Human Amniotic MSC Response in LPS-Stimulated Ascites from Patients with Cirrhosis: FOXO1 Gene and Th17 Activation in Enhanced Antibacterial Activation.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and is commonly treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic resistance requires alternative therapeutic strategies. As recently shown, human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hA-MSCs) are able, in vitro, to promote bacterial clearance and modulate the immune and inflammatory response in SBP. Our results highlight the upregulation of FOXO1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CCL20, and MAPK13 in hA-MSCs as well as the promotion of bacterial clearance, prompting a shift in the immune response toward a Th17 lymphocyte phenotype after 72 h treatment. In this study, we used an in vitro SBP model and employed omics techniques (next-generation sequencing) to investigate the mechanisms by which hA-MSCs modify the crosstalk between immune cells in LPS-stimulated ascitic fluid. We also validated the data obtained via qRT-PCR, cytofluorimetric analysis, and Luminex assay. These findings provide further support to the hope of using hA-MSCs for the prevention and treatment of infective diseases, such as SBP, offering a viable alternative to antibiotic therapy.

Ascites fluid calprotectin level is highly accurate in diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a preliminary proof of concept prospective study.

Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of ascites. The diagnosis is made by an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count of ≥ 250/mm3. However, no other diagnostic test is present for the diagnosis of SBP. The aim of the study present study is to assess the diagnostic yield of ascitic calprotectin in SBP, and to explore whether it can predict disease stage. We performed a single center proof-of-concept prospective study including all patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent paracentesis. Overall, 31 patients were included in the study. Eight patients had SBP vs. 23 patients without SBP. Ascitic calprotectin level was 77.4 ± 86.5 µg/mL in the SBP group, as compared to 16.1 ± 5.6 µg/mL in the non-SBP group (P = 0.001). An ascitic calprotectin cut-off value of > 21 µg/mL was associated with sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 89.5%, respectively, with ROC of 0.947 (95% CI 0.783 to 0.997, P < 0.0001). Notably, ascitic calprotectin did not had a prognostic value in cirrhosis stage and prognosis. Ascitic calprotectin was highly accurate in the diagnosis of SBP. It can be a serve as adjunct for indefinite cases of SBP.

Changes of the bacterial composition in duodenal fluid from patients with liver cirrhosis and molecular bacterascites.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and compositional changes of intestinal microbiota are pathomechanistic factors in liver cirrhosis leading to bacterial translocation and infectious complications. We analyzed the quantity and composition of duodenal bacterial DNA (bactDNA) in relation to bactDNA in blood and ascites of patients with liver cirrhosis. Duodenal fluid and corresponding blood and ascites samples from 103 patients with liver cirrhosis were collected. Non-liver disease patients (n = 22) served as controls. BactDNA was quantified by 16S-rRNA gene-based PCR. T-RFLP and 16S-rRNA amplicon sequencing were used to analyze bacterial composition. Duodenal bacterial diversity in cirrhosis was distinct to controls showing significantly higher abundances of Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Veillonella. Patients with bactDNA positive ascites revealed reduced spectrum of core microbiota with Streptococcus as key player of duodenal community and higher prevalence of Granulicatella proving presence of cirrhosis related intestinal dysbiosis. Regarding duodenal fluid bactDNA quantification, no significant differences were found between patients with cirrhosis and controls. Additionally, percentage of subjects with detectable bactDNA in blood did not differ between patients and controls. This study evaluated the diversity of bacterial DNA in different body specimens with potential implications on understanding how intestinal bacterial translocation may affect infectious complications in cirrhosis.

