Understanding Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and severe complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. It is caused by a bacterial infection in the acidic fluid without another intra-abdominal focus. This infection can be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms like diffuse abdominal pain or tenderness, fever, and altered mental status. Prompt diagnosis through paracentesis with an absolute neutrophil count over 250 is essential, along with sending fluid for cell count, culture, sensitivity, and protein analysis. IV albumin should be administered for all confirmed SBP cases, and appropriate antibiotics like third-generation cephalosporins or broad-spectrum coverage are crucial.