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Peritonitis - spontaneous

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Peritoneal sample
Peritoneal sample

Alternative Names    Return to top

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

Definition    Return to top

Peritonitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers the abdominal organs. This tissue is called the peritoneum.

Causes    Return to top

Spontaneous peritonitis usually results from ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is usually related to liver or kidney failure. Risk factors for liver disease include alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases that lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B or C).

Spontaneous peritonitis also occurs in patients undergoing dialysis for kidney failure.

Symptoms    Return to top

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that show infection:

Other tests that may be performed:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment depends on the cause of the peritonitis. Surgery may be needed in cases where peritonitis is associated with a foreign object, such as a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Antibiotics are administered to control infection in cases of spontaneous peritonitis in patients with liver or kidney disease, and dehydration is treated by intravenous therapy.

Hospitalization is common and may be necessary to rule out other causes of peritonitis such as appendicitis and diverticulitis.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The infection can usually be treated, but the extent of recovery is limited by the patient's underlying kidney or liver disease.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis; this can quickly become an emergency situation!

Prevention    Return to top

In patients with peritoneal catheters, sterile techniques should be closely followed. In cases of liver failure, antibiotics may be used to prevent recurrences of peritonitis.

Update Date: 11/14/2006

Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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