Ascitis secundaria a chlamydia trachomatis tras procedimiento de reproducción asistida / Ascites secondary to chlamydia trachomatis after assisted reproduction procedure

El desarrollo de ascitis moderada o severa es infrecuente tras una enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica por Chlamydia trachomatis, una de las principales causas de infección de transmisión sexual a nivel mundial. Caso clínico: Paciente de 29 años que tras aborto diferido (gestación tras inseminación artificial) que inicia a las seis semanas con cuadro de dolor abdominal inespecífico y ascitis de predominio linfocitario. El diagnostico se realizo mediante PCR (Werfen®) tanto el liquido ascítico como en exudado endocervical. La paciente recibió tratamiento antibiótico con doxiciclina. Conclusión: Las enfermedades de transmisión sexual deben ser consideradas cuando se realiza un diagnóstico diferencial de una mujer sexualmente activa con dolor abdominal y ascitis, instaurar tratamiento antibiótico y evitar pruebas e intervenciones quirúrgicas innecesarias.

The development of moderate or severe ascites is infrequent after a pelvic inflammatory disease from Chlamydia trachomatis, one of the main causes of sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Clinical case: A 29-year-old patient who, after a delayed abortion (gestation after artificial insemination), started at six weeks with symptoms of non-specific abdominal pain and predominantly lymphocytic ascites. The diagnosis is made by PCR (Werfen®) both the ascitic fluid and the endocervical exudate. The patient received antibiotic treatment with doxycycline. Conclusion: Sexually transmitted diseases should be considered when making a differential diagnosis of a sexually activated woman with abdominal pain and ascites. Establishing antibiotic treatment, and avoiding unnecessary tests and surgical treatments.

Utilidad de las tiras reactivas para el diagnóstico temprano de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis / Usefulness of test strips for early diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites

Introducción: La peritonitis bacteriana espontánea requiere un diagnóstico temprano para el inicio de antibioticoterapia. El estudio diagnóstico ideal es el citoquímico del líquido ascítico, el cual puede ser costoso, demorado y de disponibilidad limitada en centros primarios de atención en salud. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad y precisión diagnóstica de las tiras reactivas Multistix 10SG para el diagnóstico de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de prueba diagnóstica en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis. Se determinó el conteo de leucocitos del líquido ascítico por la escala colorimétrica de la tira reactiva Multistix 10SG y se comparó con el gold standard para el diagnóstico (polimorfonucleares ≥ 250 células/mm³). Resultados: De 174 pacientes con ascitis (51,7% mujeres, promedio de edad 59 años) 30 fueron diagnosticados con peritonitis bacteriana espontánea. Con un punto de corte grado ++, la tira reactiva tuvo sensibilidad 73,3%, especificidad 96,5%, valor predictivo positivo 81,4%, valor predictivo negativo 94,5%, razón de probabilidad positiva 21,2 y razón de probabilidad negativa 0,27. Conclusiones: Las tiras reactivas tienen adecuada especificidad y valor predictivo negativo, siendo una herramienta de bajo costo, uso sencillo, rápida interpretación y fácil acceso, para apoyar la decisión de no iniciar antibiótico en pacientes con ascitis y sospecha de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea. Por su baja sensibilidad no reemplazan al estudio citoquímico como prueba de elección para el diagnóstico definitivo, pero si es útil para optimizar el abordaje inicial de estos pacientes.

Introduction: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis requires an early diagnosis to start antibiotic therapy. The ideal diagnostic study is the cytochemical of ascites fluid, which can be expensive, delayed and of limited availability in primary health care centers. Objective: Evaluate the usefulness and diagnostic accuracy of Multistix 10SG test strips for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Materials and methods: Observational descriptive study of diagnostic test in cirrhotic patients with ascites. The leukocyte count of ascites fluid was determined by the colorimetric scale of the Multistix 10SG test strip and compared with the gold standard for diagnosis (polymorphonuclear ≥ 250 cells / mm³). Results: Of 174 patients with ascites (51.7% women, average age 59 years) 30 were diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. With a grade ++ cut-off point, the test strip had sensitivity 73.3%, specificity 96.5%, positive predictive value 81.4%, negative predictive value 94.5%, positive likelihood ratio 21.2 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.27. Conclusions: The test strips have adequate specificity and negative predictive value, being a low cost tool, simple use, quick interpretation and easy access, to support the decision not to start an antibiotic in patients with ascites and suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Due to their low sensitivity they do not replace the cytochemical study as the test of choice for the definitive diagnosis, but it is useful for optimizing the initial approach of these patients.

