Positive Ascitic Fluid Research Articles

Sensitivity of diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is higher with the automated cell count method.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis entailing high morbidity and mortality. Making an accurate early diagnosis of this infection is key in the outcome of these patients. The current definition of SBP is based on studies performed more than 40 years ago using a manual technique to count the number of polymorphs in ascitic fluid (AF). There is a lack of data comparing the traditional cell count method with a current automated cell counter. Moreover, current international guidelines do not mention the type of cell count method to be employed and around half of the centers still rely on the traditional manual method. To compare the accuracy of polymorph count on AF to diagnose SBP between the traditional manual cell count method and a modern automated cell counter against SBP cases fulfilling gold standard criteria: Positive AF culture and signs/symptoms of peritonitis. Retrospective analysis including two cohorts: Cross-sectional (cohort 1) and case-control (cohort 2), of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. Both cell count methods were conducted simultaneously. Positive SBP cases had a pathogenic bacteria isolated on AF and signs/symptoms of peritonitis. A total of 137 cases with 5 positive-SBP, and 85 cases with 33 positive-SBP were included in cohort 1 and 2, respectively. Positive-SBP cases had worse liver function in both cohorts. The automated method showed higher sensitivity than the manual cell count: 80% vs 52%, P = 0.02, in cohort 2. Both methods showed very good specificity (> 95%). The best cutoff using the automated cell counter was polymorph ≥ 0.2 cells × 109/L (equivalent to 200 cells/mm3) in AF as it has the higher sensitivity keeping a good specificity. The automated cell count method should be preferred over the manual method to diagnose SBP because of its higher sensitivity. SBP definition, using the automated method, as polymorph cell count ≥ 0.2 cells × 109/L in AF would need to be considered in patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage – a new treatment strategy in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and liver cirrhosis

Introduction Bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients represent a major clinical problem, occuring 4-5 times more frequently compared to the general population and increasing mortality by leading to acute on chronic liver failure, subsequent decompensation, and multiorgan failure. The study’s purpose is to determine the possibilities of laparoscopy in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Materials and methods A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 82 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, who were admitted to the Constantin Tibirna Surgery department No2, Holy Trinity Municipal Clinical Hospital and the Scientific Research Laboratory of Hepatic Surgery, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, between January 2012 and December 2021. Patients who underwent surgical drainage of the abdominal cavity by laparoscopy with postoperative peritoneal lavage with antibiotics were selected. All patients received standard treatment for the correction of liver function and complications of portal hypertension. The data were extracted from the medical records of the hospital archive, and the patient database was compiled. Data analysis was performed using simple statistical calculations. Results Positive ascitic fluid bacterial culture was in 29.2% (24 patients), while 70.7% (58 patients) had culture-negative ascites and peritonitis. The most frequent bacterial species was E. coli, present in 54.1% (13 patients). Mortality was 8.5% (7 patients) due to progressive liver failure. Recurrence of ascites and peritonitis at 1 month was 6.0% (5 patients). Conclusions The laparoscopic approach in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis allows for better sanitation of the abdominal cavity, improves peritoneal absorption, and deserves establishment as clinical practice for patients with ascites and peritonitis and cirrhosis.

Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer


 
 
 
 Correspondence
 Dr Manju Pandey , Gynecology Oncology Unit, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. Email: drmanju921@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
 
 Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy diagnosed at late stage in most of the cases. Management includes primary debulking surgery with a target of no gross residual disease or ≤ 1cm residual disease followed by paclitaxel and carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy of at least 3 cycles followed by interval debulking surgery is an alternative option in selected cases of advanced disease. Material and Method: A prospective study was carried out at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan from the period 1st November 2022 to 31st August 2023 (10 months). Patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer based on clinical and CECT findings and confirmed with cytology or FNAC or biopsy undergoing Interval Debulking Surgery after 3 cycles of NACT (paclitaxel and carboplatin) were included. The role of NACT in terms of response according to RECIST criteria, regression of CA125 value, rate of complete or optimal cytoreduction, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 40 cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Most patients 14(35%) were between 51-60 years with a mean age of 51.45 ± 11.46 SD years. Abdominal pain and/or distension were the most common presenting symptoms. The majority 32 (84.2%) of cases were given NACT based on CT scan findings of advanced disease. Confirmation of malignancy was done by positive USG-guided FNAC from ovarian mass in most cases 23 (57.5%), followed by positive ascitic fluid cytology in 8 (20%) patients. The median CA125 value before and after NACT were 844 U/ml and 27.89 U/ml respectively. After NACT, CA125 was normalized in 24 (60%) patients. Most patients 30 (75%) had complete cytoreduction during IDS; while 7 (17.5%) patients had optimal cytoreduction, and 3 (7.5%) had suboptimal cytoreduction. The median duration of surgery was 147.5 minutes, and the median blood loss was 287.5 ml. The postoperative period was uneventful in most cases. Conclusions: NACT followed by interval debulking surgery is an effective alternative in selected cases of advanced ovarian cancer as the complete and optimal cytoreduction rate is higher with fewer postoperative complications.

Outcomes after hospitalisation with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis over a 13-year period: a retrospective cohort study.

Assess outcomes in patients with an index presentation of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) over a 13-year period. SBP, a bacterial infection of ascites, has a poor prognosis. Retrospective cohort study assessing mortality (standardised to 32 months) and prognostic factors in patients with SBP during two periods: period 1 (June 2006-November 2012) and period 2 (December 2012-May 2019). The study included 178 patients who were followed up for 11.6 (29.2) months. Mortality was high, with 12-, 24- and 32-month survival being 32%, 26% and 24%, respectively. Inpatient mortality was 36% with mortality in those surviving hospitalisation being 62%. Serum creatinine at the time of SBP diagnosis was an independent predictor of mortality at 32 months [hazard ratio (HR) 1.002, P = 0.023] and inpatient mortality (HR 1.003, P = 0.035). Positive ascitic fluid culture and ascitic fluid neutrophil count were independent predictors of 32-month (HR 1.679, P = 0.008) and inpatient mortality (HR 1.0001, P = 0.005), respectively. Patients in period 2 had lower ascitic fluid albumin (5.9 ± 3.3 g/L vs. 10.8 ± 5.4 g/L, P < 0.001), higher ascitic fluid neutrophil count (815.0 cells/mm3 vs. 345.0 cells/mm3, P < 0.001) and higher rates of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (58 vs. 35%, P = 0.002). Mortality at 32 months and mortality in those surviving hospitalisation were similar at 78 vs. 73%, P = 0.392 and 66 vs. 58%, P = 0.355, for periods 1 and 2, respectively. Despite more advanced initial presentations, mortality rates have remained similar over the last 13 years. Serum creatinine at the time of SBP diagnosis is an independent predictor of mortality.

Association of raised CA 125/ CEA ratio and positive Ascitic fluid cytology with diagnosis of ovarian cancer in patients with adnexal mass.

Objective: To look for the association of raised CA 125/ CEA ratio and positive ascitic fluid cytology with the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer in patients with an adnexal mass. Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Oncology and Gynecology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahimyarkhan. Period: September 2021 to February 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of three hundred patients presenting with adnexal mass were recruited for the study. All patients underwent detailed evaluation, including CA 125 levels, CEA levels and ascitic fluid cytology. After complete staging workup, they underwent surgery and histopathological analysis of adnexal mass. A consultant histopathologist made the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Association of various factors, including raised CA 125/ CEA ratio and positive ascitic fluid cytology with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, was established. Results: Out of 350 patients of adnexal mass included in analysis, 273 (88%) were diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma, while 77 (22%) were not diagnosed with ovarian cancer after the surgery and had a diagnosis other than ovarian cancer. 179 (51.2%) patients were post-menopausal whereas 171 (48.8%) were pre-menopausal. It was revealed that raised CA-125/CEA ratio and positive ascitic fluid cytology had a statistically significant association with the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma on histopathology (p-value&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Most patients who presented with adnexal mass were diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma in our study. Raised CA 125/ CEA ratio and positive ascitic fluid cytology at baseline predicted a histopathological diagnosis of ovarian cancer in our study participants.

