Use of Bacterial DNA Concentration in Ascites as a Marker for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

Background and aims: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and serious complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Precise quantification of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) and the related inflammatory response might add further information on the course of disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between bactDNA, cytokine levels and clinical outcome. Methods: Ascites and serum samples of 98 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (42 with SBP and 56 without SBP) as well as serum samples of 21 healthy controls were collected. BactDNA in ascites and serum was detected and quantified by 16S rRNA PCR. Concentrations of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were measured by a LEGENDplexTM multi-analyte flow assay. Clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: BactDNA was detected more frequently in ascites of patients with SBP (n = 24/42; 57.1%) than in ascites of patients without SBP (n = 5/56; 8.9%; P < 0.001). Additionally, IL-6 levels in both ascites and serum were significantly higher in patients with SBP (ascites P < 0.001, serum P = 0.036). The quantity of bactDNA in ascites was strongly correlated with polymorphonuclear neutrophil count in ascites (r = 0.755; P < 0.001) as well as ascites IL-6 levels (r = 0.399; P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to diagnose SBP provided an AUC of 0.764 (95% CI: 0.661-0.867) for serum IL-6 levels, an AUC of 0.810 (95% CI: 0.714-0.905) for ascites IL-6 levels, and an AUC of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.651-0.858) for bactDNA levels in ascites. Conclusions: The correlation between the amount of bactDNA and IL-6 confirms the pathophysiological relevance of bactDNA and IL-6 as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of SBP.

Unraveling host-pathogen dynamics in a murine Model of septic peritonitis induced by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) infection is associated with higher mortality rates. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of innate immune cells and signalling pathways in clearing E. faecium, but a comprehensive analysis of host-pathogen interactions is lacking. Here, we investigated the interplay of host and E. faecium in a murine model of septic peritonitis. Following injection with a sublethal dose, we observed significantly increased murine sepsis score and histological score, decreased weight and bacterial burden, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration, and comprehensive activation of cytokine-mediated signalling pathway. In mice receiving a lethal dose, hypothermia significantly improved survival, reduced bacterial burden, cytokines, and CD86 expression of MHC-II+ recruited macrophages compared to the normothermia group. A mathematical model constructed by observational data from 80 animals, recapitulated the host-pathogen interplay, and further verified the benefits of hypothermia. These findings indicate that E. faecium triggers a severe activation of cytokine-mediated signalling pathway, and hypothermia can improve outcomes by reducing bacterial burden and inflammation.

Chinese guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis : Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association.

In 2023, Chinese Society of Hepatology of Chinese Medical Association convened a panel of experts to update the Chinese guidelines on the management of ascites and associated complications in cirrhosis which was launched in 2017 and renamed this guidelines as "Guidelines on the Management of Ascites in Cirrhosis." This comprehensive resource offers essential recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of cirrhotic ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome.

Managing the Open Abdomen: Selecting an Appropriate Treatment Strategy.

Significance: The laparotomy is a common surgical procedure with a wide range of indications. Ideally, once the goals of surgery were achieved, the incision edges could then be approximated and the abdomen primarily closed. However, in some circumstances, it may be impossible to achieve primary closure, and instead the abdomen is intentionally left open. This review discusses the indications and objectives for the open abdomen (OA), summarizes the most common techniques for temporary abdominal closure, and illustrates treatment algorithms grounded in the current recommendations from specialty experts. Recent Advances: Still a relatively young technique, multiple strategies, and technologies have emerged to manage the OA. So too have the recommendations evolved, based on updated classifications that take wound characteristics into account. Recent studies have also brought greater clarity on recommendations for managing infection and malnutrition to support improved clinical outcomes. Critical Issues: The status of the OA can change rapidly depending on the patient's condition, the wound quality, and many other factors. Thus, there is a significant need for comprehensive treatment strategies that can be adapted to these developing circumstances. Future Directions: Treatment recommendations should be continuously updated as new technologies are introduced and old techniques fall out of use.

