Trends in Hospitalization, Acute Kidney Injury, and Mortality in Patients With Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Short and long-term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) remains a significant concern for patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to reevaluate the trends in both short-term and long-term mortality rates associated with SBP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using population data obtained from Taiwan's Health and Welfare Data Science Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The database, derived from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program, included information from 925 cirrhotic patients discharged after an episode of SBP between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Each patient's outcomes were tracked for up to 3 years following their initial hospitalization for SBP. The overall mortality rates for cirrhotic patients with SBP at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 10.8%, 23.0%, 44.0%, and 60.9%, respectively. Following Cox regression analysis with adjustments for patient age, gender, and underlying medical conditions, the short-term prognostic factors of significance were age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.05, P = .001), concurrent sepsis (HR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.82-4.08, P < .001), and renal function impairment (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.07-5.18, P < .001). Although the 30-day mortality rate for SBP in cirrhotic patients is around 10%, the long-term mortality remains significantly high. Renal function impairment and the presence of concurrent sepsis serve as indicators of poor short-term prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Introduction

Despite treatment with antibiotic therapy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) accounts for approximately 20-40% mortality in hospitalized patients. The data is scarce regarding mortality predictors in SBP. Recently, multiple factors have been studied for effectiveness in prognosis prediction in SBP. Therefore, in this study, our main objective was to evaluate the mortality predictors in SBP.

Materials and methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Hepatogastroenterology, from January 2022 to June 2023. All the patients aged between 18 and 65 years having decompensated chronic liver disease and diagnosed with SBP were enrolled in the study. The excluded population comprised of those who were on hemodialysis, those having history of any solid organ malignancy or transplantation or patients suffering from infections such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or infections other than SBP. These patients were followed during the hospital stay and after the discharge monthly for 3 months and then at 6 months to assess mortality.

Results

A total of 142 cirrhotic patients having SBP were enrolled in the study. Among them, most of them were males [98 (69%)]. Viral hepatitis (65.4%) was the most common cause of cirrhosis in studied population. On univariate analysis, serum total leukocyte count (TLC), international normalized ratio (INR), ascitic TLC, ascitic neutrophils, ascitic lactate, ascitic LDH, CTP score, MELD-Na were significantly higher while serum albumin was significantly lower in the patients who died as compared to those who survived. However, on multivariate cox regression analysis, high serum TLC (p = 0.013), ascitic fluid lactate (p < 0.001) along with high CTP (p = 0.041) and MELD-Na score (p = 0.037) at presentation were the factors that were identified as an independent poor prognostic factors in SBP population.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic patients with SBP are at increased risk of mortality. In our study we observed that high prognostic scores such as CTP and MELD-Na at presentation along with increased white blood cell counts and high ascitic fluid lactate levels at presentation are the potential and reliable predictors of mortality in SBP patients.

How to cite this article

Kumar D, Kumar V, Khan RTY, et al. Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2024;14(2):125-128.

Timely Albumin Infusion May Improve Resource Utilization in Patients with Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis that can increase healthcare utilization. The impact of albumin administration timing on hospital resource utilization and its optimal timing is unclear, despite its efficacy in improving survival for cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the timing of albumin administration on the length of stay and total hospital cost for patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis who require fluid resuscitation. The study utilized de-identified data from Cerner Health Facts® data. Adult inpatients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and SBP receiving ≥1 antibiotic and fluid resuscitation between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2018, were included and stratified by albumin administration timing: ≤24 hours from hospital admission ("timely albumin") or >24 hours of admission or no albumin ("non-timely albumin"). We used a Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test to evaluate the association between timing of albumin administration and time to hospital discharge and a generalized linear model to examine the association between albumin timing and total hospital costs. We identified 1,308 hospitalizations, of which 301 contained valid cost data. The timely albumin group had a median time to discharge of 6.95 days compared to 7.78 days in the non-timely group (p = 0.02). Cost model showed that receiving timely albumin incurred 16% lower costs (p = 0.027) than patients in the non-timely albumin group. Timely albumin administration with an antibiotic regimen may shorten the length of stay and lower costs, thereby reducing hospital resource utilization in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis requiring fluid resuscitation.