Clinical, Laboratory and Bacterial Profile of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Vietnamese Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

AimTo determine several clinical and laboratory features as well as the bacterial profile of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in 58 Vietnamese patients admitted to a single center due to liver cirrhosis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed bacteriological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with SBP admitted to the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center from July 2019 to July 2020.ResultsOut of a total 58 SBP patients, 41 (70.9%) had culture-negative neutrocytic ascites. The majority of patients experienced abdominal pain (93,1%) and large ascites (65,5%). Gram-negative bacteria formed the main pathogens (14/17). Escherichia coli (9/17) was the predominant cause followed by Burkholderia cepacia (2/17). Antibiotic sensitivity rate of E. coli for third generation cephalosporin was low but high for aminoglycoside and carbapenem antibiotics. The resistance of E. coli was significant against fluoroquinolones (100%). All 3 cases of gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin.ConclusionOur study reported the bacteriological and clinical characteristics of patients with SBP and compared these findings between two groups: positive ascitic fluid culture and negative fluid culture. Ascitic fluid culture can guide for the right antibiotic choice since resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics is common in SBP patients.

An evaluation of ascitic calprotectin for diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with cirrhosis

BackgroundThe most common infection in children with the hepatic disease with or without cirrhotic ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which occurs in the absence of an evident intra-abdominal source of infection. The present study aims to assess the value of calprotectin in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with liver cirrhosis.Materials and methodsIn this cross-section study, 80 children with underlying liver disease who attended the Hepatology and Emergency Department in Shiraz University Hospitals were studied. All the patients were evaluated by a thorough history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, diagnostic paracentesis with PMNLs count, and Calprotectin, which was measured in 1 mL ascitic fluid by ELISA.ResultsThirty-five patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with ascitic fluid infection. Of these children 6 cases had positive ascitic fluid culture (SBP). Calprotectin was high in AFI patients with a statistically significant difference in AFI patients compared to non-AFI patients. The cut-off levels were 91.55 mg /L and the area under the curve was 0.971. So it can serve as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for detection of AFI in children with underlying liver disease.ConclusionElevated ascitic calprotectin levels in cirrhotic patients are a diagnostic and reliable marker for the detection of AFI and are considered a surrogate marker for PMN.

Does a Decrease in CA-125 in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predict the Clinical Outcome of Patients? A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Although ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, in most cases, it is not diagnosed until it covers the entire peritoneum. In the present study, it was examined the clinical outcomes of the women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in stage IIIC-IV treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and its association with decreased ovarian cancer antigen (CA-125). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 78 women with EOC (Stage IIIC-IV) who underwent NACT at Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran, Iran were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, aged at diagnosis, severity and stage of disease, serum CA-125 level, histological type, tumor pathology before and after chemotherapy, overall survival, and recurrence of disease was examined. Results: In total, 78 women with mean age of 52.83 ± 10.18 (between of 29 to 77) years were evaluated. The majority of the patients had positive initial ascitic fluid cytology for malignancy (68.9%). After surgery, papillary serous was the most common histologic finding (73, 81.1%). CA-125 level post NACT (median of 25 U/mL) was significantly reduced compare to before NACT (median of 980 U/mL; P&lt;0.0001), and the rate of CA-125 reduction was significantly lower in older participants’ ages (r=0.274, P=0.017). Survival time showed a significant and strong negative correlation with the CA-125 levels before (r=-0.363, P=0.003) and after NACT (r=- 0.383, P=0.002). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between survival time and chemotherapy courses (r=-0.363, P=0.003) and age (r=-0.474, P=0.000). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced ovarian cancer can be predicted by a decrease in serum CA-125 levels after NACT.

Ascitic Fluid Total Cell Count and Polymorphonuclear Cell Count in Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites and its Prognostic Value

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as ascitic fluid (AF) infection without surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection with or without a positive AF culture and AF polymorphonuclear(PMN)cell count of >250.In this study we assessed the prognostic value of AF total cell count and PMN cell count in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and its outcome.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis among Cirrhotic Patients: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes.