Successful Treatment of Intractable Tuberculous Peritonitis in a Woman with Chronic Kidney Allograft Dysfunction Using Contezolid Containing Regimen.

Tuberculosis(TB) is a serious infection that affects transplant recipients, particularly in high TB burden countries. Clinical presentation of these patients is atypical, and the care and management are frequently tricky as multi-drug interaction and intolerable adverse effects. Contezolid, a novel oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, had been demonstrated to be effective for TB in vitro and had been shown in some clinical cases with a more favorable safety profile than linezolid, the first-generation oxazolidinone, which had a commonly seen myelosuppression and neuropathy. Additionally, Contezolid has a unique metabolic mechanism that leads to less drug interaction. Here, we report a case of multi-system TB in a transplant recipient with chronic kidney allograft dysfunction. She was intolerant to most first and second-line anti-TB drugs and repeatedly developed ascites and nocturnal low-grade fever. She finally achieved good efficacy and safety results after enhanced anti-TB treatment with the addition of contezolid. Given the increased risk of TB in patients with organ transplantation and multi-drug interaction in patients with severe comorbidities, further clinical studies are needed to investigate the application and appropriate dosage of contezolid in patients with active TB.

A Unique Presentation of Acute Biliary Ascites Due to Spontaneous Biliary Duct Perforation With Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report.

Biliary ascites due to spontaneous biliary duct perforation is a rare case presentation usually seen in the paediatric age group of 6-36 months. We are presenting the case of a 14-month-old baby with abdominal distention associated with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and a history of no passage of stools. Upon examination, the abdomen was tense and tender. On radiological investigations, gross free fluid was present in the abdominal cavity along with bowel obstruction and partial situs inversus of the spleen and stomach. The bowel obstruction was relieved by rectal stimulation, after which oral feeds were well tolerated. Bilious fluid was found on diagnostic paracentesis, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was managed further by broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage of the free fluid. The management ranges from conservative treatment to Roux-en-Y anastomosis. A non-surgical diagnosis is uncommonly seen and helps improve the patient's prognosis if detected early. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and non-surgical treatment modality in critical patients.

Bacterial Infections in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Management.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a distinct condition characterized by the abrupt exacerbation of pre-existing chronic liver disease, often leading to multi-organ failures and significant short-term mortalities. Bacterial infection is one of the most frequent triggers for ACLF and a common complication following its onset. The impact of bacterial infections on the clinical course and outcome of ACLF underscores their critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation and organ failures. In addition, the evolving epidemiology and increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in cirrhosis and ACLF highlight the importance of appropriate empirical antibiotic use, as well as accurate and prompt microbiological diagnosis. This review provided an update on recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of bacterial infections in ACLF.

Contradictory Recommendation in the Guideline for Antibiotic Prescription.

How to cite this article: Das PK, Nath SS, Parashar S. Contradictory Recommendation in the Guideline for Antibiotic Prescription. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(7):713-714.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting refractory peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors of refractory peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis (PDRP) and construct a nomogram to predict the occurrence of refractory PDRP. METHODS: Refractory peritonitis was defined as the peritonitis episode with persistently cloudy bags or persistent dialysis effluent leukocyte count >100 × 109/L after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy. The study dataset was randomly divided into a 70% training set and a 30% validation set. Univariate logistic analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and random forest algorithms were utilized to identify the potential risk factors for refractory peritonitis. Independent risk factors identified using multivariate logistic analysis were used to construct a nomogram. The discriminative ability, calibrating ability, and clinical practicality of the nomogram were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 294 peritonitis episodes in 178 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) were enrolled, of which 93 were refractory peritonitis. C-reactive protein, serum albumin, diabetes mellitus, PD duration, and type of causative organisms were independent risk factors for refractory peritonitis. The nomogram model exhibited excellent discrimination with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.781 (95% CI: 0.716-0.847) in the training set and 0.741 (95% CI: 0.627-0.855) in the validation set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve indicated satisfactory calibration ability of the predictive model. Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram model had good clinical utility in predicting refractory peritonitis. CONCLUSION: This nomogram can accurately predict refractory peritonitis in patients treated with PD.