Ascitic Fluid Lactate Level as a Predictor of Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients Having Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)

Introduction Limited studies are available for predicting mortality in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) based on ascitic fluid analysis. Recently, a proposition has been made regarding the role of ascitic fluid lactate as a better prognostic indicator of mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the utility of ascitic fluid lactate in predicting mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. Methods This was a prospective, observational study that was conducted in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Karachi from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. All the patients having liver cirrhosis with ascites, aged between 18 and 65 years, and presenting with fever and/or abdominal pain were recruited in the study in the first six months (i.e., from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2022) and were followed for six more months for the outcome. However, those patients on dialysis or those with hepatocellular carcinoma, any other malignancy as per a history of solid organ transplant, a history of HIV infection, or those underlying systemic sepsis or infections other than SBP were excluded from the study. The presence or absence of SBP was confirmed by doing the ascitic fluid analysis. Ascitic fluid lactate levels were also requested in each patient. Mortality was assessed at one, two, three, and six months, respectively. All the data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was obtained for ascitic fluid lactate for predicting mortality in SBP. At an optimal cutoff, the diagnostic accuracy of ascitic fluid lactate was obtained. Results The total number of cirrhotic patients included in the study was 123. The majority of the patients belong to Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) class C (n = 88; 71%). Two third of the patients (65.8%; n = 81) had viral hepatitis i.e., hepatitis B, D, and/or C, as the cause of cirrhosis. Overall mortality was observed in 51(41.5%) patients. Ascitic fluid lactate was significantly raised in patients with SBP than in patients with non-SBP (p = 0.004). The AUROC of ascitic fluid lactate was highest at three months (AUROC = 0.88) followed by six months (AUROC = 0.84), two months (AUROC = 0.804), and one month (AUROC=0.773). At an optimal cut-off of more than or equal to 22.4 mg/dl, ascitic fluid lactate had a sensitivity of 84.9%, specificity of 85.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.3%, negative predictive value of 42.8% with diagnostic accuracy of 85% in predicting overall mortality in patients with SBP. On sub-analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of ascitic fluid lactate was highest at six months followed by at three, two, and one month, respectively. Conclusion Ascitic fluid lactate showed a good diagnostic utility in predicting the overall mortality in patients with SBP with the best diagnostic accuracy in predicting long-term (six months) mortality. However, further studies are required to validate our results.

Clinical features, microbial spectrum, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The microbial spectrum and antimicrobial resistance patterns change over time and vary across regions in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). There is an urgent need to clarify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in these patients.

METHODS

In this study, 377 patients with SBP and 794 patients with bacterascites were analyzed for the microbial spectrum, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (96, 25.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (55, 14.6%), and Enterococcus faecium (42, 11.1%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria comprised 49.7% of gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and 48.8% of gram-negative bacteria (GNB). The most sensitive antibiotics were amikacin (91.5%), meropenem (89.8%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (87.6%). Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) (OR=51.457, p < 0.001), neutrophil count (OR=1.088, p < 0.001), and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (OR=1.124, p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with SBP.

CONCLUSION

MDR represented nearly half of the bacteria isolated from patients with SBP, of which the high prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing and Carbapenem-resistant bacteria is concerning. The presence of XDR, higher MELD score, and neutrophil count were independent predictive factors associated with higher in-hospital mortality in patients with SBP, indicating that intensive care should be provided to these patients.

Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis or Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context: There is a link between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and the occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients in some studies; however, in other studies, such a link does not exist. Objectives: The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between PPI and the occurrence of SBP or hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhotic patients. Data Sources: A systematic search of sources was conducted in order to evaluate for any relationship between PPI and the risk of SBP in patients with liver diseases. Medline, Scopus, Ovid, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched to find any evidence in this regard from 1980 to November of 2021. Study Selection: The articles were evaluated by two independent reviewers according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). After deleting the duplicates, first, the titles of the studies were evaluated, and then the full texts were evaluated. Any disagreement between the two researchers was solved by discussion or a third reviewer. Data Extraction: Appropriate Critical Appraisal Checklists of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) were used for the quality assessment of eligible studies. Statistical analysis was performed by CMA software (version 2.0), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered a significant level. Results: In the systematic search of sources, 3705 articles were identified. Finally, 33 studies were included in this meta-analysis study. A total of 6370 PPI users and 8037 patients in the control group experienced at least one of the complications of liver cirrhosis, including SBP or HE. According to meta-analysis, the risk of SBP or HE in the intervention group was 1.95 times higher than in the control group (RR = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53 - 2.48, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of PPIs is associated with a higher risk of SBP and HE in cirrhotic patients. However, the quality of included studies in the current systematic review and meta-analysis was moderate, and high-quality studies with a larger sample size are required.

Lizhong decoction ameliorates pulmonary infection secondary to severe traumatic brain injury in rats by regulating the intestinal physical barrier and immune response

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The pathogenesis of pulmonary infection secondary to severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is closely related to damage to the intestinal barrier. Lizhong decoction (LZD) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is widely used in clinical treatment to regulate gastrointestinal movement and enhance resistance. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of LZD in lung infection secondary to sTBI have yet to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we evaluate the therapeutic effect of LZD on pulmonary infection secondary to sTBI in rats and discuss potential regulatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of LZD were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QE-MS/MS). The efficacy of LZD on rats with lung infection secondary to sTBI was examined by changes in brain morphology, coma time, brain water content, mNSS score, colony counts, 16S rRNA/RNaseP/MRP30 kDa(16S/RPP30), myeloperoxidase (MPO) content and pathology of lung tissue. The concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-dextran in serum and the contents of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in colon tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, Alcian Blue Periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) was used to detect colonic goblet cells. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of tight junction proteins. The proportions of CD3⁺ cell, CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells, CD45⁺ cell and CD103+ cells in the colon were analyzed by flow cytometry (FC). In addition, colon transcriptomics were analyzed by Illumina mRNA-Seq sequencing. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) was used to verify the genes associated with LZD alleviation of intestinal barrier function.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine chemical constituents of LZD were revealed with UPLC-QE-MS/MS analysis. Administration of LZD significantly reduced colony counts, 16S/RPP30 and MPO content in lung infection secondary to sTBI rats. In addition, LZD also reduced the serum FITC-glucan content and the SIgA content of the colon. Additionally, LZD significantly increased the number of colonic goblet cells and the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, LZD significantly decreased the proportion of CD3⁺ cell, CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells,CD45+ and CD103+ cells in colon tissue. Transcriptomic analysis identified 22 upregulated genes and 56 downregulated genes in sTBI compared to the sham group. The levels of seven genes were recovered after LZD treatment. qRT‒PCR successfully validated two genes (Jchain and IL-6) at the mRNA level.

CONCLUSION

LZD can improves sTBI secondary lung infection by regulating the intestinal physical barrier and immune response. Thees results suggested that LZD may be a prospective treatment for pulmonary infection secondary to sTBI.

Emergency medicine updates: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with significant risk of mortality. Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition.

OBJECTIVE

This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning SBP for the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

SBP is commonly due to Gram-negative bacteria, but infections due to Gram-positive bacteria and multidrug resistant bacteria are increasing. The typical presentation of SBP includes abdominal pain, worsening ascites, fever, or altered mental status in a patient with known liver disease; however, some patients may be asymptomatic or present with only mild symptoms. Paracentesis is the diagnostic modality of choice and should be performed in any patient with ascites and concern for SBP or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or in those being admitted for a complication of cirrhosis. Ultrasound should be used to optimize the procedure. An ascites absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 250 cells/mm³ is diagnostic of SBP. Ascitic fluid should be placed in blood culture bottles to improve the culture yield. Leukocyte esterase reagent strips can be used for rapid diagnosis if available. While many patients will demonstrate coagulation panel abnormalities, routine transfusion is not recommended. Management traditionally includes a third-generation cephalosporin, but specific patient populations may require more broad-spectrum coverage with a carbapenem or piperacillin-tazobactam. Albumin infusion is associated with reduced risk of renal impairment and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of literature updates can improve the care of patients with suspected SBP.

