. Ninety-two SBP episodes in 86 patients were identified: 63 episodes (69%) were nosocomial. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, enterococci and streptococci were most frequently isolated. Frequencies of these microorganisms were comparable for healthcare-related and nosocomial SBP (14% vs. 11%, 14% vs. 8%, 14% vs. 5% and 10% vs. 6%, respectively). In general, antibiotic resistance was higher in isolates from nosocomial than from healthcare-related SBP (50% vs. 18% for quinolones, 30% vs. 11% for piperacillin-tazobactam; P > 0·05), but comparable concerning third-generation cephalosporins (30% vs. 33%). All microorganisms were sensitive to carbapenems apart from nosocomial infections with Enterococcus faecium (n = 3) and Candida albicans (n = 1) due to intrinsic resistance or lack of microbiological efficacy, respectively. No multidrug-resistant microorganisms were detected. Resistance to initial antibiotic treatment affected 30-day survival negatively (18% vs. 68%; P = 0·002). Resistance to initial antibiotic treatment was associated with increased mortality. With resistance to cephalosporins being frequent, piperacillin-tazobactam or carbapenems might be preferred as treatment of SBP.

Efficacy of antibiotics and influence factors in the treatment of 384 cases of liver cirrhosis complicated with nosocomial-acquired and community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics and influence factors in the treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with nosocomial-acquired and community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Methods From August 2010 to March 2014, a total of 384 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis complicated with SBP were selected and divided into nosocomial-acquired and community-acquired groups. All the influence factors of patients were recorded and analyzed. Ascites was cultured and identified. According to the condition of patients, cefotaxime sodium, ceftriaxone sodium, levofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem and cilastatin were administrated and the efficacy was determined. Chi square test or Logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Results Among 384 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with SBP, 264 were community-acquired SBP and 120 were nosocomial-acquired SBP. The efficacy rate of cefotaxime sodium, ceftriaxone sodium and levofloxacin in patients with initial treatment were 68.9% (62/90), 75.8% (72/95) and 61.4% (51/83), respectively; which was all lower than that of piperacillin-tazobactam (93.1%, 108/116), and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=20.600, 12.490 and 30.190, all P 0.05). Antibiotics used in the recent three months before onset of the disease and hospitalization history were the risk factors of ineffective treatment of cefotaxime sodium (χ2=16.972 and 12.429, both P<0.05), ceftriaxone sodium (χ2=20.564 and 5.764, both P<0.05) and levofloxacin (χ2=16.498 and 7.247, both P<0.05). Diabetes mellitus was the risk factor of ineffective treatment of cefotaxime sodium and ceftriaxone sodium (χ2=7.427 and 6.087, both P<0.05). Conclusions For patients with nosocomial-acquired SBP, the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam was better. Diabetes mellitus, previous use of antibiotics and hospitalization history were risk factors of ineffective treatment. Key words: Liver cirrhosis; Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Efficacy; Influence factor

831Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with Hospital-Acquired, Healthcare-Associated and Community-Acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

831Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with Hospital-Acquired, Healthcare-Associated and Community-Acquired Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Cirrhosis: Community-Acquired versus Nosocomial

PurposeSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) frequently develops in patients with liver cirrhosis; however, there is little data to suggest whether the acquisition site of infection influences the prognosis. This study compared the bacteriology, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of community-acquired SBP (CA-SBP) and nosocomial SBP (N-SBP).Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 130 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis, who had experienced a first episode of SBP between January 1999 and December 2008, were reviewed.ResultsThe study population included 111 (85.4%) patients with CA-SBP and 19 (14.6%) patients with N-SBP. Baseline and microbiological characteristics as well as clinical course, including in-hospital mortality, did not differ between patients with CA-SBP and those with N-SBP (all p>0.05). The median survival time was 6.5 months, and 117 (90.0%) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients with CA-SBP and N-SBP survived for median periods of 6.6 and 6.2 months, respectively, without significant difference (p=0.569). Time to recurrence did not differ between patients with CA-SBP and N-SBP (4.7 vs. 3.6 months, p=0.925).ConclusionThe acquisition site of infection did not affect clinical outcomes for patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis who had experienced their first episode of SBP. Third-generation cephalosporins may be effective in empirically treating these patients, regardless of the acquisition site of the infection.

Homozygous carrier of the NOD2 1007fs frame‐shift mutation presenting with refractory community‐acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and developing fatal pulmonary mucormycosis: A case report

Genetic variants of the innate immune system contribute to episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with cirrhosis. We herein report the case of a patient with the homozygous nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) frame-shift mutation 1007fs presenting with sepsis and community-acquired SBP by Escherichia coli. Secondary peritonitis, pancreatic ascites and malignant causes were excluded by extensive diagnostic work-up. First-line treatment with ceftriaxone was not successful despite in vitro sensitivity of the isolated strain. Despite prolonged second-line treatment with imipenem/cilastatin and intermittent ascites drainage, the ascitic fluid neutrophil count remained markedly elevated in this patient. In the course of the disease the patient developed pneumonia with identification of the typical hyphae of mucormycosis in the bronchoalveolar lavage and died of sepsis with multi-organ failure. On the basis of this observation, variants of the innate immunity have to be considered in therapy-refractory SBP, even when they are community-acquired and caused by cephalosporin-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae.