Clinical Findings, Bacterial Agents, and Antibiotic Resistance in Children with Spontaneous Peritonitis in Southern Iran: An Academic Tertiary Referral Center's Experience.

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a fatal complication of ascites fluid infection. The causes of SBP in children differ from those in adults, and these bacteria are frequently resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical findings, bacterial etiology, and antimicrobial resistance in children with SBP. Methods: This study was conducted on all new pediatric ascites patients, who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Namazi Hospital, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from 2021 to 2022. Required data such as demographic information, and clinical information such as complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Gram staining, blood culture by Automated Blood Culture System (BACTEC), and antibiogram of ascites fluids by disc diffusion method were all collected. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS Software (version 26). Besides, the t test, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Chi square tests were used for data analysis. In all tests, P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The present study examined 62 children with ascites of which 18 (29%) had SBP. The median (IQR) age was 2.5 (8.1) years. Thirty-four (54.8%) of the participants were girls. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical manifestation in patients (54%), and there was a significant association between abdominal pain and SBP (P=0.02). In 12 positive ascites fluid cultures, coagulase-negative staphylococci had the highest frequency (25%), followed by Escherichia coli (16.7%). Third-generation cephalosporins had a 25% sensitivity in the total positive cultures. This sensitivity was 33.3% for Gram-negative cultures and 16.6% for Gram-positive cultures. Conclusion: Although third-generation cephalosporins are recommended as the primary antibiotic for the empirical treatment of SBP, the present study found high bacterial resistance. Finally, empirical therapy should be tailored to each region's bacterial resistance features.

A case of recurrent peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia during ongoing antibiotic treatment for Enterococcus faecalis-induced peritonitis.

Recurrent peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), which could result in PD withdrawal and mortality. However, cases of recurrent peritonitis occurring during ongoing antimicrobial therapy are rarely reported. Herein, we present a 71-year-old man who experienced initial peritonitis due to Enterococcus faecalis. Despite effective antimicrobial therapy, he developed recurrent peritonitis while on antimicrobial therapy. PD fluid culture analysis yielded Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia). He was treated with multiple antimicrobials, and the peritoneal catheter was removed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent peritonitis caused by S. maltophilia, which was developed during antimicrobial treatment. Our report findings suggest the importance of considering S. maltophilia infection in an atypical case of very early recurrent peritonitis.

Abdominal wound closure in the presence of sepsis: our experience with the use of subcutaneous drain.

Objectives: Patients requiring surgery for secondary peritonitis demonstrate a significantly increased risk for incisional surgical site infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous wound drain post-laparotomy for contaminated surgical wounds. Design: This was a prospective comparative hospital-based study. Setting: Patients who had surgery for secondary peritonitis in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital were studied. Participants: Fifty patients aged 16 years and above who presented with secondary peritonitis. Intervention: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups. Group A had a suction drain placed in the subcutaneous space after laparotomy while Group B did not. Main outcome measures: Development of incisional surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and duration of post-operative hospital stay. Results: The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was significantly less in Group A (20%) than in Group B (68%). There was no case of wound dehiscence in Group A as against 3 (12%) in Group B. The difference was not statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly less with subcutaneous suction drain (8.96+2.81 Vs 14.04+8.05; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Subcutaneous suction drainage is beneficial in abdominal wall closure in cases of peritonitis as it significantly reduces the incidence of incisional surgical site infection and the duration of postoperative hospital stay. The reduction in surgical wound dehiscence observed in this study was, however, not statistically significant. Funding: None declared.

Predicting surgical outcomes of acute diffuse peritonitis: Updated risk models based on real-world clinical data.

