role of C3 level in cirrhotic ascites and its relation to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

ABSTRACT

The risk of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] in relation to the concentration of the third component of the complement system [C3] in ascitic fluid has been studied prospectively in 30 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, nineteen of them had evidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as proved by culture and eleven patients had no such evidence. Serum C[3] in the pathological group was lower than in the control and this was attributed mainly to decreased synthesis. Serum and ascitic fluid C[3] concentration of patients who developed infection [0.294+0.117 g/l] was significantly lower than those who did not [0. 534 + 0. 095 g/l and 9. 682 + 1. 327 mg/l], suggesting increased consumption in addition to decreased synthesis as the possible mechanisms. We conclude that a low C[3] concentration in ascitic fluid may predispose to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and may identify those of high risk for developing this serious complication