Incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the University Hospital

ABSTRACT

Twenty three patientes evaluated for ascites in the Gastroenterology Section of the University Hospital between September 1985 and April 1986 were included in the study. Ascitic fluid was tested for pH, cell count and differential, LDH, proteín, amylase, cytology, microbial stains and cultures. Five patients had a clinical picture of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, but only two had the ediagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests and positive cultures, for an incidence of 8%. The diagnostic value of ascitic fluid parameters is discussed, and the current literature on the subject is reviewed