Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with chronic liver disease: clinical features and etiologic factors

Beyond Varices: Complications of Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in Pediatrics

Complications of cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHTN) in children are broad and include clinical manifestations ranging from variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) to less common conditions such as hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The approaches to the diagnosis and management of these complications have become standard of practice in adults with cirrhosis with many guidance statements available. However, there is limited literature on the diagnosis and management of these complications of PHTN in children with much of the current guidance available focused on variceal hemorrhage. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature in adults who experience these complications of cirrhotic PHTN beyond variceal hemorrhage and present the available literature in children, with a focus on diagnosis, management, and liver transplant decision making in children with cirrhosis who develop ascites, SBP, HRS, HE, and cardiopulmonary complications.

Advances in management of end stage liver disease in children

End stage liver disease (ESLD) is an irreversible condition that is a management challenge to the paediatrician. The aetiology and natural history of ESLD in children is not only distinct from adults but also variable depending upon the age of presentation. Children are especially vulnerable to developmental delay, frailty and malnutrition. Nutritional support is the cornerstone of management of these children as it has a significant impact on the clinical course and survival, both before and after transplantation. Further, the complications of ESLD in children including but not limited to, ascites, portal hypertension, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and encephalopathy raise unique management challenges. In this review we provide a concise review of and highlight recent advances in the management of paediatric ESLD.

Difficult-to-treat ascitic fluid infection is a predictor of transplant-free survival in childhood decompensated chronic liver disease

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinico-bacteriological profile of ascitic fluid infection (AFI) and its impact on outcome in childhood chronic liver disease (CLD).

METHODS

It was a retrospective study on pediatric CLD patients requiring an ascitic tap. Logistic regression was performed to study the predictive factors for AFI.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-two (30.9%) of 814 children with CLD underwent ascitic tap on suspicion of AFI of whom 79 (31.3%) had AFI, culture negative neutrocytic ascites being the commonest. Younger age (p = 0.002), male gender (p = 0.007), new onset/rapid increase in ascites (p = 0.032), fever (p = 0.012), and blood total leukocyte count (TLC) (p = 0.001) were found to be independently associated with AFI. Twenty-three children had positive ascitic fluid culture: 15 Gram negative; 11 (52.3%) were multidrug resistant organism. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (p = 0.001), Model for End-stage Liver Disease/Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease (MELD/PELD) (p < 0.0005), and difficult-to-treat AFI (p = 0.007) were found to be independently associated with death and or LT.

CONCLUSION

Children with ascites should undergo a diagnostic paracentesis in presence of fever, increasing or new-onset ascites, and/or increased TLC. Death or liver transplant are more likely due to advanced liver disease (high PELD /HE) and in those with difficult-to-treat AFI.

Prevalence, Clinical Profile, and Outcome of Ascitic Fluid Infection in Children With Liver Disease

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric literature on spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is limited. We evaluated the prevalence, subtypes, clinical profile, and effect on outcome of ascitic fluid infection (AFI) in children with liver disease.

METHODS

Children with liver disease-related ascites and subjected to paracentesis were classified as no-AFI and AFI (SBP, culture-negative neutrocytic ascites [CNNA], and monomicrobial non-neutrocytic bacterascites). Clinical and laboratory parameters, in-hospital mortality, and outcome in follow-up were noted.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-two children (163 boys; age 84 [1-240] months, chronic liver disease [CLD, n = 173], non-CLD [n = 89]) were enrolled. A total of 28.6% (n = 75) had SBP/CNNA, more common in CLD than non-CLD (55/173 [31.7%] vs 20/89 [22.4%]; P = 0.1). A total of 50.6% SBP/CNNA cases were symptomatic for AFI. Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from 70% SBP cases. Twenty-five percent (18/72) CLD children with AFI had a poor hospital outcome, with INR, Child-Pugh score and gastrointestinal bleeding predicting outcome on multivariate analysis. Patients with CLD with SBP had higher in-hospital mortality (10/20 vs 5/35; P = 0.01) than those with CNNA, but similar Child-Pugh score (12[7-15] vs 11[7-14]; P = 0.1), recurrence of AFI (3/9 vs 6/24; P = 0.6) and mortality in follow-up (22.2% vs 25%; P = 0.1). Patients with CLD with SBP/CNNA had higher mortality over 1 year follow-up than no-AFI (24.2% [8/33] vs 12.2% [7/57]; P = 0.1) but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 28.6% children with liver disease-related ascites have SBP/CNNA; 50% are symptomatic. Patients with CLD with SBP/CNNA have a mortality of 24% over 1year follow-up. CLD with SBP is similar to CNNA except for higher in-hospital mortality.

Biliary atresia: Indications and timing of liver transplantation and optimization of pretransplant care

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive, fibro-obliterative disorder of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts in infancy. The majority of affected children will eventually develop end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation (LT). Indications for LT in BA include failed Kasai portoenterostomy, significant and recalcitrant malnutrition, recurrent cholangitis, and the progressive manifestations of portal hypertension. Extrahepatic complications of this disease, such as hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension, are also indications for LT. Optimal pretransplant management of these potentially life-threatening complications and maximizing nutrition and growth require the expertise of a multidisciplinary team with experience caring for BA. The timing of transplant for BA requires careful consideration of the potential risk of transplant versus the survival benefit at any given stage of disease. Children with BA often experience long wait times for transplant unless exception points are granted to reflect severity of disease. Family preparedness for this arduous process is therefore critical. Liver Transplantation 23:96-109 2017 AASLD.

Ascites in Children

Ascites is an accumulation of serous fluid within the peritoneal cavity. It is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. In children, hepatic, renal and cardiac disorders are the most common causes. Portal hypertension and sodium and fluid retention are key factors in the pathophysiology of ascites. Peripheral arterial vasodilatation hypothesis is the most accepted mechanism for inappropriate sodium retention and formation of ascites. Diagnostic paracentesis is indicated in children with newly diagnosed ascites and in children with suspected complications of ascites. Ascitic fluid is evaluated for cell count, protein level, and culture. The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is the best single test for classifying ascites into portal hypertensive (SAAG >1.1 g/dl) and non-portal hypertensive (SAAG <1.1 g/dl). A neutrophil count ≥250 cells/mm³ is highly suggestive of bacterial peritonitis. The treatment of ascites due to non-liver disease depends on the underlying condition. In liver disease, diuretics as monotherapy or dual therapy and salt restriction form the mainstay of treatment in children with mild to moderate ascites. Fluid restriction is helpful in children with hyponatremia. In non-responsive ascites or in children with large ascites, large volume paracentesis (LVP) with albumin infusion should be performed. In children with refractory ascites, LVP with albumin administration, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS), peritoneo-venous shunting and liver transplantation are other therapeutic modalities that need to be considered.

Primary Peritonitis-A Forgotten Entity

Primary peritonitis is a rare phenomenon in modern antibiotic era. A case of pediatric primary peritonitis is presented here, in which a child presented with complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting for one day. Abdominal examination showed marked tenderness and guarding, diagnosis of appendicitis was made and laparoscopic appendectomy done. Later, ascitic fluid analysis and appendix histopathology proved it to be a case of primary peritonitis.

Elevated C-reactive protein and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with chronic liver disease and ascites

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare laboratory indices of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and noninfected ascites in children with chronic liver disease and to determine the infectious agents involved in SBP.

METHODS

The medical records of 90 children with chronic liver disease and ascites studied between January 2005 and August 2011 were reviewed for laboratory data of diagnostic significance in SBP. Standard laboratory tests included blood cell count, coagulation indices, liver and renal function tests, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum sodium concentration, serum albumin, and serum cultures. Ascitic fluid obtained from 152 paracentesis procedures was assayed for cytology, Gram stains, neutrophil counts, and bacteriological cultures.

RESULTS

The SBP group manifested significantly lower albumin levels and elevated CRP levels, prothrombin times, international normalized ratios, and leukocyte number (P<0.05 in each case). CRP was shown to be an independent variable in the prediction of SBP. Values of serum creatinine, sodium concentration, urea, total bilirubin and differential leukocyte shift were comparable in SBP and noninfected ascites. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most prevalent infectious agent in the ascitic fluid (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

CRP may be useful in early detection and monitoring of SBP in children with liver disease.

Pneumococcal endometritis with peritonitis: Case report and review of the literature

The first case of pneumococcal endometritis with peritonitis in a woman using tampons is described. The patient responded to removal of the tampon and administration of broad spectrum antibiotics. The pathogenesis of pneumococcal endometritis and peritonitis and the potential significance of a tampon in situ are discussed.

