Understanding Primary Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)

Primary spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a significant infection affecting patients with end-stage liver disease, particularly those with cirrhosis and ascites. It arises from an infection of the peritoneal fluid, accounting for over 30% of infections in cirrhotic patients. The condition can present with a mortality rate of 15% to 40% per episode, with a one-year survival rate of around 40%, influenced by factors like older age, recurrent SBP episodes, and the presence of hepatorenal syndrome. Understanding the alarming statistics surrounding SBP underscores its importance in daily medical practice and highlights the need for vigilance in patients presenting with ascites.