Ascitic Fluid Calprotectin And Ratio Of Calprotectin To Total Protein In Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of ascitic fluid calprotectin and its ratio to total protein in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis cases. Method: The prospective study was conducted at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from November 2019 to December 2020, and comprised cirrhotic patients of either gender with ascites. Diagnostic abdominal paracentesis was performed for all patients and ascetic fluid calprotectin was measured. Patients were followed for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or mortality. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients, 61(67.7%) were males and 29(32.2%) were females. There were 67(74.4%) patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; 48(71.6%) males and 19(28.3%) females with mean age 60.42±8.3 years. The remaining 23(25.5%) did not have spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; 13(56.5%) males and 10(43.4%) females with mean age 59.7±7.4 years. The patients had significantly higher calprotectin, and calprotectin/total protein ratio (p<0.05). Logistic regression identified ascitic fluid calprotectin as a significant predictor of mortality (p=0.05). The non-survivors had significantly higher ascitic fluid calprotectin and calprotectin/total protein ratio compared to the survivors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ascites calprotectin level and itsratio to total protein wasfound to be accurate diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Clinical Significance of Ascitic Fluid Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Percentage in Patients With Cirrhosis Without Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Absolute polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count (PMN-C) ≥250 cells/mm 3 in ascites is the diagnostic hallmark of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the clinical significance of ascitic PMN percentage (PMN-%) and PMN-C in the absence of SBP as additional biomarkers for mortality and future incidence of SBP has not been determined. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included adults with cirrhosis undergoing first-recorded paracentesis with initial PMN-C < 250 cells/mm 3 at 2 tertiary medical centers between 2015 and 2020. Patients with prior SBP were excluded. Outcomes were death and SBP development. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of death and SBP development and Akaike information criterion to compare model fit. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-four adults (73% male, median age 58 years, 67% with alcohol-associated cirrhosis, median PMN-C 14 cells/mm 3 [interquartile range 5-34], and median PMN-% 10% [interquartile range 4-20]) were included in this study. Univariate risk of death increased 10% per 25-unit increase in PMN-C (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.21, P = 0.03) and 19% per 10-unit increase in PMN-% (95% confidence interval 1.06-1.33, P = 0.003) with PMN-% demonstrating better model fit in assessing mortality risk (Akaike information criterion: 1,044 vs 1,048, respectively). In models adjusted for age, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium, PMN-% was associated with risk of death (PMN-% 10%-29%, HR 1.17, P = 0.50; PMN-% ≥ 30% group, HR 1.94, P = 0.03; vs PMN-% < 10%) and SBP development (PMN-% 10%-29%, HR 1.68, P = 0.07; PMN-% ≥ 30%, HR 3.48, P < 0.001; vs PMN-% < 10%). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest PMN-% at first paracentesis represents a better biomarker compared with PMN-C for assessing risk of death and future SBP development in patients with PMN-C < 250 cells/mm 3 .

Peritonitis caused by paracoccidioides spp. in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis - A case report.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis found mainly in South America and is the most prevalent endemic and systemic mycosis in Brazil. The purpose of this paper was to report the case of a male patient who developed peritonitis caused by Paracoccidioides spp. Forty-eight-year-old, male patient, with type I Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease who was undergoing a Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) program. After eighteen months of peritoneal dialysis, the patient developed turbidity of the peritoneal fluid and was diagnosed with peritonitis. Direct mycological examination of the peritoneal fluid revealed yeasts with morphology suggestive of Paracoccidioides spp. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (1,600 mg/320 mg dose/day) for 61 days, but he died because a bacterial septic shock. The diagnosis of opportunistic PCM peritonitis was later confirmed by autopsy and Paracoccidioides spp. isolation. This is the first reported case of a patient on CAPD who experienced complications due peritonitis caused by opportunistic PCM.