Medical management of chronic liver diseases (CLD) in children (part II): focus on the complications of CLD, and CLD that require special considerations

Treatment of the causes of many chronic liver diseases (CLDs) may not be possible. In this case, complications must be anticipated, prevented or at least controlled by the best available therapeutic modalities. There are three main goals for the management of portal hypertension: (i) prevention of the first episode of variceal bleeding largely by non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonists, which is not generally recommended in children; (ii) control of bleeding by using a stepwise approach from the least to most invasive strategies; (iii) and prevention of re-bleeding using bypass operations, with particular enthusiasm for the use of meso-Rex bypass in the pediatric population. Hepatic encephalopathy management also consists of three main aspects: (i) ruling out other causes of encephalopathy; (ii) identifying and treating precipitating factors; and (iii) starting empiric treatment with drugs such as lactulose, rifaximin, sodium benzoate, and flumazenil. Treatment of mild ascites and peripheral edema should begin with the restriction of sodium and water, followed by careful diuresis, then large-volume paracentesis associated with colloid volume expansion in severe cases. Empiric broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy should be used for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacterial and fungal sepsis, and cholangitis, after taking appropriate cultures, with appropriate changes in therapy after sensitivity testing. Empirical therapies continue to be the standard practice for pruritus; these consist of bile acid binding agents, phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), ursodeoxycholic acid, antihistamines, rifampin (rifampicin), and carbamazepine. Partial external biliary diversion can be used in refractory cases. Once hepatorenal syndrome is suspected, treatment should be initiated early in order to prevent the progression of renal failure; approaches consist of general supportive measures, management of concomitant complications, screening for sepsis, treatment with antibiotics, use of vasopressin analogs (terlipressin), and renal replacement therapy if needed. Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension are best managed by liver transplantation. Provision of an adequate caloric supply, nutrition, and vitamin/mineral supplements for the management of growth failure, required vaccinations, and special care for ensuring psychologic well-being should be ensured. Anticoagulation might be attempted in acute portal vein thrombosis. Some CLDs, such as extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA), Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and Indian childhood cirrhosis, require special considerations. For EHBA, Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy is the current standard surgical approach in combination with nutritional therapy and supplemental fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. In type 1 Crigler-Najjar syndrome, extensive phototherapy is the mainstay of treatment, in association with adjuvant therapy to bind photobilirubin such as calcium phosphate, cholestyramine, or agar, until liver transplantation can be carried out. Treating Indian childhood cirrhosis with penicillamine early in the course of the disease and at doses similar to those used to treat Wilson disease decreases the mortality rate by half. New hopes for the future include extracorporeal liver support devices (the molecular adsorbent recirculating system [MARS®] and Prometheus®), hepatocyte transplantation, liver-directed gene therapy, genetically engineered enzymes, and therapeutic modalities targeting fibrogenesis. Hepapoietin, a naturally occurring cytokine that promotes hepatocyte growth, is under extensive research.

Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric ascites

The pediatric population has a number of unique considerations related to the diagnosis and treatment of ascites. This review summarizes the physiologic mechanisms for cirrhotic and noncirrhotic ascites and provides a comprehensive list of reported etiologies stratified by the patient's age. Characteristic findings on physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and abdominal paracentesis are also reviewed, with particular attention to those aspects that are unique to children. Medical and surgical treatments of ascites are discussed. Both prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of ascites are required to avoid associated morbidity and mortality.

Ascitic form of sporadic acute viral hepatitis in children: a distinct entity for recognition

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study looked at the frequency and differences in presentation, laboratory parameters, and outcome between ascitic acute viral hepatitis (AAVH) and nonascitic acute viral hepatitis (NAVH) in children.

METHODS

Diagnosis of AVH was based on clinical features, >3-fold elevation of alanine aminotransferase, viral marker positivity (IgM antihepatitis A virus, IgM antihepatitis E virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, and IgM antihepatitis B core antigen) at presentation, absence of history of liver disease, and subsequent normalization within 6 months of clinical features and liver functions including sustained resolution of ascites in AAVH on follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 139 children (121 children with NAVH and 18 with AAVH, 12.9%) were studied. Children with AAVH in comparison with those with NAVH were younger (median age 4 vs 8 years), had lower frequency of prodrome (22% vs 51%), lower serum albumin (median 2.8 vs 3.7 g/dL), low total serum protein (median 6.5 vs 7.4 g/dL), and prolongation of prothrombin time (median 4.8 vs 1.05 seconds); all P < 0.03. No significant differences were found in sex, height standard deviation scores, duration of symptoms, liver span or consistency, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and etiology of NAVH versus AAVH. Among the AAVH group clinically detectable ascites was present in 38.9% (7/18), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in 11%, and diuretics had to be used in 44% of cases. Ascites resolved in all of the cases in 8 weeks (94.4% cases in <4 weeks) and liver functions normalized in 17%, 50%, and 33% cases in <4, 4 to 8, and >8 weeks duration, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We report AAVH as a distinct entity that affects younger children. This subgroup has compromised biosynthetic liver functions irrespective of viral etiology with total recovery.