(1) Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a feared complication of liver cirrhosis. We investigated the prevalence of SBP, positive ascitic fluid cultures, and risk factors for mortality. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with cirrhosis hospitalized or in follow-up in a single center between 1996 and 2020. The clinical data, long-term complications, and mortality of SBP patients were compared with those of non-SBP patients. Ascitic fluid positive culture was compared with those without growth. (3) Results: We included 1035 cirrhotic patients, of which 173 (16.7%) developed SBP. Ascitic fluid culture growth was found in 47.4% of the SBP cases, with Escherichia coli bacteria detected in 38%, 24.4% grew ESBL-producing bacteria, and 14.5% displayed multidrug resistance. In a Cox regression model, SBP, male sex, prolonged INR at diagnosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma were found to be risk factors for mortality in cirrhotic patients. The long-term all-cause mortality was 60% in non-SBP and 90% in SBP patients. (4) Conclusions: Only a minority of cirrhotic patients developed SBP, 47.4% of which had positive ascitic fluid cultures with high antibiotic resistance. Growth of ESBL and multidrug resistant organisms is becoming more frequent in the clinical setting, reaching SBP mortality of 90%.

Clinical implications of prompt ascitic drain removal in cirrhosis with refractory ascites.

Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) is the first-line treatment for decompensated cirrhosis with refractory ascites. While ascitic drain removal (ADR) within 72 hours of the procedure was once considered safe, it was uncertain whether ADR within 24 hours could further reduce the risk of ascitic drain-related bacterial peritonitis (AdBP). This study aimed to investigate the association between the timing of ADR and the presence of AdBP. All patients with cirrhosis with refractory ascites who underwent LVP in our institution from 2014 to 2017 were studied. AdBP was diagnosed based on an ascitic fluid neutrophil count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 or positive ascitic fluid culture following recent paracentesis within two weeks. A total of 131 patients who underwent LVP were followed up for 1,806 patient-months. Their mean age was 68.3 ± 11.6 years, and 65.6% were male. Their mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 15.2. The overall incidence of AdBP was 5.3%. ADR beyond 24 hours was significantly associated with a longer median length of stay (five days vs. three days, p < 0.001), higher risk of AdBP (0% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.042) and acute kidney injury (AKI) following LVP (odds ratio 20.0, 95% confidence interval 2.4-164.2, p = 0.021). The overall survival was similar in patients who underwent ADR within and beyond 24 hours of LVP. ADR within 24 hours of LVP is associated with a reduced risk of AdBP and AKI. As AdBP is associated with resistant organisms and AKI, we recommend prompt ADR within 24 hours, especially in patients who have Child-Pugh class C alcoholic cirrhosis.

Microbial spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Objective: There are reports of changing microbial profile of ascitic fluid in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and developing resistance of these bacteria to commonly used antibiotics. This study was done to determine the micro-organism causing SBP and their sensitivity to various antibiotics. Setting and Methods: This observational study was done in Medical department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from March to November 2019. Thirty five cirrhotic patients with ascites admitted in ward for various reasons and having positive ascitic fluid culture were included in the study. Exclusion criteria was presence of secondary bacterial peritonitis. Ten ml of ascitic fluid was inoculated in blood culture bottle and sent immediately to hospital laboratory. Results: The mean age of these 35 patients was 48.94 ± 13.51 years with a range of 19 to 80 years. Twenty (57.1 %) patients were male and 15 (42.9 %) were female. Bacteria that had caused SBP were E.coli (62.9 %), staph aureus (11.4 %), klebsiella (8.6 %), streptococci (8.6 %), gram positive cocci (5.7 %) and pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.8 %). Imipenem had high sensitivity rate (100 %) along with amikacin (82.9 %) and cefoperazone-sulbactam (68.6 %). Sensitivity of these organisms to other commonly used antibiotics were: ciprofloxacin 57.1 %, ofloxacin 40 %, norfloxacin 37.1 %, ceftazidime 34.3 %, ceftriaxone 31.4 % and piperacillin-tazobactam 25.7 %. Conclusion: We found that E.coli was the commonest bacteria causing SBP, and ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin have significantly high resistance rate in these patients. Key words: cirrhosis, ascitic fluid, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, antibiotic sensitivity