Aim: The existing predictive risk models for the surgical outcome of acute diffused peritonitis (ADP) need renovation by adding relevant variables such as ADP's definition or causative etiology to pursue outstanding data collection reflecting the real world. We aimed to revise the risk models predicting mortality and morbidities of ADP using the latest Japanese Nationwide Clinical Database (NCD) variable set. Methods: Clinical dataset of ADP patients who underwent surgery, and registered in the NCD between 2016 and 2019, were used to develop a risk model for surgical outcomes. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality. Results: After data cleanup, 45 379 surgical cases for ADP were derived for analysis. The perioperative and 30-day mortality were 10.6% and 7.2%, respectively. The prediction models have been created for the mortality and 10 morbidities associated with the mortality. The top five relevant predictors for perioperative mortality were age >80, advanced cancer with multiple metastases, platelet count of <50 000/mL, serum albumin of <2.0 g/dL, and unknown ADP site. The C-indices of perioperative and 30-day mortality were 0.859 and 0.857, respectively. The predicted value calculated with the risk models for mortality was highly fitted with the actual probability from the lower to the higher risk groups. Conclusions: Risk models for postoperative mortality and morbidities with good predictive performance and reliability were revised and validated using the recent real-world clinical dataset. These models help to predict ADP surgical outcomes accurately and are available for clinical settings.

Managing abdominal cocoon syndrome complicated by intestinal necrosis and unexpected amelioration of depression after surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal cocoon is a very uncommon yet dangerous cause of intestinal obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 62-year-old Asian male patient with a history of depression who exhibited an idiopathic abdominal cocoon complicated by necrosis. Upon laparotomy investigation, nearly the entire small intestine was enveloped in a thick membrane resembling a cocoon, and it was discovered that he lacked a greater omentum. The patient recovered well and was discharged on an oral diet on the 20th day following surgery. During the 3-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, even gaining 10 kg in weight, and noted that his depression had improved. CONCLUSIONS: Small bowel obstruction presents with nonspecific symptoms, posing challenges in differential diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is recommended since it facilitates precise preoperative assessment, optimizing surgical planning and reducing postoperative complications. Remarkably, cessation of antidepressant medication post-surgery hints at a potential correlation between omental deficit, gut microbiota alterations, and depressive symptoms.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-Based Point-of-Care Testing to Detect Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) is the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), which can lead to poor outcomes if not diagnosed and treated early. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-based point-of-care tests (POCTs) in diagnosing PDRP in PD patients. METHODS: This retrospective chart review study was conducted at a comprehensive kidney center in Qatar. It involved all adult PD patients who underwent PDRP from July 2018 to October 2019 and for whom MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs were used to diagnose presumptive peritonitis. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were computed. Peritoneal fluid effluent analysis was the reference standard. RESULTS: We included 120 patients (68 [56.7%] females, ages 55.6 ± 15.6 years, treatment duration 39.5 ± 30.4 months [range: 5-142 months]). In this population, MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs yielded 100% in all dimensions of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs might be helpful in the early detection of PDRP. This monocentric observation requires further confirmation in a prospective multicentric setting.

Fetal Appendiceal Perforation Masquerading as Meconium Peritonitis: A Report of a Rare Case.

Intrauterine appendicular perforation leading to meconium peritonitis is exceptionally rare, with few reported cases in the literature. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and high mortality associated with neonatal appendicular perforation. Neonatal appendicitis and subsequent perforation are uncommon due to the funnel shape of the fetal appendix, which reduces susceptibility to luminal obstruction. While advances in neonatal care and diagnostic modalities have improved outcomes, challenges persist in timely diagnosis and management. We present the case of a preterm infant, one of dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twins delivered via cesarean section, who developed gross abdominal distension and respiratory distress shortly after birth. Diagnostic abdominocentesis revealed meconium-stained fluid, prompting further investigation with imaging and subsequent exploratory laparotomy. Extensive adhesions and cecal perforation were observed, necessitating a cecostomy. Despite interventions, the infant's condition deteriorated, leading to a fatal outcome. Intrauterine appendicular perforation leading to meconium peritonitis is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Antenatal suspicion and early surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Factors contributing to neonatal appendicular perforation include ischemia, obstruction, and infective etiologies. Neonatal appendicular perforation is a rare but life-threatening condition requiring a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and management. Advances in diagnostic tools and antenatal monitoring have contributed to improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in cases of unexplained neonatal abdominal distension.

