ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to the incidence of silent SBP in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients of Military Hospital out patient department. Prospective study. Gastroenterology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi from July 2013 to Dec 2013. Prospective exploration for evidence of SBP in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients due to any etiology with ascites. Clinical and laboratory features of consumptive outpatients with cirrhotic ascites undergoing paracentesis were recorded between July 2013 and December 2013 and ascetic fluid analysis was carried out. The frequency of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the population of 80 cirrhotic outpatients as determined by neutrocytic ascites [absolute neutrophil count >250 cells/mm] was 10%. Of the 8 patients with neutrocytic ascites, none was culture positive. The patients with absolute neutrophiI count > 250 cells/mm were treated with antibiotics for seven days. Repeat diagnostic paracentesis showed marked improvement in absolute neutrophilic count. None of the patients developed hepatorenal syndrome or hepatic encephalopathy or recurrent SBP during 3 months follow up. Incidence of silent SBP in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients' cases is significantly high. Antibiotic treatment in these patients ensures no further complications. However, a population may be studied to know the exact prevalence of silent SBP in our country