Frequency of asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in chronic liver disease patients with first presentation of ascites

Abstract

Objective: This study is done to assess the frequency of asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in chronic liver disease patients with first presentation of ascites. Design: Case control study. Place & duration of study: This study was carried out on patients attending Medical special ward Services hospital & PTCL medical center Lahore from June 2002 to October 2003. Patients & method: One hundred & fifty chronic liver disease patients with first presentation of ascites were screened for presence of asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Results: 9.3 % of patients in this study had asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Conclusion: Asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be present in first presentation of ascites in chronic liver disease patients. It is suggested that this condition should be actively sought in all chronic liver disease patients who develop ascites for the first time. Further studies should be done to assess for prognostic implications of treating such cases.