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Peritonitis - spontaneous

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Peritoneal sample
Peritoneal sample

Alternative Names    Return to top

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

Definition    Return to top

Peritonitis is swelling (inflammation) of the peritoneum -- the tissue that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.

Causes    Return to top

Spontaneous peritonitis is usually caused by ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This usually occurs from liver or kidney failure.

Risk factors for liver disease include alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases that lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B or C).

Spontaneous peritonitis also occurs in patients who are on dialysis for kidney failure.

Symptoms    Return to top

Other symptoms include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that show infection:

Other tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment depends on the cause of the peritonitis.

You may need to stay in the hospital so health care providers can rule out other causes of peritonitis, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The infection can usually be treated. However, kidney or liver disease may limit recovery.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis. This can quickly become an emergency situation.

Prevention    Return to top

Patients with peritoneal catheters should be treated with sterile techniques. In cases of liver failure, antibiotics may help prevent peritonitis from coming back.

References    Return to top

Runyon BA. Ascites and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 88.

Update Date: 8/22/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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