CD64 expression on neutrophils as a potential biomarker for bacterial infection in ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: CD64 expression on neutrophils surface (CD64N) by flow cytometry has been validated as a rapid biomarker for bacterial infections in both peripheral blood and other biological fluids. Ascites is a common complication in cirrhotic patients that a variety of factors can cause, including bacterial infections. Manual counting of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in ascitic fluid and microbiologic culture are essential for its diagnosis. We aimed to validate the determination of CD64N by flow cytometry in ascitic fluid and assess its potential usefulness in the rapid identification of bacterial infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective unicentre study was conducted. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the expression of CD64N in 77 ascitic fluid samples from the initial paracentesis of 60 cirrhotic patients in different admission episodes from November 2021 to December 2022. RESULTS: Seventeen samples were diagnosed with bacterial infection based on a positive microbiologic culture or by PMN count (>250 PMN/mm3 in ascitic fluid). The median of CD64N MFI was significantly increased in the bacterial infection group (3690.5 MFI [1635.23-6521.18] vs. 1105.9 MFI [737.3-2048.2], p < 0.001). The CD64 MFI ratio of granulocytes to lymphocytes was elevated in the bacterial infection group (13.06 [6.38-24.58] vs. 5.01 [3.38-7.36], p < 0.001). A CD64N ratio higher than 9.9 identified those patients with bacterial infection with 70.6 and 86.7% sensitivity and specificity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 79.4%. CONCLUSION: The CD64N determined by flow cytometry on ascitic fluid could help quickly identify bacterial infections in ascites patients, allowing early antibiotic treatment.

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 of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis with Dipstick Test.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and serious complication in cirrhosis patients with an incidence and mortality of about 30% and 25% respectively in hospitalised patients. Currently the diagnostic criteria is presence of >250 neutrophils per microlitre in ascitic fluid, but these facilities are not available at all timings and often the results are delayed. A rapid and bedside test is needed for diagnosis of SBP which aids in timely treatment.Dipsticks based on detection of leukocyte esterase in fluid are available everywhere and widely used for detecting urinary tract infection. In this study we aimed to find out the diagnostic utility of these dipsticks in SBP for immediate diagnosis. MATERIALS: An observational cross sectional study was conducted among 75 patients with cirrhosis suspected of having SBP clinically. Relevant investigations, diagnostic paracentesis and dipstick test of ascitic fluid was done. The patients were divided into two groups with and without SBP.The ascitic fluid neutrophil count and dipstick results were compared in both groups. RESULT: 26 patients (34.6%) had SBP out of total 75 patients. AKI and hepatic encephalopathy were significantly higher in SBP patients (53% and 50% respectively in SBP patients; 28% and 18% in patients without SBP). Sensitivity and specificity of dipstick test with cutoff of more than 1+ was 96% and 75% respectively; with cutoff of more than 2 was 80% and 91% respectively. CONCLUSION: The dipstick can be used as a bedside maneuver for immediate diagnosis of SBP. Having a good negative predictive value, it can also be used to exclude SBP, thus avoiding unnecessary antibiotics administration. References Koulaouzidis A. Diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: an update on leucocyte esterase reagent strips. World J Gastroenterol 2011;17(9):1091-1094. Oey RC, Kuiper JJ, Van Buuren HR, et al. Reagent strips are efficient to rule out spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotics. Neth J Med 2016;74(6):257-261.

Outcomes after hospitalisation with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis over a 13-year period: a retrospective cohort study.

GOALS: Assess outcomes in patients with an index presentation of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) over a 13-year period. BACKGROUND: SBP, a bacterial infection of ascites, has a poor prognosis. STUDY: Retrospective cohort study assessing mortality (standardised to 32 months) and prognostic factors in patients with SBP during two periods: period 1 (June 2006-November 2012) and period 2 (December 2012-May 2019). RESULTS: The study included 178 patients who were followed up for 11.6 (29.2) months. Mortality was high, with 12-, 24- and 32-month survival being 32%, 26% and 24%, respectively. Inpatient mortality was 36% with mortality in those surviving hospitalisation being 62%. Serum creatinine at the time of SBP diagnosis was an independent predictor of mortality at 32 months [hazard ratio (HR) 1.002, P = 0.023] and inpatient mortality (HR 1.003, P = 0.035). Positive ascitic fluid culture and ascitic fluid neutrophil count were independent predictors of 32-month (HR 1.679, P = 0.008) and inpatient mortality (HR 1.0001, P = 0.005), respectively. Patients in period 2 had lower ascitic fluid albumin (5.9 ± 3.3 g/L vs. 10.8 ± 5.4 g/L, P < 0.001), higher ascitic fluid neutrophil count (815.0 cells/mm3 vs. 345.0 cells/mm3, P < 0.001) and higher rates of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (58 vs. 35%, P = 0.002). Mortality at 32 months and mortality in those surviving hospitalisation were similar at 78 vs. 73%, P = 0.392 and 66 vs. 58%, P = 0.355, for periods 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite more advanced initial presentations, mortality rates have remained similar over the last 13 years. Serum creatinine at the time of SBP diagnosis is an independent predictor of mortality.