Endometrial Tuberculosis: Hysteroscopic Findings of a Clinical Case.

Endometrial tuberculosis is a rare diagnosis in the postmenopausal period, and it can mimic a carcinoma. The present article describes the case of a 54-year-old female patient with weight loss, abdominal pain, and ascites. An ultrasonography showed endometrial thickening, and a video hysteroscopy revealed a uterine cavity with formations with cotton aspect covering the entire endometrial surface and the tubal ostia. An anatomopathological evaluation diagnosed endometrial tuberculosis. The treatment was with a standardized therapeutic scheme (ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin), and the patient evolved with clinical improvement and normal uterine cavity at hysteroscopy. Considering the lack of pathognomonic hysteroscopic findings of the disorder, it is important to disclose the images of the case.

A tuberculose endometrial é um diagnóstico raro na pós-menopausa e pode mimetizar um carcinoma. O presente artigo descreve o caso de uma paciente de 54 anos com perda de peso, dor abdominal e ascite. A ultrassonografia mostrou espessamento endometrial, e a histeroscopia por vídeo revelou uma cavidade uterina com formações que apresentavam aspecto de algodão cobrindo toda a superfície endometrial e os óstios tubários. Uma avaliação anatomopatológica diagnosticou tuberculose endometrial. O tratamento foi com esquema terapêutico padronizado (etambutol, isoniazida, pirazinamida e rifampicina), e a paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica e cavidade uterina normal na histeroscopia. Considerando a falta de achados histeroscópicos patognomônicos do distúrbio, é importante divulgar as imagens do caso.

Endometrial tuberculosis: hysteroscopic findings of a clinical case / Tuberculose endometrial: Achados histeroscópicos de um caso clínico

Abstract Endometrial tuberculosis is a rare diagnosis in the postmenopausal period, and it can mimic a carcinoma. The present article describes the case of a 54-year-old female patient with weight loss, abdominal pain, and ascites. An ultrasonography showed endometrial thickening, and a video hysteroscopy revealed a uterine cavity with formations with cotton aspect covering the entire endometrial surface and the tubal ostia. An anatomopathological evaluation diagnosed endometrial tuberculosis. The treatment was with a standardized therapeutic scheme (ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin), and the patient evolved with clinical improvement and normal uterine cavity at hysteroscopy. Considering the lack of pathognomonic hysteroscopic findings of the disorder, it is important to disclose the images of the case.

Resumo A tuberculose endometrial é um diagnóstico raro na pós-menopausa e podemimetizar um carcinoma. O presente artigo descreve o caso de uma paciente de 54 anos com perda de peso, dor abdominal e ascite. A ultrassonografia mostrou espessamento endometrial, e a histeroscopia por vídeo revelou uma cavidade uterina com formações que apresentavam aspecto de algodão cobrindo toda a superfície endometrial e os óstios tubários. Uma avaliação anatomopatológica diagnosticou tuberculose endometrial. O tratamento foi com esquema terapêutico padronizado (etambutol, isoniazida, pirazinamida e rifampicina), e a paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica e cavidade uterina normal na histeroscopia. Considerando a falta de achados histeroscópicos patognomônicos do distúrbio, é importante divulgar as imagens do caso.