Diagnosis and Management of Cirrhosis and Its Complications: A Review

Importance

Cirrhosis affects approximately 2.2 million adults in the US. From 2010 to 2021, the annual age-adjusted mortality of cirrhosis increased from 14.9 per 100 000 to 21.9 per 100 000 people.

Observations

The most common causes of cirrhosis in the US, which can overlap, include alcohol use disorder (approximately 45% of all cases of cirrhosis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (26%), and hepatitis C (41%). Patients with cirrhosis experience symptoms including muscle cramps (approximately 64% prevalence), pruritus (39%), poor-quality sleep (63%), and sexual dysfunction (53%). Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by liver biopsy but may also be diagnosed noninvasively. Elastography, a noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness measured in kilopascals, can typically confirm cirrhosis at levels of 15 kPa or greater. Approximately 40% of people with cirrhosis are diagnosed when they present with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy or ascites. The median survival time following onset of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites is 0.92 and 1.1 years, respectively. Among people with ascites, the annual incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is 11% and of hepatorenal syndrome is 8%; the latter is associated with a median survival of less than 2 weeks. Approximately 1% to 4% of patients with cirrhosis develop hepatocellular carcinoma each year, which is associated with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. In a 3-year randomized clinical trial of 201 patients with portal hypertension, nonselective β-blockers (carvedilol or propranolol) reduced the risk of decompensation or death compared with placebo (16% vs 27%). Compared with sequential initiation, combination aldosterone antagonist and loop diuretics were more likely to resolve ascites (76% vs 56%) with lower rates of hyperkalemia (4% vs 18%). In meta-analyses of randomized trials, lactulose was associated with reduced mortality relative to placebo (8.5% vs 14%) in randomized trials involving 705 patients and reduced risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy (25.5% vs 46.8%) in randomized trials involving 1415 patients. In a randomized clinical trial of 300 patients, terlipressin improved the rate of reversal of hepatorenal syndrome from 39% to 18%. Trials addressing symptoms of cirrhosis have demonstrated efficacy for hydroxyzine in improving sleep dysfunction, pickle brine and taurine for reducing muscle cramps, and tadalafil for improving sexual dysfunction in men.

Conclusions and Relevance

Approximately 2.2 million US adults have cirrhosis. Many symptoms, such as muscle cramps, poor-quality sleep, pruritus, and sexual dysfunction, are common and treatable. First-line therapies include carvedilol or propranolol to prevent variceal bleeding, lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, combination aldosterone antagonists and loop diuretics for ascites, and terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.

Acute kidney injury development and impact on clinical and economic outcomes in patients with cirrhosis: an observational cohort study over a 10-year period

OBJECTIVES

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized cirrhotic patients. Data about AKI incidence and outcomes in patients with cirrhosis is scarce in the Middle East region. This study explored the incidence and impact of AKI on clinical and economic outcomes in cirrhosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of cirrhosis patients admitted to an educational hospital in Jordan during the years 2012-2022. Demographics, clinical and biochemical information, and charges were retrieved from medical electronic records. Logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate predictors of AKI and mortality in cirrhosis adjusting for covariates. Hospital charges were also described.

RESULTS

A total of 380 cirrhosis patients were included with an AKI incidence of 27.9%. Male sex, elevated baseline serum creatinine, presence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and higher comorbidity score were independently associated with AKI development ( P < 0.05). The hospital mortality rate was markedly higher for patients with AKI versus those without AKI (51.9% vs. 6.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). AKI was associated independently with higher odds of hospital death (OR = 5.83, P < 0.001), prolongation of the median hospital stays by 5 days ( P < 0.001), more clinical complications, and increased total hospital charges per admission by $2500.