FREQUENCY OF SYMPTOMATIC SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS AND ASSOCIATED CLINICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Objective: To study association between spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and clinical symptoms in liver cirrhosis.&#x0D; Study Design: cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Kharian, from Jul 2019 to Apr 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 122 patients of liver cirrhosis (irrespective of aetiology), presented with various clinical symptoms such as fever, pain abdomen and hepatic encephalopathy were randomly selected. Patients between 18-80 years of age, were included in the study. Asymptomatic patients, with ascites other than liver cirrhosis were excluded. Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis was defined as positive ascitic fluid culture and/or ascitic polymorphonuclear leukocyte ≥250 cells/mm3 in ascitic fluid.&#x0D; Results: Of the 122 randomly selected patients, the mean age was 56.5 ± 20.2 years. Forty-Five (46.8%) were male and 67 (54.2%) patients were female. Chronic Hepatitis C was the commonest cause of liver cirrhosis (92%). The frequency of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 37.7%. Majority, (83%) of the culture positive ascitic isolate was Gram negative bacilli and E.coli (72%) being the commonest organism isolated. Severe ascites, high International Normalized Ratio (INR), hepatic encephalopathy, fever, low ascetic fluid protein count, high serum bilirubin and creatinine were considered to be independent predictor of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of fever, hepatic encephalopathy, severe ascites, International Normalized ratio high and deranged renal profile was highly suggestive of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

Cytology of peritoneal implants of borderline serous tumor of ovaries in ascitic fluid.

Objectives:Peritoneal fluid cytology is done routinely in cases with serous carcinoma of ovary. However, morphologic features of borderline serous tumors (BSTs) of ovary in ascitic fluid have been rarely described. The aim of our study was to evaluate the morphologic features of BST with and without ascitic fluid involvement (BST+ and BST-, respectively) and compare with those of serous carcinomas, both in conventional and liquid-based cytology (LBC) smears.Material and Methods:Out of 30 BST cases reported in 3 years, seven cases had BST+. We compared the cytomorphology of seven cases of BST+, seven cases of BST-, and seven cases of serous adenocarcinoma with positive ascitic fluid cytology. Both conventional and LBC smears were studied in all cases and compared. Histopathology of omentum in these cases was also studied.Results:Most cases with BST+ had regular papillary fragment borders with nuclei showing mild-to-moderate pleomorphism, fine nuclear chromatin with small nucleoli as compared with serous carcinomas all of which had irregular borders with moderate-to-severe nuclear pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, and macronucleoli.Conclusion:A combination of cytoarchitectural and nuclear features can help in suspecting BST in ascitic fluid. Ascitic fluid cytology together with tissue histology can increase the rate of the detection of peritoneal implants.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL): An Early Dual Biomarker in Diagnosis of Ascitic Fluid Infection and Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Cirrhosis in a Tertiary Centre, Egypt

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the ascitic Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a diagnostic biomarker for bacterial translocation or bactDNA translocation in ascites of cirrhotic patients and to evaluate the urinary NGAL for identifying renal dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis.&#x0D; Methods: This study included 44 patients with ascites. Study participants were divided into two groups. Group (1) had 22 patients with neutrocytic ascites and/or positive ascitic fluid (AF) culture while group (2) included 22 patients with culture negative non neutrocytic ascites (CNNNA), recruited as controls. AF and urine samples were collected from all studied participants. ELISA kit was used for measurement of NGAL levels in AF and urine. DNA extraction and PCR were done.&#x0D; Results: Values of NGAL in ascitic fluid were statistically significantly higher in bactDNA positive group. At cutoff 143.9 ng/ml, ascites NGAL had 86.4% sensitivity, 45.5% specificity, 61.3% positive predictive value (PPV) and 76.9% negative predictive value (NPV). When comparing ascites NGAL between bactDNA positive and negative group, NGAL has a sensitivity of 86.2% and a specificity of 46.7%, PPV of 75.8%, NPV of 63.6%. As for urine NGAL, patients with AKI had statistically significant higher levels of NGAL. Urine NGAL achieved sensitivity of 77.3%, specificity of 50%, PPV of 60.7%, NPV of 68.75%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Early and accurate diagnosis of BT or bactDNA translocation can be aided by utilizing NGAL especially in ruling out infection in those reported to have negative culture results, besides, it can help in early detection of complication of cirrhosis and infection especially AKI helping in the improving the prognosis of cirrhotic patients. It is an advantage that a single marker can detect both infection and kidney injury.