[Usefulness of test strips for early diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites]. / Utilidad de las tiras reactivas para el diagnóstico temprano de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis requires an early diagnosis to start antibiotic therapy. The ideal diagnostic study is the cytochemical of ascites fluid, which can be expensive, delayed and of limited availability in primary health care centers. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the usefulness and diagnostic accuracy of Multistix 10SG test strips for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational descriptive study of diagnostic test in cirrhotic patients with ascites. The leukocyte count of ascites fluid was determined by the colorimetric scale of the Multistix 10SG test strip and compared with the gold standard for diagnosis (polymorphonuclear ≥ 250 cells / mm³). RESULTS: Of 174 patients with ascites (51.7% women, average age 59 years) 30 were diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. With a grade ++ cut-off point, the test strip had sensitivity 73.3%, specificity 96.5%, positive predictive value 81.4%, negative predictive value 94.5%, positive likelihood ratio 21.2 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.27. CONCLUSIONS: The test strips have adequate specificity and negative predictive value, being a low cost tool, simple use, quick interpretation and easy access, to support the decision not to start an antibiotic in patients with ascites and suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Due to their low sensitivity they do not replace the cytochemical study as the test of choice for the definitive diagnosis, but it is useful for optimizing the initial approach of these patients.

EVALUATION OF LEUKOCYTE ESTERASE REAGENT STRIPS TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS IN CHILDREN WITH CIRRHOSIS.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is defined as an ascetic fluid infection without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is one of the severe complications in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Without early antibiotic treatment, this complication is associated with high mortality rate; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is necessary for survival. Leukocyte esterase reagent can rapidly diagnose the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find out the diagnostic accuracy of leukocyte esterase dipstick test for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. METHODS: A single centered hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2013 to August 2014 on children with cirrhotic liver disease and ascites who were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology in Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran). All patients underwent abdominal paracentesis, and the ascitic fluid was processed for cell count, leukocyte esterase reagent strip test (Combiscreen SL10) and culture. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was defined as having a polymorphonuclear count (PMN ≥250/m3) in ascitic fluid. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of leukocyte esterase test were calculated according to the formula. RESULTS: Totally, 150 ascitic fluid sample of cirrhotic male patients (53.2%) and their mean age (4.33±1.88 years) were analyzed. Biliary atresia (n=44, 29.4%) and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (n=29, 19.3%) were the most frequent etiology of cirrhosis. Also, abdominal pain (68.6%) and distension (64%) were the most common presenting complaint. Of all cases, 41 patients (27.35%) were diagnosed to have spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (PMN ≥250/mm3). Sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase reagent test according to PMNs ≥250 mm3 were 87.80% and 91.74%, also on ascitic fluid culture results were 88.23% and 77.44%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this test in PMNs ≥250 mm3 were 80% and 95.23% and in cases with positive culture 33.33% and 98.09% were obtained, respectively. Efficiency of leukocyte esterase reagent test in diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, according to PMNs ≥250 mm3 and culture results were 90.66% and 78.66%. CONCLUSION: The leukocyte esterase strip test may be used as rapid test for diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to its high diagnostic validity.

EVALUATION OF LEUKOCYTE ESTERASE REAGENT STRIPS TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS IN CHILDREN WITH CIRRHOSIS / Avaliação de tiras reagentes de teste de esterase de leucócitos no diagnóstico de peritonite bacteriana espontânea em crianças com cirrose

BackgroundSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis is defined as an ascetic fluid infection without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is one of the severe complications in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Without early antibiotic treatment, this complication is associated with high mortality rate; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is necessary for survival. Leukocyte esterase reagent can rapidly diagnose the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to find out the diagnostic accuracy of leukocyte esterase dipstick test for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.MethodsA single centered hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2013 to August 2014 on children with cirrhotic liver disease and ascites who were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology in Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran). All patients underwent abdominal paracentesis, and the ascitic fluid was processed for cell count, leukocyte esterase reagent strip test (Combiscreen SL10) and culture. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was defined as having a polymorphonuclear count (PMN ≥250/m3) in ascitic fluid. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of leukocyte esterase test were calculated according to the formula.ResultsTotally, 150 ascitic fluid sample of cirrhotic male patients (53.2%) and their mean age (4.33±1.88 years) were analyzed. Biliary atresia (n=44, 29.4%) and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (n=29, 19.3%) were the most frequent etiology of cirrhosis. Also, abdominal pain (68.6%) and distension (64%) were the most common presenting complaint. Of all cases, 41patients (27.35%) were diagnosed to have spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (PMN ≥250/mm3). Sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase reagent test according to PMNs ≥250mm3 were 87.80% and 91.74%, also on ascitic fluid culture results were 88.23% and 77.44%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this test in PMNs ≥250mm3 were 80% and 95.23% and in cases with positive culture 33.33% and 98.09% were obtained, respectively. Efficiency of leukocyte esterase reagent test in diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, according to PMNs ≥250mm3 and culture results were 90.66% and 78.66%.ConclusionThe leukocyte esterase strip test may be used as rapid test for diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to its high diagnostic validity.

ContextoA peritonite bacteriana espontânea é definida como uma infecção do fluido ascítico sem evidente origem intra-abdominal cirurgicamente tratável. A peritonite bacteriana espontânea é uma das complicações graves em pacientes com cirrose e ascite. Sem tratamento antibiótico precoce, esta complicação é associada com alta taxa de mortalidade. Portanto, o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento de peritonite bacteriana espontânea são necessários para a sobrevivência. O reagente de esterase de leucócitos pode rapidamente diagnosticar a peritonite bacteriana espontânea.ObjetivoEste estudo teve como objetivo descobrir a acurácia diagnóstica do teste com tiras de esterase de leucócitos para o diagnóstico de peritonite bacteriana espontânea.MétodosUm estudo transversal hospitalar unicêntrico foi realizado entre julho de 2013 e agosto de 2014 em crianças com cirrose hepática e ascite que foram admitidas no Departamento de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica no Hospital de Nemazee afiliado à Universidade de Ciencias Médicas de Shiraz (Irã). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a paracentese abdominal, e o líquido ascítico foi processado para contagem de células, teste de tira de reagente de esterase de leucócitos (Combiscreen SL10) e cultura. Peritonite bacteriana espontânea foi definida como tendo uma contagem de polimorfonucleares (PMN ≥250/m3) no líquido ascítico. Sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo negativo do teste de esterase de leucócitos foram calculados de acordo com a fórmula.ResultadosForam analisados um total de 150 amostras de líquido ascítico de pacientes cirróticos; (53,2%) eram do sexo masculino e sua média de idade (4,33±1,88 anos). A atresia biliar (n=44, 29,4%) e hepatite neonatal idiopática (n=29, 19,3%) foram as etiologias mais frequentes de cirrose. Além disso, dor abdominal (68,6%) e distensão (64%) foram as queixas mais comuns de apresentação. De todos os casos, 41 (27,35%) foram diagnosticados com peritonite bacteriana espontânea (PMN ≥250/mm3). A sensibilidade e especificidade do teste de reagente de esterase de leucócitos segundo PMN ≥250mm3 foi de 87,80% e 91,74% e, para os resultados de cultura de líquido ascítico, de 88,23% e 77,44%. Valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo do teste em PMN ≥250mm3 foi de 80% e 95,23% e em casos com cultura positiva 33,33% e 98,09%, respectivamente. A eficiência do teste de reagente esterase de leucócitos no diagnóstico de peritonite bacteriana espontânea, de acordo com resultados de ≥250mm3 e cultura PMN, foi de 90,66% e 78,66%.ConclusãoO teste de tiras de esterase de leucócitos pode ser usado como um teste rápido para diagnóstico de peritonite bacteriana espontânea, devido a sua alta validade diagnóstica.

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.