CONCLUSION

AKI is prevalent in cirrhosis patients, and it is associated with increased mortality, hospitalization, and cost. This burden in cirrhosis emphasizes the need for early identification of patients at high risk of AKI and applying prompt and effective management approaches, aiming at improving outcomes.

Changes in Ascitic Fluid Polymorphonuclear Cell Count After Antibiotics Are Associated With Mortality in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a feared complication of ascites that affects 10%-30% of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis with an associated mortality rate of approximately 20%.1-3 Although efforts have been undertaken to encourage prompt evaluation and treatment of SBP, outcomes have generally remained dismal.3 There is significant interest in identifying factors that can reliably predict mortality among individuals with SBP.

Predictors of Short-Term Mortality Following First Episode of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients

Background and aims

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to identify the factors impacting morbidity and short-term mortality in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis following an index episode of SBP.

Methods

In a retrospective study of hospitalized cirrhotic cohort, 333 patient records were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory, as well as radiological characteristics of the patient population were analyzed on day 1 of admission. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on the combination of laboratory, clinical, and radiological features. The diagnosis of SBP was established by abdominal paracentesis in the presence of cellular, biochemical, and microbiological features consistent with SBP. All independent variables were analyzed to generate a predictive model of mortality by using the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (adjusted for age and gender).

Results

A total of 61 cirrhotic patients with ascites and a first episode of SBP were identified. The overall mortality among hospitalized patients was 19.7% and was associated with longer length of stay (12.6 vs. 7.6 days; p=0.01). Patient cohorts with multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria as a cause of SBP had a significantly higher mortality compared to those with other bacterial phenotypes (p=0.03). Multivariate analyses showed that a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (hazard ratio [HR]=1.29; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.92; p=0.023), Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (HR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.82; p=0.027), and acute kidney injury (HR=2.09; 95% CI: 1.41 to 3.47; p=0.01) were the predictors of mortality from SBP.

Conclusion

SBP predicts in-hospital mortality in cirrhotic patients. In addition to multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria, thresholds of both hepatic and renal injury independently predict adverse outcomes.

An Epidemiological Meta-Analysis on the Worldwide Prevalence, Resistance, and Outcomes of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis

Background and Aims: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and potentially fatal complication of liver cirrhosis. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of SBP among liver cirrhotic patients according to geographical location and income level, and risk factors and outcomes of SBP. Methods: A systematic search for articles describing prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of SBP was conducted. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed using generalized linear mix model (GLMM) with Clopper-Pearson intervals. Results: Ninety-Nine articles, comprising a total of 5,861,142 individuals with cirrhosis were included. Pooled prevalence of SBP was found to be 17.12% globally (CI: 13.63-21.30%), highest in Africa (68.20%; CI: 12.17-97.08%), and lowest in North America (10.81%; CI: 5.32-20.73%). Prevalence of community-acquired SBP was 6.05% (CI: 4.32-8.40%), and 11.11% (CI: 5.84-20.11%,) for healthcare-associated SBP. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms were found in 11.77% (CI: 7.63-17.73%) of SBP patients. Of which, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was most common (6.23%; CI: 3.83-9.97%), followed by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms (6.19%; CI: 3.32-11.26%), and lastly vancomycin-resistant enterococci (1.91%; CI: 0.41-8.46%). Subgroup analysis comparing prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and outcomes between income groups was conducted to explore a link between socioeconomic status and SBP, which revealed decreased risk of SBP and negative outcomes in high-income countries. Conclusion: SBP remains a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis worldwide. The drawn link between income level and SBP in liver cirrhosis may enable further insight on actions necessary to tackle the disease on a global scale.

Serum and ascitic D-dimer in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Aim of the study

The study aimed to investigate serum and ascitic fluid D-dimer level in patients with liver cirrhosis with and without ascites and to evaluate the impact of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) on circulating serum and ascitic fluid D-dimer levels.