Tunnelled peritoneal drainage catheter placement for the palliative management of refractory ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis

ObjectiveRefractory ascites is an established indication for liver transplantation. While transplantation is regarded as the definitive therapy for this condition, many patients are unsuitable due to comorbidity or frailty. Alternatives...

Efficacy of Ascitic Fluid Dipstick Leukocyte Esterase Activity in Early Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Introduction: Spontaneously occurring ascitic fluid infections {Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)} are the most common and recurring complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with ascitis. Unlike other infections, ascitic fluid infections usually present with non specific symptoms and may be asymptomatic in a large number of patients. They not only accelerate hepatic decompensation, but may also lead to, or exacerbate other complications like hepatic encephalopathy, hematemesis, renal failure and death. The existing protocol of diagnosis of SBP includes ascitic fluid total and differential leukocyte counts, and ascitic fluid cultures, by inoculating the ascitic fluid in blood culture vials, which are not only cumbersome, but also costly, time consuming and cannot be followed in all patients presenting for outpatient treatment for therapeutic peracentesis. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of testing ascitic fluid pH, protein and Leucocyte Esterase (LERS) activity, by using Siemens Multistix 10SG Reagent Strips (SMRS) for early screening of patients for SBP. Materials and Methods: The observational study was conducted at SGRR Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, from January 2018 to March 2019. The study included 329 patients with cirrhosis and ascites presenting in either the Outpatient Department (OPD) or Emergency Room for therapeutic paracentesis or with cirrhotic complications were evaluated for SBP using SMRS for ascitic fluid pH, Leukocyte Esterase (LERS) activity and ascitic fluid protein, for early detection of SBP. The standard diagnostic criteria i.e., ascitic fluid Polymorphonuclear Counts (PNM) more than 250 cells/mm3, by Chamber Counting Method or positive ascitic fluid culture after 48 hours incubation were used as gold standard for diagnosis of SBP. Chi-square test was applied to find out significant association between independent and dependent variables. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among total 329 patients with cirrhotic ascitic, 81 were diagnosed to have SBP. At a cut-off of 2+, SMRS correctly detected SBP in 77/81 patients, was negative in 4/81 patients and falsely positive in 7/248 NSBP patients, thereby having a sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 95%, 97.33%, 98.96% and 96.69%. At a cut-off of 3+, SMRS was able to detect SBP in 53/81 patients, and was falsely positive in 1/248 patients, thereby, although decreasing the sensitivity to 64%, but improving the specificity and PPV to 99.6% and 98.11%, respectively. Conclusion: During diagnostic paracentesis, ascitic fluid LERS activity using SMRS are highly sensitive markers for early detection of SBP, especially in the presence of fever, vomiting and shock.

Patterns and infection outcomes of bacterial colonization in patients with indwelling abdominal drains for malignant ascites.

