Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as an infection of the previously sterile ascitic fluid after exclusion of perforation of viscus, intra-abdominal inflammatory focus like abscess, acute cholecystitis, or acute pancreatitis. The bacterial inoculation mechanism of ascites has been the subject of argument and debate since Harold Conn first identified the disorder in the 1960s. Enteric organisms have been isolated from more than 90% of ascitic fluid in patients with SBP, suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract is the source of bacterial contamination. The diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is dependent upon a manual count of ascetic fluid polymorph nuclear leukocytes (PMNs). This procedure is operatordependent, lysis of PMNs can occur during transport to the laboratory, and that explains the presence of false-negative results. Furthermore, ascetic fluid culture is insensitive and consumes much time to give result so there is need to research about new diagnostic tools of SBP. Objectives: To compare between serum procalcitonin PCT and C-reactive protein regarding diagnosis of SBP. Results: The cut-off point of PCT at which SBP can be diagnosed was 495 pg/ml with sensitivity and specifity of 96% and 99% respectively. The cut-off point of serum CRP at which SBP can be diagnosed was 10.5 mg/L with sensitivity and specifity of 91% and 97% respectively. Conclusion: Serum procalcitonin and CRP are good indicators of SBP.

Biography

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