Material and methods

This study was conducted on 60 subjects who were further subdivided into group I comprising 15 patients with liver cirrhosis and no ascites, group II comprising 15 cirrhotic patients with ascites, group III comprising 15 cirrhotic patients with ascites and SBP, and group IV comprising 15 healthy controls. All patients were subjected to full history taking, physical examination, laboratory investigations, and measurement of serum D-dimer in all groups and ascitic fluid D-dimer in groups II and III. The diagnostic performance of serum D-dimer was tested to detect SBP.

Results

Serum D-dimer differed significantly between groups III and IV, whilst no significant differences were detected between the other groups and group IV. Moreover, group III showed a significantly higher level of serum D-dimer. Ascitic fluid D-dimer mean levels showed no statistically significant differences. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum D-dimer level and ascitic fluid D-dimer in group III, r = 0.682. Using a sensitivity and specificity level of 80%, a cut-off value (COV) of > 323.2 ng/ml could differentiate between patients with SBP and patients with ascites only.

Conclusions

Serum D-dimer significantly correlated with ascitic fluid D-dimer in patients with SBP, whereas no significant correlation was found in patients with cirrhotic ascites without bacterial infection. D-dimer showed good diagnostic performance for SBP among patients with liver cirrhosis.

Microbiological Characteristics and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Patients with Nosocomial Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Caused by Escherichia coli: A Multicenter Study

Escherichia coli is a prevalent causative pathogen of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). In this retrospective study, we investigated the microbiological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli clinical isolates obtained from liver cirrhosis patients suffering from nosocomial SBP. Our results showed that extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli accounted for 47% of the cases, while 62% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. ESBL-producing and MDR isolates showed high incidences of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, but they displayed susceptibility to carbapenems, β-lactamase inhibitors, and aminoglycosides. Importantly, liver cirrhosis patients with MDR E. coli SBP showed a significantly higher death rate than patients with non-MDR infections (P = 0.021). The 30-day mortality of nosocomial SBP was independently correlated with female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 5.200, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.194-22.642], liver failure (OR = 9.609, 95% CI = 1.914-48.225), hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 8.176, 95% CI = 2.065-32.364), hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 8.176, 95% CI = 2.065-32.364), model of end-stage liver disease score (OR = 1.191, 95% CI = 1.053-1.346), white blood cell count (OR = 0.847, 95% CI = 0.737-0.973), and ascites polymorphonuclear (OR = 95.903, 95% CI = 3.410-2697.356). In conclusion, third-generation cephalosporins may be inappropriate for empiric treatment of nosocomial SBP caused by E. coli, due to the widespread presence of ESBLs and high incidence of MDR pathogens.

Effect of acute kidney injury on long-term outcomes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients using the International Club of Ascites-acute kidney injury criteria

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients using International Club of Ascites (ICA)-AKI criteria.

METHODS

A total of 157 cirrhotic patients with a first episode of SBP between 2007 and 2016 were analyzed. We investigated the long-term mortality with related risk factors of SBP in cirrhosis including the ICA-AKI criteria. The ICA-AKI stage at SBP diagnosis is evaluated by stages 0-3. Stage progression was defined as a progression of AKI to a higher stage.