Indwelling abdominal drains for intermittent drainage is an effective treatment for refractory malignant ascites, bacterial colonization and subsequent drain-related infection is however a common concern. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of bacterial colonization and the subsequent infection outcomes in patients with indwelling abdominal drains. All consecutive advanced cancer patients with newly inserted indwelling abdominal drains and who were under the service of the ascites clinic of our institution for intermittent drainage between January 2011 and March 2018 were screened for study eligibility. Patients with positive surveillance ascitic fluid culture without immediate drain-related infection were included in the final analysis. Clinical information during the drainage period was prospectively collected using standardized clinical assessment forms. These assessment forms and other medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty nine patients developed bacterial colonization without immediate infection during the study period. The most common cancer diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which comprise 30.4% of the population. Central venous catheters (CVCs) were inserted in 76.8% of patients and pigtail drains in 23.2% as the indwelling abdominal drain. The median duration from drain insertion to the development of bacterial colonization was 18.0 days. Staphylococci, Diphtheroid bacilliand Enterococci were the most common types of bacteria isolated during colonization. Thirty patients (43.5%) developed drain-related infection subsequently and the median time from bacterial colonization to development of infection was 14.5 days. The incidence rate of drain-related infection after bacterial colonization was 1.78 per 100-catheter days and the 1-month infection-free survival was 54.4%. Five patients (7.2%) developed peritonitis and 4 of them died from the infection episode. Decrease in body mass index (BMI) (P=0.03), having 3 or more episodes of drainage in the ascites clinic before bacterial colonization (P=0.03), presence of Escherichia coli (P=0.04) and Bacillus species (P=0.04) in surveillance ascitic fluid culture were significantly correlating with infection outcomes in univariate analyses. HCC as cancer diagnosis (OR 8.85, 95% CI: 1.86-42.07, P=0.006) and decrease in body weight (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42, P=0.03) were significant factors that correlated with infection outcomes in multivariate analysis. Bacterial colonization and subsequent progression into drain-related infection are common in patients on indwelling abdominal drains for malignant ascites. Staphylococci is the most common type of bacteria causing both colonization and subsequent drain-related infection. HCC and decrease in body weight are significant factors that correlate with infection outcomes after bacterial colonization.

Difficult-to-treat ascitic fluid infection is a predictor of transplant-free survival in childhood decompensated chronic liver disease.

To study the clinico-bacteriological profile of ascitic fluid infection (AFI) and its impact on outcome in childhood chronic liver disease (CLD). It was a retrospective study on pediatric CLD patientsrequiring an ascitic tap. Logistic regression was performed to study the predictive factors for AFI. Two hundredand fifty-two (30.9%) of 814 children with CLD underwentascitic tap on suspicion of AFI of whom 79 (31.3%) had AFI, culture negative neutrocytic ascites being the commonest. Younger age (p = 0.002), male gender (p = 0.007), new onset/rapid increase in ascites (p = 0.032), fever (p = 0.012), and blood total leukocyte count (TLC)(p = 0.001) were found to be independently associated with AFI. Twenty-three children had positive ascitic fluid culture: 15 Gram negative; 11 (52.3%) were multidrug resistant organism. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (p = 0.001), Model for End-stage Liver Disease/Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease (MELD/PELD) (p < 0.0005), and difficult-to-treat AFI (p = 0.007) were found to be independently associated with death and or LT. Children with ascites should undergoa diagnostic paracentesis in presence of fever, increasing or new-onset ascites, and/or increased TLC. Death or liver transplant are more likely due to advanced liver disease (high PELD /HE) and in those with difficult-to-treat AFI.

The diagnostic accuracy of ascitic calprotectin for the early diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis and has an incidence of up to 30% in hospitalized patients. Importantly, it may raise their mortality rate up to 30%. Hence, a delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ascitic fluid calprotectin for the early diagnosis of SBP in patients with ascites. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A systematic literature search was conducted from inception to February 2020 in the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and OpenGrey. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to assess risk of bias. Ten studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted and the summary sensitivity of a positive ascitic fluid calprotectin assessment to detect SBP was 93% [95% confidence interval (CI) 90-95%] while the summary specificity was 89% (95% CI 80-95%), irrespectively of the method used. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of the test were 8.7 (95% CI 4.4-17.1) and 0.08 (85% CI 0.06-0.12). All studies showed positive correlation between ascitic calprotectin and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte count. Ascitic calprotectin appears to be an excellent alternative to PMN leucocyte count of ≥250 cells/mm3 for the diagnosis of SBP with much faster time to diagnosis. Owing to its substantially high negative predictive value, the test can accurately exclude SBP avoiding unnecessary antibiotics in suspected patients.