Evaluation and management of end-stage liver disease in children

End-stage liver disease in children presents a challenging array of medical and psychosocial problems for the health care delivery team. Many of these problems are similar to those encountered by caregivers of adults with end-stage liver disease, such as the development of complications of cirrhosis, including ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and esophageal variceal hemorrhage. However, the natural history of disease progression in children and their responses to medical therapy can differ significantly from that of their adult counterparts. Children with end-stage liver disease are especially vulnerable to nutritional compromise; if not effectively managed, this can seriously impact long-term outcomes and survival both before and after liver transplantation. Moreover, close attention must be given to vaccination status and the clinical setting at which health care is delivered to optimize outcomes and the delivery of high-quality pediatric health care. In this review, we address important components of the evaluation and management of children with chronic end-stage liver disease.

Organisms causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with liver disease and ascites in Southern Iran

AIM

To determine the causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in children with liver disease and ascites in our center.

METHODS

During a 2.5 year period, from September 2003 to March 2006, 12 patients with 13 episodes of SBP were studied. In all cases at the time of admission serum albumin and glucose, urinalysis and urine culture was performed. Analysis [white blood cell (WBC) count with differential, albumin, glucose], gram stain, culture by BACTEC method and antibiogram was done on ascitic fluids. Abdominal paracentesis was repeated after 48 h of antibiotic therapy for bacteriologic assay. The patients were followed for at least three months in a gastroenterology clinic.

RESULTS

There were 7 girls (58%) and 5 boys (42%) with a median age of 5.2 years (range, 6 mo to 16 years). All cases had positive ascitic fluid culture. Gram stain was positive in 5 (38.5%) of them. The isolated organisms were S. pneumoniae in 5 (38.5%), E. coli in 2 (15.3%), S. viridans in 2 (15.3%), and K. pneumoniae, H. influenza, Enterococci, and nontypable Streptococcus each in one (7.7%). All of them except Enterococci were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. All ascitic fluid cultures were negative after 48 h of antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of SBP in the pediatric age group and we recommend a third generation cephalosporine (e.g., Ceftriaxione or Cefotaxime) for empirical therapy in children with SBP.

Ascites in childhood liver disease

Ascites is a common clinical problem in children with liver disease. The peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis is mostly accepted as the pathophysiological basis of ascites. The most important complication is spontaneous ascitic fluid infection in the form of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and its variants. Aerobic gram-negative bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli, are the most common isolates. Diagnostic paracentesis is done in patients with ascites when diagnosed first time and at the beginning of each admission to hospital. Ascitic fluid is evaluated for cell count with differential, albumin level, total protein and culture. Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is the best single test for classifying ascites into portal hypertensive (SAAG> 1.1 g/dL) and non-portal hypertensive (SAAG < 1.1 g/dL) causes. In patients with tense ascites LVP should be performed. A neutrophil count of > 250 cells/mm3 is highly suggestive of bacterial peritonitis. Intravenous cefotaxime is the empiric antibiotic of choice. Long-term administration of oral norfloxacin 5-7.5 mg/Kg once a day in cirrhotic patients with ascitic fluid protein content of < 1g/dL or prior episode of SBP is recommended for prevention of SBP. Oral dual diuretic therapy of single morning dose of spironolactone along with furosemide in the ratio of 5:2 is recommended. While obtaining satisfactory diuretic response dual diuretic therapy can be changed over to monotherapy with spironolactone. Patients should be on sodium restricted diet. Management of ascites might ultimately require liver transplantation.

[Primary peritonitis in previously healthy children]

INTRODUCTION

Primary peritonitis occurs rarely in childhood, affecting mainly children with nephrosis or liver disease and only rarely occurring in previously healthy children. The aim of this case report is to describe the clinical features and natural course of primary peritonitis in six previously healthy children and to review the literature on the topic.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The clinical features and course of primary peritonitis in six previously healthy children are described. The diagnosis was made at laparotomy, which showed no intraabdominal findings, such as intestinal perforation.

RESULTS

Presentation was acute and all the patients presented within 24 h of onset of symptoms. The most common presenting features were fever (100 %) and abdominal pain (100 %). Leucocytosis (> 15,000/mm3) was observed in four patients (66 %). Microorganisms were isolated from peritoneal fluid in four patients (Escherichia coli in two, Streptococcus pneumoniae in one and Gram-negative bacteria in one). Recovery was rapid and no postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Primary peritonitis in patients without underlying causes is clinically indistinguishable from acute appendicitis and diagnosis is usually made at surgery. The hallmarks of therapy are antibiotics and prompt exploratory laparotomy with appendectomy and the prognosis is good.

Infected and noninfected ascites in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites with bacterial infection and noninfected ascites in pediatric patients with portal hypertensive ascites and to compare the clinical and laboratory features of infected and noninfected ascites.