RESULTS

The ICA-AKI stage at the diagnosis of SBP was stage 0 in 91 (58%), stage 1 in 33 (21%), stage 2 in 19 (12%), and stage 3 in 14 patients (9%). Stage progression within 48 h after SBP diagnosis was noted in 18 patients (12%). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for overall survival were age ≥ 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, P = 0.029), serum sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L (HR 1.3, P = 0.017), ICA-AKI stage 1 (HR 2.51, P = 0.003), ICA-AKI stage 2 or 3 (HR 3.36, P < 0.001), and stage progression at 48 h after SBP diagnosis (HR 2.57, P = 0.004). The differences in overall survival using the ICA-AKI in patients without AKI using the conventional criteria were significantly different (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Acute kidney injury and its progression are significant risk factors for mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. The application of the ICA-AKI criteria is important and advantageous for early evaluation and intervention for a better prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people with liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 2.5% of all hospitalisations in people with liver cirrhosis are for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is associated with significant short-term mortality; therefore, it is important to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people at high risk of developing it. Antibiotic prophylaxis forms the mainstay preventive method, but this has to be balanced against the development of drug-resistant spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which is difficult to treat, and other adverse events. Several different prophylactic antibiotic treatments are available; however, there is uncertainty surrounding their relative efficacy and optimal combination.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different prophylactic antibiotic treatments for prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people with liver cirrhosis using a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the different prophylactic antibiotic treatments according to their safety and efficacy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers to November 2018 to identify randomised clinical trials in people with cirrhosis at risk of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or status) in adults with cirrhosis undergoing prophylactic treatment to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. We excluded randomised clinical trials in which participants had previously undergone liver transplantation, or were receiving antibiotics for treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or other purposes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS using Bayesian methods and calculated the odds ratio, rate ratio, and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 29 randomised clinical trials (3896 participants; nine antibiotic regimens (ciprofloxacin, neomycin, norfloxacin, norfloxacin plus neomycin, norfloxacin plus rifaximin, rifaximin, rufloxacin, sparfloxacin, sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim), and 'no active intervention' in the review. Twenty-three trials (2587 participants) were included in one or more outcomes in the review. The trials that provided the information included people with cirrhosis due to varied aetiologies, with or without other features of decompensation, having ascites with low protein or previous history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The follow-up in the trials ranged from 1 to 12 months. Many of the trials were at high risk of bias, and the overall certainty of evidence was low or very low. Overall, approximately 10% of trial participants developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and 15% of trial participants died. There was no evidence of differences between any of the antibiotics and no intervention in terms of mortality (very low certainty) or number of serious adverse events (very low certainty). However, because of the wide CrIs, clinically important differences in these outcomes cannot be ruled out. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life or the proportion of people with serious adverse events. There was no evidence of differences between any of the antibiotics and no intervention in terms of proportion of people with 'any adverse events' (very low certainty), liver transplantation (very low certainty), or the proportion of people who developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (very low certainty). The number of 'any' adverse events per participant was fewer with norfloxacin (rate ratio 0.74, 95% CrI 0.59 to 0.94; 4 trials, 546 participants; low certainty) and sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim (rate ratio 0.19, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.81; 1 trial, 60 participants; low certainty) versus no active intervention. There was no evidence of differences between the other antibiotics and no intervention in the number of 'any' adverse events per participant (very low certainty). There were fewer other decompensation events with rifaximin versus no active intervention (rate ratio 0.61, 65% CrI 0.46 to 0.80; 3 trials, 575 participants; low certainty) and norfloxacin plus neomycin (rate ratio 0.06, 95% CrI 0.00 to 0.33; 1 trial, 22 participants; low certainty). There was no evidence of differences between the other antibiotics and no intervention in the number of decompensations events per participant (very low certainty). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life or development of symptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. One would expect some correlation between the above outcomes, with interventions demonstrating effectiveness across several outcomes. This was not the case. The possible reasons for this include sparse data and selective reporting bias, which makes the results unreliable. Therefore, one cannot draw any conclusions from these inconsistent differences based on sparse data. There was no evidence of any differences in the subgroup analyses (performed when possible) based on whether the prophylaxis was primary or secondary.

FUNDING

the source of funding for five trials were organisations who would benefit from the results of the study; six trials received no additional funding or were funded by neutral organisations; and the source of funding for the remaining 18 trials was unclear.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on very low-certainty evidence, there is considerable uncertainty about whether antibiotic prophylaxis is beneficial, and if beneficial, which antibiotic prophylaxis is most beneficial in people with cirrhosis and ascites with low protein or history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Future randomised clinical trials should be adequately powered, employ blinding, avoid postrandomisation dropouts (or perform intention-to-treat analysis), and use clinically important outcomes such as mortality, health-related quality of life, and decompensation events.