Translocación bacteriana e infecciones en un modelo experimental de cirrosis en la rata / Bacterial translocation and infections in an experimental model

In summary the carbon tetrachloride/phenobarbital of cirrhosis in rats mimics human cirrhosis very closely, with development of ascites and SBP. This model shows us that bacterial overgrowth occurs as cirrhosis progresses and that bacterial translocation from the gut to extra-intestinal sites is part of the early pathogenesis of SBP. SID with norfloxacin dramatically reduced translocation and SBP at the expense of grampositive overgrowth and infection with gram-positives and colonization with strange gram negatives. SID with TMP-SMZ actually delayed development of ascites and prolonged survival.

Amplification of bacterial DNA does not distinguish patients with ascitic fluid infection from those colonized by bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification to diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: According to a retrospective protocol, 31 patients with portal hypertensive ascites (serum to ascites albumin gradient > or = 1.1 g/dL) were studied. Ascitic fluid was analyzed as follows: Gram stain, aerobic and anaerobic cultures, polymorphonuclear cell count, and biochemical tests. Bacterial DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: There were 8 episodes of SBP and 4 episodes of bacterascites (BA). Culture was positive in 4 of 8 cases of SBP and bacterial DNA was positive in 7 of 8 cases of SBP. Bacterial DNA was positive in 3 of 4 cases of BA and in 8 of 28 cases of culture-negative non-neutrocytic ascites (CNNNA). The PELD score, serum to albumin ascites gradient, and mortality showed no statistical difference between patients with CNNNA and the result of the bacterial DNA analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 16S rRNA gene amplification was better than culture to diagnose SBP, bacterial DNA does not seem to allow a distinction between ascites infection and ascites colonization.

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.

[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis]. / Peritonite bacteriana espontânea.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurs in 30% of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. The pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is related to altered host defenses observed in end-stage liver disease, overgrowth of microorganisms, and bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes. Clinical manifestations vary from severe to slight or absent, demanding analysis of the ascitic fluid. The diagnosis is confirmed by a number of neutrophils over 250/mm3 associated or not to bacterial growth in culture of an ascites sample. Enterobacteriae prevail and Escherichia coli has been the most frequent bacterium reported. Mortality rates decreased markedly in the last two decades due to early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment. Third generation intravenous cephalosporins are effective in 70% to 95% of the cases. Recurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is common and can be prevented by the continuous use of oral norfloxacin. The development of bacterial resistance demands the search for new options in the prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; probiotics are a promising new approach, but deserve further evaluation. Short-term antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients with cirrhosis and ascites shortly after an acute episode of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Aspectos microbiológicos de interés en el diagnóstico de la peritonitis bacteriana espontánea del paciente con cirrosis hepática / Microbiological aspects of interest in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis

La peritonitis bacteriana espontánea es una complicación grave del paciente cirrótico, con elevada mortalidad intrahospitalaria y pobre pronóstico a corto plazo. Su diagnóstico requiere un elevado índice de sospecha, la realización precoz de paracentesis abdominal para recuento del número de polimorfonucleares en líquido de ascitis y estudio bacteriológico. El cultivo en frascos de hemocultivo ha sustituido al método tradicional en placa de agar por su mayor rendimiento diagnóstico y su menor demora. La importancia de los estudios bacteriológicos tiene un renovado interés debido a los cambios reportados en la literatura en la causa de la infección en relación al uso de antibioticoterapia profiláctica, al aumento de infecciones nosocomiales, y al bajo rendimiento del estudio directo del líquido de ascitis. Esta metodología de estudio del líquido de ascitis ha permitido mejorar el diagnóstico de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en el Hospital Pasteur. En medios sanitarios de escasos recursos económicos, podría ser apropiado cultivar el líquido de ascitis de pacientes cirróticos en frascos de hemocultivo sólo en casos de sospecha clínica o analítica de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea, o de inicio de terapéutica antibiótica, disminuyendo así el costo asistencial en relación a esta técnica de cultivo microbiológica.