Colonic duplication cyst with secondary septic peritonitis in a cat.

Case summary: A 5-month-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for acute onset of emesis. Abdominal radiographs identified a suspected colonic foreign body and abdominal-focused assessment with sonography for trauma, triage and tracking (AFAST) evaluation revealed a large amount of peritoneal effusion. Cytology of the peritoneal effusion was consistent with a septic exudate. An exploratory celiotomy identified a ruptured ileocecocolic mass and a resection and anastomosis was performed. No foreign material was identified and histopathology confirmed that the ruptured mass was a colonic duplication cyst. Recurrent septic peritonitis was diagnosed based on cytologic evaluation of fluid from a silicone bulb reservoir of a closed suction drain. No abnormalities were surgically identified, the cat recovered without complication, was discharged at 7 days postoperatively and has continued to remain healthy 8 months after surgical intervention. Relevance and novel information: To our knowledge, this is the first known instance of a histopathologically confirmed non-communicating colonic duplication cyst causing septic peritonitis in the veterinary literature.

[Successful treatment of severe purulent peritonitis against the background of intraperitoneal hypertension syndrome (clinical case)]. / Uspeshnoe lechenie tyazhelogo gnoinogo peritonita na fone sindroma vnutribryushnoi gipertenzii (klinicheskii sluchai).

Traditional surgical treatment of widespread purulent peritonitis has some disadvantages that emphasizes the need for new approaches to postoperative care. The authors present successful treatment of diffuse purulent peritonitis using a combination of 'open abdomen' technology and VAC therapy. This approach reduces abdominal inflammation and intra-abdominal pressure. Combination of 'open abdomen' technology and VAC therapy provides effective control of inflammation and stabilization of patients with purulent peritonitis.

Best Practice of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Gram-Negative Peritonitis in Children: Insights From the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network Registry.

Introduction: Gram-negative peritonitis (GNP) is associated with significant morbidity in children receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) and current treatment recommendations are based on limited data. Methods: Analysis of 379 GNP episodes in 308 children (median age 6.9 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 3.0-13.6) from 45 centers in 28 countries reported to the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network registry between 2011 and 2023. Results: Overall, 74% of episodes responded well to empiric therapy and full functional recovery (FFR) was achieved in 82% of cases. In vitro bacterial susceptibility to empiric antibiotics and lack of severe abdominal pain at onset were associated with a good initial response. Risk factors for failure to achieve FFR included severe abdominal pain at onset and at 60 to 72 hours from treatment initiation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01-7.2 and OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.06-14.67, respectively), Pseudomonas spp. etiology (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.71-4.21]) and in vitro bacterial resistance to empiric antibiotics (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.21-4.79); the risk was lower with the use of monotherapy as definitive treatment (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21-0.77). Multivariate analysis showed no benefit of dual antibiotic therapy for treatment of Pseudomonas peritonitis after adjustment for age, presenting symptomatology, 60 to 72-hour treatment response, and treatment duration. Monotherapy with cefazolin in susceptible Enterobacterales peritonitis resulted in a similar FFR rate (91% vs. 93%) as treatment with ceftazidime or cefepime monotherapy. Conclusion: Detailed microbiological assessment, consisting of patient-specific and center-specific antimicrobial susceptibility data, should guide empiric treatment. Treatment "deescalation" with the use of monotherapy and narrow spectrum antibiotics according to susceptibility data is not associated with inferior outcomes and should be advocated in the context of emerging bacterial resistance.