Antibiotic treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 2.5% of all hospitalisations in people with cirrhosis are for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Antibiotics, in addition to supportive treatment (fluid and electrolyte balance, treatment of shock), form the mainstay treatments of SBP. Various antibiotics are available for the treatment of SBP, but there is uncertainty regarding the best antibiotic for SBP.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different antibiotic treatments for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until November 2018 to identify randomised clinical trials on people with cirrhosis and SBP.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) in adults with cirrhosis and SBP. We excluded randomised clinical trials in which participants had previously undergone liver transplantation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified eligible trials and collected data. The outcomes for this review included mortality, serious adverse events, any adverse events, resolution of SBP, liver transplantation, and other decompensation events. We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS using Bayesian methods and calculated the odds ratio, rate ratio, and hazard ratio with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) based on an available-case analysis, according to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Decision Support Unit guidance.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 12 trials (1278 participants; 13 antibiotics) in the review. Ten trials (893 participants) were included in one or more outcomes in the review. The trials that provided the information included patients having cirrhosis with or without other features of decompensation of varied aetiologies. The follow-up in the trials ranged from one week to three months. All the trials were at high risk of bias. Only one trial was included under each comparison for most of the outcomes. Because of these reasons, there is very low certainty in all the results. The majority of the randomised clinical trials used third-generation cephalosporins, such as intravenous ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, or ciprofloxacin as one of the interventions.Overall, approximately 75% of trial participants recovered from SBP and 25% of people died within three months. There was no evidence of difference in any of the outcomes for which network meta-analysis was possible: mortality (9 trials; 653 participants), proportion of people with any adverse events (5 trials; 297 participants), resolution of SBP (as per standard definition, 9 trials; 873 participants), or other features of decompensation (6 trials; 535 participants). The effect estimates in the direct comparisons (when available) were very similar to those of network meta-analysis. For the comparisons where network meta-analysis was not possible, there was no evidence of difference in any of the outcomes (proportion of participants with serious adverse events, number of adverse events, and proportion of participants requiring liver transplantation). Due to the wide CrIs and the very low-certainty evidence for all the outcomes, significant benefits or harms of antibiotics are possible.None of the trials reported health-related quality of life, number of serious adverse events, or symptomatic recovery from SBP.

FUNDING

the source of funding for two trials were industrial organisations who would benefit from the results of the trial; the source of funding for the remaining 10 trials was unclear.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Short-term mortality after SBP is about 25%. There is significant uncertainty about which antibiotic therapy is better in people with SBP.We need adequately powered randomised clinical trials, with adequate blinding, avoiding post-randomisation dropouts (or performing intention-to-treat analysis), and using clinically important outcomes, such as mortality, health-related quality of life, and adverse events.

Acute pancreatitis: Trends in outcomes and the role of acute kidney injury in mortality- A propensity-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess national trends of AP (acute pancreatitis) admissions, outcomes, prevalence of AKI (acute kidney injury) in AP, and impact of AKI on inpatient mortality.

METHODS

We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2003 to 2012 to identify AP admissions using ICD-9-CM codes. After excluding patients with missing information on age, gender, and inpatient mortality, we used ICD-9-CM codes to identify complications of AP, specifically AKI. We examined trends with survey-weighted multivariable regressions and analyzed predictors of AKI and inpatient mortality by multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, both AKI and non-AKI groups were propensity-matched and regressed against mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 3,466,493 patients (1.13% of all discharges) were hospitalized with AP, of which 7.9% had AKI. AP admissions increased (1.02%→1.26%) with rise in concomitant AKI cases (4.1%→11.7%) from year 2003-2012. Mortality rate decreased (1.8%→1.1%) in the AP patients with a substantial decline noted in AKI subgroup (17.4%→6.4%) during study period. Length of stay (LOS) and cost of hospitalization decreased (6.1→5.2 days and $13,654 to $10,895, respectively) in AKI subgroup. Complications such as AKI (OR: 6.08, p < 0.001), septic shock (OR: 46.52, p < 0.001), and acute respiratory failure (OR: 22.72, p < 0.001) were associated with higher mortality. AKI, after propensity matching, was linked to 3-fold increased mortality (propensity-matched OR: 3.20, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Mortality, LOS, and cost of hospitalization in AP has decreased during the study period, although hospitalization and AKI prevalence has increased. AKI is independently associated with higher mortality.