Clinical Significance and Outcome of Nosocomial Acquisition of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

There have been few reports on the causes and treatment outcomes for nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis. We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare the microbiological and clinical characteristics in nosocomial versus community-acquired SBP. All patients with SBP, for whom culture was proven to be positive for SBP at Samsung Medical Center (Seoul, Republic of Korea) from 1 January 2000 through 31 June 2007, were included. Medical records and laboratory data were reviewed. Nosocomial SBP was defined as SBP diagnosed after 72 h of hospitalization. A total of 236 patients with SBP were enrolled (mean age +/- SD age, 56.6 +/- 10.7 years); 166 patients were women, and 70 were men. Nosocomial and community-acquired SBP occurred in 126 and 110 patients, respectively. Escherichia coli accounted for 102 (43.2%) of 236 isolates, Klebsiella species accounted for 33 isolates (14.0%), and Streptococcus species accounted for 23 isolates (9.8%). The overall 30-day mortality rate for nosocomial SBP was higher than that for community-acquired SBP (58.7% vs. 37.3%; P = .001). Nosocomial isolates of gram-negative organisms were significantly more resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (41% vs. 10.0%; P = .001) and quinolones (50.0% vs. 30.9%; P = .003), compared with community-acquired isolates. Multivariate analysis revealed that nosocomial infection, concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma, presentation with acute renal failure or shock, and resistance to third-generation cephalosporins were significant risk factors for 30-day mortality associated with SBP. Nosocomial SBP has a poorer outcome than community-acquired SBP. The resistance to third-generation cephalosporins for gram-negative organisms, which are more common in nosocomial cases of SBP than in community-acquired cases of SBP, adversely affects the outcome of SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Pharmacologic treatment of portal hypertension in the prevention of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Given that beta-blockers reduce the incidence of bacterial translocation in cirrhotic rats, the aim of this study was to compare the long-term incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients submitted to pharmacologic versus endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding. Two hundred and thirty patients with variceal hemorrhage were included in two previous randomized trials performed to compare the efficacy of medication (nadolol plus isosorbide mononitrate, n=115) versus endoscopic treatment (n=115) with sclerotherapy or ligation for the prevention of rebleeding. The mean follow-up was 23+/-1.4 months. The characteristics of the patients and the number of patients on long-term prophylaxis with norfloxacin were similar in both groups. The incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was lower in the medication group (9 versus 14.7%, P=NS). The probability of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was also lower in the medication group (6 versus 12% at 1 year, 22 versus 36% at 5 years; P=0.08), due to a significantly lower probability of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in this group (1 versus 10% at 1 year, 18 versus 32% at 5 years; P=0.02). Patients with no hemodynamic response to therapy had a significantly higher probability to develop community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis during follow-up than hemodynamic responders (P<0.03). Long-term probability of developing community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is lower in patients submitted to pharmacologic treatment for preventing variceal rebleeding than in those submitted to endoscopic treatment. Long-term pharmacologic prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding contributes to the prevention of community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Prognostic Significance of Infection Acquisition Sites in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: Nosocomial versus Community Acquired

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an ascitic fluid infection as a complication of end stage liver disease. The outcome is related to the severity of hepatorenal function, gastrointestinal bleeding, and many others; however it is not well known whether the infection acquisition sites have an effect on the prognosis of SBP. In order to identify the prognostic significance of the acquisition sites, we studied 106 patients who were diagnosed as culture positive SBP between October 1998 and August 2003. Thirty-two episodes were nosocomial and 74 were community acquired. Gram-negative bacilli such as Escherichia coli were dominant in both of the nosocomial and community-acquired SBPs. Despite significantly higher resistance to cefotaxime in nosocomial isolates compared to community-acquired isolates (77.8% vs. 13.6%, p=0.001), no difference was found regarding short or long term prognosis. Infection acquisition sites were not related to short or long term prognosis either. Shock, gastrointestinal bleeding and renal dysfunction were related to short term prognosis. Only Child-Pugh class C was identified as an independent prognostic factor of long-term survival.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a historical perspective: Kerr DNS, Pearson DT, Read AE. Infection of ascitic fluid in patients with hepatic cirrhosis [Gut 1963; 4: 394–398]; Conn HO. Spontaneous peritonitis and bacteremia in Laennec's cirrhosis caused by enteric organisms. A relatively common but rarely recognized syndrome [Ann Intern Med 1964; 60: 568–580

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a historical perspective: Kerr DNS, Pearson DT, Read AE. Infection of ascitic fluid in patients with hepatic cirrhosis [Gut 1963; 4: 394–398]; Conn HO. Spontaneous peritonitis and bacteremia in Laennec's cirrhosis caused by enteric organisms. A relatively common but rarely recognized syndrome [Ann Intern Med 1964; 60: 568–580