Summary Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication in cirrhotic patients, provoking high rates of in-hospital mortality and bad short-term prognosis. Diagnosis needs high level suspect, early abdominal paracentesis to count neutrophils in ascitic fluid and bacterial analysis. Blood culture flasks have replaced traditional agar plate technique since diagnostic determination is more reliable and faster. The importance of bacterial studies has have a renewable interest since literature included data from antibiotic therapy, increase in hospitalization-related infections and low performance of direct analysis of ascitic fluid. This technique has improved diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the Hospital Pasteur. Health centers with low financial resources should implement this technique in cases of clinical or analytical suspicion of SBP or antibiotic therapy to diminish costs.

Résumé La péritonite bactérienne spontanée est une complication grave du patient cirrhotique qui a une mortalité intrahospitalière élevée et un pauvre pronostic à court terme. Son diagnostic exige un taux élevé de soupçon, la réalisation précoce de paracentèse abdominale pour comptabiliser le nombre de polymorphonucléaires en liquide d'ascite et étude bactériologique. La culture en flacons d'hémoculture a remplacé la méthode traditionnelle en plaque d'agar, vu son grand rendment diagnostique et son court délai. L'importance des études bactériologiques ont un plus grand intérêt vues les nouveautés publiées dans la littérature sur l'etiologie de l'infection en ce qui concerne l'emploi d'antibioticothérapie prophylactique, l'augmentation des infections hospitalières et le bas rendement de l'etude directe du liquide d'ascite. Cette méthodologie d'étude du liquide d'ascite a permis d'améliorer le diagnostic de péritonite bactérienne spontanée à l'Hôpital Pasteur. Dans un moyen sanitaire à pauvres ressources économiques, il pourrait être convenable de cultiver le liquide d'ascite des patients cirrhotiques dans des flacons d'hémoculture seulement en cas de soupçon clinique ou analytique de péritonite bactérienne spontanée, ou en cas de signe de thérapie antibiotique, ce qui diminuerait le coût d'assistance en ce qui concerne cette technique de culture microbiologique.

[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in hepatic cirrhosis with ascites: incidence, bacteriology and mortality in Uruguay]. / Peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en cirrosis hepática con ascitis: incidencia, bacteriología y mortalidad en Uruguay.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites. In order to analyze the incidence, bacteriology and in-hospital mortality, we studied 64 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites (47 males, 17 females average age 59 years) hospitalized in a general adults 3rd level hospital (Pasteur hospital, Montevideo, Uruguay), between September 1998 and May 2000. The diagnostic criteria was more than 250 polymorphonuclear cells/cu.mm. in ascitic fluid and/or a positive culture. We found 17 SBP in 17 patients (10 males 24-81 years) which means an incidence of 26.56%. 15 alcoholic cirrhosis and 2 autoimmune disease. 12% (2/17) were asymptomatic; 8/17 were SBP culture positive (5 E. Coli, 2 St. Pneumoniae, 1 Klebsiella sp.), and 9 were culture negative. The mortality rate associated with SBP was 47% (8/17), greater than the cirrhotic group without SBP (12.7% p < 0.01).

Peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en cirrosis hepática con ascitis: indidencia, bacteriología y mortalidad en Uruguay / Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in hepatic cirrhosis with ascites: incidence, bacteriology and mortality in Uruguay

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites. In order to analyze the incidence, bacteriology and in-hospital mortality, we studied 64 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites (47 males, 17 females average age 59 years) hospitalized in a general adults 3rd level hospital (Pasteur hospital, Montevideo, Uruguay), between September 1998 and May 2000. The diagnostic criteria was more than 250 polymorphonuclear cells/cu.mm. in ascitic fluid and/or a positive culture. We found 17 SBP in 17 patients (10 males 24-81 years) which means an incidence of 26.56 percent. 15 alcoholic cirrhosis and 2 autoimmune disease. 12 percent (2/17) were asymptomatic; 8/17 were SBP culture positive (5 E. Coli, 2 St. Pneumoniae, 1 Klebsiella sp.), and 9 were culture negative. The mortality rate associated with SBP was 47 percent (8/17), greater than the cirrhotic group without SBP (12.7 percent p < 0.01). (Au)