METHODS

Forty-one episodes of portal hypertensive ascites (serum-ascites albumin gradient >1.1 g/dL) in 31 patients were studied. Median age was 2.9 years. Twenty-four (77.4%) patients were cirrhotic and 20 (83.3%) were classified as Child-Pugh C. Median pediatric end-stage liver disease score was 18.5. The following ascites features were assessed: polymorphonuclear neutrophil cell count, cytology, pH, concentration of glucose, lactic dehydrogenase, total protein and albumin, Gram stain and bacteriological culture. Blood was sampled for complete blood count, coagulation studies, liver and renal function tests. Groups were compared by Mann-Whitney and chi tests (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Noninfected ascites were observed in 29 of 41 samples, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in eight of 41 and ascites with bacterial infection in four of 41. The most prevalent clinical features were fever, voluminous ascites and encephalopathy, but there were no significant differences in the clinical features of the groups. All patients with infected ascites were cirrhotic. There was no statistical difference in Child-Pugh or pediatric end-stage liver disease status between patients with infected and noninfected ascites. Culture of ascetic fluid was positive in four of eight cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Gram-negative rods were the most prevalent bacteria cultured. Except for serum albumin, no statistical differences in biochemical markers were observed between patients with infected and noninfected ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of infected ascites was 29.2%. With the exception of serum albumin, there were no differences in the clinical and biochemical features of patients with infected ascites and noninfected ascites.

Role of serum complement, immunoglobulins, and cell-mediated immune system in the pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of advanced liver disease, which has a reported prevalence of between 4 and 27%. Frequent bacteremias due to inadequate host defense mechanisms, particularly the reticuloendothelial system (RES), with seeding of an ascitic fluid that lacks a normal opsonic activity, is believed to be the principal cause of SBP. Little data exist as to the role of serum levels of complement and immunoglobulins as well as the cell-mediated immune system in the pathogenesis of SBP. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of the third and fourth components of complement (C3, C4), total hemolytic complement activity (CH100), and properdin factor B (PFB) and immunoglobulins G, A, and M and various T-cell parameters in individuals admitted to hospital with ascites and advanced liver disease and to determine whether one or more of these factors could be used to predict the development of SBP in patients with advanced liver disease. Fourteen consecutive patients (nine male and five female; age 47.5 +/- 3.1 years, mean +/- SEM) with end-stage liver disease and ascites, who were evaluated for possible liver transplant at the University of Pittsburgh and who developed SBP, comprised the study group. The diagnosis of SBP was determined by positive ascitic fluid culture (three patients) and/or ascitic fluid neutrophil count of greater than 250 cells/mm3 (all patients). The control group consisted of 14 patients, matched for type of liver disease, age, and sex, who did not develop SBP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bacterial infections complicating liver disease

Bacterial infection is a serious and often fatal complication of patients with liver disease and can prove fatal either directly or by precipitation of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, or hepatic encephalopathy. At greatest risk are patients with alcoholic cirrhosis or decompensated chronic liver disease, or cases of acute liver disease who progress to fulminant hepatic failure or subacute hepatic necrosis. Infection appears to be unusual in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The site and type of infection is unrelated to the aetiology of the liver disease. Bacteraemia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are most common but infective endocarditis and meningitis, especially with pneumococci, are easily overlooked. Clinical suspicion of infection must be high as the only indication may be a general deterioration in the patients' clinical state, increasing encephalopathy or renal impairment. In the case of patients with fulminant hepatic failure, infection may precipitate the initial or recurrent encephalopathy and contributes to death in 10% of fatal cases. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is now recognized to occur in the absence of clinical features of peritonitis. The PMN content of the ascitic fluid may provide the only indication of infection and is the most readily available screening test. The most common types of organism responsible for all types of infection are Gram-negative enteric and streptococci, especially pneumococci, while infection with anaerobes is rare. Risk factors for infection include decompensated alcoholic liver disease, fulminant hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, invasive practical procedures and impaired host defence mechanisms against infection. Of the host defence mechanisms, impaired function of the reticuloendothelial system, complement, and PMNs represent the most common and serious defects. Defects of humoral immunity are present in ascitic fluid from patients with cirrhosis and are probably a major reason for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Diuresis improves these functions and reduces the risk of peritonitis. Treatment of infections even with the appropriate antibiotic is still associated with a high mortality but the use of adjuvant gut sterilization is promising, particularly in cases infected with Gram-negative enteric organisms. Infusions of fresh frozen plasma, blood and cryoprecipitate improve some systemic host defences and may be beneficial in the treatment and reduction of risk of infection.