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Alternative names Return to top
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)Definition Return to top
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the organs. Spontaneous peritonitis is an infection that occurs as a complication of ascites (a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity), which is usually related to liver or kidney failure.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Most cases of bacterial peritonitis occur:
Risk factors for liver disease include alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases that lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis. Patients with kidney failure can develop nephrotic syndrome, which leads to ascites and can then become infected.
Spontaneous peritonitis is rare in children.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Tests that show infection:Treatment Return to top
Treatment depends on the cause of the peritonitis. Surgery may be needed in cases where peritonitis is asociated with a foreign object, such as a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Antibiotics are administered to control infection in cases of spontaneous peritonitis in patients with liver or kidney disease, and dehydration is treated by intravenous therapy.
Hospitalization is common and may be necessary to rule out other causes of peritonitis such as appendicitis and diverticulitis.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The infection can usually be treated, but the outcome may be poor because of underlying kidney or liver disease. People with these conditions often respond to antibiotics but may still have a poor outcome.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis; this can quickly become an emergency situation!
Prevention Return to top
In patients with peritoneal catheters, sterile techniques should be closely followed. In cases of liver failure, antibiotics may be used to prevent recurrences of peritonitis.
Update Date: 12/29/2002 Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |