Clinical and bacteriological features and prognosis of ascitic fluid infection in Chinese patients with cirrhosis

Clinical Outcomes and Microbiological Profiles of Patients with Culture-Confirmed Peritonitis

Objective

This study aimed to identify pathogenic microorganisms and resistance profiles, clinical outcomes, and mortality-related risk factors in patients with culture-confirmed peritonitis.

Materials and Methods

This single-center, retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years who were followed up with a culture-confirmed diagnosis of peritonitis.

Results

Of the 134 patients, 54.5% (n=73) were male, and the mean age was 57.9 ± 16.1 years. Forty-three patients (32.1%) had primary peritonitis and 91 (67.9%) had secondary peritonitis. A total of 157 pathogens were isolated from 134 cases. The most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli (19.1%, n=9/47), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (12.7%, n=6/47), Pseudomonas spp.(12.7%, n=6/47), Enterococcus spp. (10.6%, n=5/47), and Staphylococcus aureus (10.6%, n=5/47) in primary peritonitis and E. coli (27.3%, n=30/110), Enterococcus spp. (15.4%, n=17/110), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.6%, n=15/110), Pseudomonas spp.(10.9%, n=12/110), and Candida spp. (%10.0, n=11/110) in secondary peritonitis. Among E. coli species, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) rates were 33% (n=3/9) in primary peritonitis and 63% (n=19/30) in secondary peritonitis. The 30-day mortality rate was 36.5% (n=49/134). Male gender (69.4% vs. 45.9%, p=0.009) and secondary perforation (14.3% vs. 4.7%, p=0.049) were more common in deceased patients, while peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis (2.0% vs. 11.7%, p=0.048) and peritonitis due to CoNS (0.0% vs. 9.4%, p=0.027) were less common in deceased patients than survivors. In addition, advanced age (63.6 ± 16.6 vs. 54.7 ± 14.9, p=0.001) and high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (147 ± 412 vs. 135 ± 501, p=0.010) were associated with mortality.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters for clinical outcomes in patients with peritonitis. Patients with secondary perforation-related peritonitis require close monitoring for clinical changes. Gram-positive bacteria and sensitive enteric bacilli for primary peritonitis and ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria for secondary peritonitis should be included in empirical treatment selection. Additionally, we recommend considering antifungal agents for severely ill patients with secondary peritonitis.

Gram-negative bacteria-driven increase of cytosolic phospholipase A2 leads to activation of Kupffer cells

Bacterial infections are prevalent and the major cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. Activation of human Kupffer cells (HKCs) from livers is essential for human innate immunity. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a crucial role in the control and balance of innate immune and inflammatory reactions. Uncharacterized is the role of cPLA2 in HKC activation by bacterial infection. This work aimed to determine the function and mechanism of cPLA2 in gram-negative bacteria (GNB)-induced HKC activation. In this study, we found that Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced activation of HKCs led to a rise in cPLA2 mRNA and protein expression, where the ERK and NF-κB pathways were concurrently triggered. Luciferase activity of cPLA2' promoters, PLA2G4A promoters, was enhanced with the stimulation of E. coli or co-transfection with STAT3 or RelB in HKCs. E. coli massively boosted the binding activity of STAT3 and RelB to the specific regions of the PLA2G4A promoter as measured by ChIP-qPCR. The E. coli-ERK-STAT3 and E. coli-non-canonical NF-κB-RelB signaling axes were then identified using pathway inhibitors and transcription factors in the rescue experiments during E. coli-induced HKC activation. In conclusion, we discovered that cPLA2 is necessary for E. coli-induced HKC activation, and the underlying mechanism could be the transcriptional regulation of STAT3 and RelB on the PLA2G4A promoter following the ERK and non-canonical NF-κB signaling activation, implying that the regulation of cPLA2 expression via the E. coli-ERK/non-canonical NF-κB-STAT3/RelB signaling axis could be effective for controlling GNB-induced HKC activation in cirrhotic patients.

Artificial intelligence-based evaluation of prognosis in cirrhosis

Cirrhosis represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates that severely impact human health. Timely and precise prognostic assessments of liver cirrhosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates as they enable physicians to identify high-risk patients and implement early interventions. This paper features a thorough literature review on the prognostic assessment of liver cirrhosis, aiming to summarize and delineate the present status and constraints associated with the application of traditional prognostic tools in clinical settings. Among these tools, the Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring systems are predominantly utilized. However, their accuracy varies significantly. These systems are generally suitable for broad assessments but lack condition-specific applicability and fail to capture the risks associated with dynamic changes in patient conditions. Future research in this field is poised for deep exploration into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with routine clinical and multi-omics data in patients with cirrhosis. The goal is to transition from static, unimodal assessment models to dynamic, multimodal frameworks. Such advancements will not only improve the precision of prognostic tools but also facilitate personalized medicine approaches, potentially revolutionizing clinical outcomes.

Prognosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors, differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis of SBP in patients with HCC in comparison with non-HCC patients.

METHODS

This study was conducted on patients with cirrhosis who were admitted to hospital with SBP. The patients were divided into two groups: SBP group with HCC (n = 150) and SBP group without HCC (n = 250).

RESULTS

Men and women accounted for 72% and 28% (n = 108 and 42, respectively) of the population in SBP group with HCC with mean age 55.8 ± 13.1 years. They accounted for 68.4% and 31.6% (n = 171 and 79, respectively) in the SBP group without HCC with mean age 56.8 ± 10.5 years. In-hospital mortality was 25.3% in the SBP group with HCC and 18.8% in SBP group without HCC. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common cause of death in both groups. No significant difference was observed in patient outcomes between the two studied groups. The deceased patients had significantly higher levels of leukocytes and neutrophils in ascitic fluid as well as a higher frequency of positive culture results than in patients who survived (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in protein level in ascitic fluid or causative organism between patients who survived and those who died (p = 0.63 and 0.19, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis of SBP in patients with HCC seemed similar to that in patients without HCC.

Antibiotic treatment in cirrhotic patients

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Liakina V: "Antibiotic resistance in patients with liver cirrhosis: Prevalence and current approach to tackle" (World J Clin Cases 2023, 11: 7530-7542). In this excellent review, Liakina presents current data on bacterial complications in patients with cirrhosis. Bacterial infections are the most common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. We focus specifically on spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) which is the most representative infectious complication. Liakina V suggested starting empirically, in all patients with suspected SBP, third-generation cephalosporins when the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in ascites is greater than 250/mm3. This statement creates some doubts in our clinical practice so we discuss on the unsolved pitfalls of diagnosis and treatment that are often encountered in patients with ascitic fluid infections, especially on bacterascites that is defined as ascitic bacterial growth with PMNs below 250/mm3. The severity of liver disease and overall prognosis are highly comparable for patients with bacterascites and SBP in some recent well-conducted studies. Furthermore, we present a brief analysis of the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant isolates with an introduction of currently approved antibiotic drug options to treat ascitic fluid infections avoiding antibiotic resistance. In light of the most recent epidemiological data, third-generation cephalosporins should not be considered as an empirical antibiotic treatment of choice for ascitic fluid infections.

Bacterascites confers poor patient prognosis beyond MELD prediction

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a well-recognized clinical entity with a poor prognosis. In comparison, the prevalence, microbiological flora, and prognostic significance of bacterascites (BA) (the presence of organism on culture but ascitic PMN <250 cells/mm³) is largely unknown. We, therefore, assessed the prognosis and predictors of outcome in patients with BA in comparison with those with SBP. Ascitic fluid cultures from consecutive patients with cirrhosis from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively, and patients with SBP and BA were identified. Baseline demographic, laboratory, and microbiological data were collated and analyzed as prognostic indicators, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Patients were censored at the time of LT, death, or last follow-up. For this study 176 and 213 cases of SBP and BA, respectively, were identified and included. Patients with SBP had significantly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) ( p =<0.01), peripheral blood WCC ( p < 0.01), and higher rates of Enterobacteriaceae ( p < 0.01) and multi-drug resistant pathogens ( p < 0.01). Survival at 1 and 3 months was lower in patients with SBP ( p < 0.01) when compared with BA but at 6 months and beyond, no significant difference remained. After the exclusion of deaths within 30 days of presentation, survival between SBP and BA was equivocal at all time points. Mortality was substantially higher across all MELD groupings for both SBP and BA when compared with the predicted mortality calculated by the MELD score alone. BA has a negative impact on patient survival above that predicted by the MELD score. It has similar impact to SBP on patient survival beyond 1 month suggesting it should be seen as a poor prognostic marker and prompt consideration of LT where appropriate. Further studies evaluating the role of secondary prophylaxis in this group are required.

Prevalence of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) in Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Aim: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in liver cirrhosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide detailed information on the prevalence of SBP among hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis globally. Methods: A systematic search for articles describing the prevalence of SBP in HBV and HCV-related cirrhosis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Our search returned ten (10) eligible articles involving 1713 viral cirrhosis cases representing eight (8) countries. A meta-analysis was performed on our eligible studies using the random effect model. A protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022321790). Results: The pooled prevalence of SBP in HBV-associated cirrhosis had the highest estimate [8.0% (95% CI, 2.7−21.0%; I2 = 96.13%; p < 0.001)], followed by SBP in HCV-associated liver cirrhosis [4.0% (95% CI, 1.3%−11.5%; I2 = 88.99%; p < 0.001)]. China (61.8%, CI: 57.1−66.3%), the USA (50.0%, CI: 34.6−65.4%), and Holland (31.1%, CI: 21.6−42.5%) had the highest estimate for SBP in HBV associated liver cirrhosis, SBP in HCV associated liver cirrhosis and SBP in HBV + HCV associated liver cirrhosis respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of SBP in viral hepatitis-associated liver cirrhosis with the year of sampling and method of SBP detection at P < 0.001. There was an increase in SBP incidence at the beginning of 2016 across the liver cirrhosis in this study. Conclusion: The findings of this review revealed a rise in the incidence of SBP in viral hepatitis over the last decade. The latter indicates a possible future rise in the global prevalence of SBP among HBV and HCV-related liver cirrhosis.

Expert Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of End-Stage Liver Disease Complicated with Infections

Abstract

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome that markedly increases mortality in patients with infections. In patients with ESLD, infections can induce or aggravate the occurrence of liver decompensation. Consequently, infections are among the most common complications of disease progression. There is a lack of working procedure for early diagnosis and appropriate management for patients with ESLD complicated by infections as well as local and international guidelines or consensus. This consensus assembled up-to-date knowledge and experience across Chinese colleagues, providing data on principles as well as working procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ESLD complicated by infections.

A prediction model for 30-day deaths of cirrhotic patients in intensive care unit hospitalization

The aim of this study was to establish a prediction model for 30-day deaths of cirrhotic patients in intensive care unit.A case-control study involving 1840 patients was conducted in the Medical Information Mart of the Intensive Care Database III version 1.4. The logistic regression with L1 regularization was used to screen out the variables. The 30-day in-hospital death was used as the dependent variable and the selected variables were used as the independent variable to build a random forest model. The performance of the model was validated by the internal validation.The variables screened by logistic regression analysis were the age, heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Oxygen saturation, white blood cells, platelets, red cell distribution width, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, bicarbonate, total bilirubin, hematocrit, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. The areas under the curve of the random forest model based on these variables was 0.908, and the performance of this model were internally validated with an areas under the curve of 0.801. The random forest model displayed that Simplified Acute Physiology Score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin and bilirubin were more important predictors for the 30-day death of cirrhotic patients in intensive care unit.A prediction model for death of cirrhotic patients was developed based on a random forest analysis, providing a tool to evaluate the patients with a high risk of 30-day in-hospital deaths to help clinician make preventive intervention to decrease the mortality.

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.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients: A Shift in the Microbial Pattern? A Retrospective Analysis

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Over the last decade, a shift in the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) microbial pattern toward an increasing incidence of gram-positive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has been reported. Systematic surveillance of the local microbiological scenario and antibiotic resistance is crucial to SBP treatment success. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological profile and bacterial resistance of SBP pathogens in a Portuguese cohort to allow selection of the most appropriate empirical antibiotics. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a single-center retrospective study including 63 adult cirrhotic patients with culture-positive SBP. Patients were identified using a hospital general diagnostic database and searching for all SBP events (neutrophil count in ascitic fluid ≥250/mm³) from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. Patients were excluded if they had culture-negative SBP, secondary peritonitis, peritoneal dialysis, a liver transplant, or immunodeficiency. The site of SBP acquisition was classified as nosocomial if it was diagnosed 48 h or longer after hospitalization or as nonnosocomial if it was diagnosed within the first 48 h. MDR bacteria were those with an acquired resistance to at least 1 agent in 3 or more antimicrobial categories. All statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22 (IBM, New York, USA). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study cohort comprised 53 (84.1%) men. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 ± 11.2 years. Alcohol was the most common etiology (88.9%) and most patients had advanced liver cirrhosis (87.1%, Child C). Gram-negative bacteria were slightly more frequent than gram-positive bacteria (56.9 vs. 43.1%). <i>Escherichia coli</i> was the most common pathogen (33.8%). Nineteen (31.7%) bacteria were classified as MDR. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, piperacillin-tazobactam, and carbapenems was found in 31.7, 35, 26.7, and 18.3% of the cases, respectively. The rates of gram-positive bacteria were similar between nosocomial and nonnosocomial episodes (45 vs. 42.2%; <i>p</i> = 0.835). MDR bacteria were more common in the nosocomial group (50 vs. 23.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.046). Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (50 vs. 23.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.046), piperacillin-tazobactam (44.4 vs. 19.1%; <i>p</i> = 0.041), and carbapenems (33.3 vs. 11.9%; <i>p</i> = 0.049) occurred more frequently in nosocomial episodes. Resistance to first-line antibiotic occurred in 29.3% of the patients, being more common in the nosocomial group (44.4 vs. 22.5%; <i>p</i> = 0.089). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Although gram-negative bacteria remain the most common causative microorganisms, our results emphasize the shift in SBP microbiological etiology, as almost half of the isolated microorganisms were gram positive. The emergence of bacteria resistant to traditionally recommended empirical antibiotics underlines the importance of basing this choice on local flora and antibiotic susceptibility data, allowing a more rational and successful use of antibiotics.

A dual-caged resorufin probe for rapid screening of infections resistant to lactam antibiotics

The alarming increase of antimicrobial resistance urges rapid diagnosis and pathogen specific infection management. This work reports a rapid screening assay for pathogenic bacteria resistant to lactam antibiotics. We designed a fluorogenic N-cephalosporin caged 3,7-diesterphenoxazine probe CDA that requires sequential activations to become fluorescent resorufin. A series of studies with recombinant β-lactamases and clinically prevalent pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens demonstrated that CDA possessed superior sensitivity in reporting the activity of β-lactamases including cephalosporinases and carbapenemases. After a simple filtration, lactam-resistant bacteria in urine samples could be detected at 103 colony-forming units per milliliter within 2 hours.

Microbiological profile of pathogens in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis secondary to liver cirrhosis: a retrospective study

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an acute bacterial infection of ascitic fluid without an obvious source. The prevalence of SBP in patients with cirrhosis is in the range of 10%–30%. With increasing use of antibiotics, there is a gradual shift in the causative flora of SBP from Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive and, more importantly, to drug-resistant bacteria. The aim of this retrospective study on 721 cases was to identify the prevalence of various organisms causing SBP along with their drug sensitivity and resistance patterns. A prevalence of 38.2% culture positivity was observed in our South Indian population. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen isolated. Third-generation cephalosporins showed high rates of resistance, but a susceptibility of 74.5% to amikacin was found. Nonetheless, 42% of culture-positive isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, the highest rates being seen with Enterococcus faecium (64.2%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (71.4%).

Culture-Positive Spontaneous Ascitic Infection in Patients with Acute Decompensated Cirrhosis: Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens and Antibiotic Strategies

PURPOSE

This study investigated multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and antibiotic strategies of culture-positive spontaneous ascitic infection (SAI) in patients with acute decompensated cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 432 acute decompensated cirrhotic patients with culture-positive SAI from 11 teaching hospitals in China (January 2012 to May 2018). A Cox proportional hazards model analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of 28-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 455 strains were isolated from 432 ascitic culture samples. Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), gram-positive bacteria (GPB), and fungi caused 52.3, 45.5, and 2.2% of all SAI episodes, respectively. Episodes were classified as nosocomial (41.2%), healthcare-related (34.7%), and community-acquired (24.1%). Escherichia coli (13.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.4%) were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing isolates. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 1.1%. Ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, and amikacin were recommended as first-line antibiotics agents for non-MDR GNB infections; piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems for MDR GNB in community-acquired and healthcare-related or nosocomial infections, respectively; and vancomycin or linezolid for GPB infections, regardless of drug-resistance status. Multivariate analysis revealed days of hospital stay before SAI, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, serum creatinine concentration, total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio as key independent predictors of 28-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

MDR pathogens and antibiotic strategies were identified in patients with acute decompensated cirrhosis with culture-positive SAI, which may help optimize therapy and improve clinical outcomes.

Treatment outcomes in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis who have cirrhosis

Early diagnosis and proper treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) in patients with cirrhosis is challenging to clinicians, and the mortality rate is expected to be high. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the treatment outcome in PVO patients with cirrhosis and to identify the predictors of their mortality. Mortality was divided into two categories, 30-day and 90-day mortality. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Eighty-five patients were identified after initial exclusion. The patients’ mean age was 60.5 years, and 50 patients were male. The early mortality rates within 30 and 90 days were 17.6% and 36.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age, CTP class C, and bacteremia at the time of PVO diagnosis were predictors of 30-day mortality, while higher MELD score, presence of combined infection, and multiple spinal lesions were predictors of 90-day mortality. Attention should be paid to the high mortality between 30 and 90 days after PVO diagnosis (18.8%), which was higher than the 30-day mortality. Liver function was consistently a strong predictor of mortality in PVO patients with cirrhosis. The high-risk patients should be targeted for an aggressive diagnostic approach, using spinal MRI and intensive monitoring and treatment strategies.

Ascitic fluid polymorphic nuclear cell count impacts on outcome of cirrhotic patients with ascites

Background

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as an ascitic polymorphonuclear cell count (A-PMN) > 250 cells/µl.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ascitic fluid cell counts in patients without SBP.

Patients and methods

A total of 178 patients were included and stratified by ascitic cell counts at index paracentesis: A-LEUK-low (<250/µl), A-LEUK-intermediate (250-500/µl) and A-LEUK-SBP (>500/µl) for leukocytes; A-PMN-low (<125/µl), A-PMN-intermediate (125-250/µl) and A-PMN-SBP (>250/µl) for PMN cells.

Results

One-year mortality was comparable between group A-LEUK-SBP (53.9%) and patients with subclinical cell counts (34.5% for A-LEUK-low, 43.5% for A-LEUK-intermediate, log-rank p = 0.547). However, we observed an increase in one-year mortality already in group A-PMN-intermediate with 75% and A-PMN-SBP with 80.9% (vs 40.5% for A-PMN-low, log-rank p = 0.016).Importantly, increases of A-PMN cell counts between two paracenteses were associated with increased mortality: per 100 cells/µl increase of absolute A-PMN cell count: hazard ratio (HR): 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.06), p = 0.005; per 5% increase of relative PMN cell count: HR: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.26), p = 0.001.

Conclusion

Patients with PMN cell counts of 125-250/µl are at high risk for mortality, which was very similar to SBP patients with PMN cell counts >250/µl. This highlights the need for preventive strategies. The prognostic value of changes in relative ascitic PMN cell counts should be evaluated in future studies.