Microbiological analysis of peritoneal fluid samples from patients with perforated peptic ulcer - retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis due to perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a surgical emergency associated with high mortality. Preoperative management includes immediate initiation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the spectrum of microbial pathogens in peritoneal fluid. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients who underwent surgery for PPU at the 1st Department of Surgery - Thoracic, Abdominal and Injury Surgery, General University Hospital in the period 2015-2020. Analysis of the microbiological analytical results of peritoneal fluid. RESULTS: The microbiological profile of PPU-associated peritonitis is somewhat different from microbial pathogens involved in secondary peritonitis due to bowel perforation. A high rate of negative culture findings, high incidence of Candida spp. and low incidence of anaerobic bacteria are characteristic for PPU-associated peritonitis. Negative culture from the peritoneal fluid collected during surgery was identified in 42% of the patients. A total of 66 isolates of microbial pathogens were identified, including Candida spp. (42.5%), aerobic gram-positive bacteria (30.3%), aerobic gram-negative bacteria (22.7%) and anaerobic bacteria (4.5%). Candida albicans and Candida glabrata represented the most common species. Decreased susceptibility to fluconazole and resistance to itraconazole was associated with all Candida glabrata isolates. CONCLUSION: Although PPU-associated peritonitis is mostly of community origin, we confirmed a significant incidence of Candida spp. with decreased azole susceptibility. The choice of antifungal therapy should always be based on local epidemiology.

An evaluation of ascitic calprotectin for diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: The most common infection in children with the hepatic disease with or without cirrhotic ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which occurs in the absence of an evident intra-abdominal source of infection. The present study aims to assess the value of calprotectin in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-section study, 80 children with underlying liver disease who attended the Hepatology and Emergency Department in Shiraz University Hospitals were studied. All the patients were evaluated by a thorough history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, diagnostic paracentesis with PMNLs count, and Calprotectin, which was measured in 1 mL ascitic fluid by ELISA. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with ascitic fluid infection. Of these children 6 cases had positive ascitic fluid culture (SBP). Calprotectin was high in AFI patients with a statistically significant difference in AFI patients compared to non-AFI patients. The cut-off levels were 91.55 mg /L and the area under the curve was 0.971. So it can serve as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for detection of AFI in children with underlying liver disease. CONCLUSION: Elevated ascitic calprotectin levels in cirrhotic patients are a diagnostic and reliable marker for the detection of AFI and are considered a surrogate marker for PMN.

Spontaneous Ascitic Fluid Infection: Are we Experiencing an Epidemiological shift in Causative Organisms?

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous ascitic fluid infection (SAI) is common in cirrhotic patients leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Third-generation cephalosporins are currently recommended as first-line therapy. This is a retrospective observational study that aims to determine bacterial etiology, susceptibility patterns of SAI, and its correlation with model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 274 consecutive cases admitted in Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India. Cases of cirrhosis (irrespective of etiology) with ascites between the ages of 18-85 years were included in this study. Ascitic fluid of every patient was aspirated under all aseptic measures and was sent for biochemical, culture, and cytological analysis. RESULTS: Of the 274 patients studied, 34 (12.4%) patients were diagnosed to have SAI. Culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) was present in 27 patients, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was present in six patients, and monomicrobial bacteriascites was seen in one patient. Mean age of patients enrolled was 56.05 ± 2.47 years. Eighty-two percent were males and 18% were females. Alcohol (45.45%) was the leading cause of cirrhosis followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) related cirrhosis (26.47.7%) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) related cirrhosis (11.46%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (8.82%). Average MELD-Na score was 25 and the CTP class C was most common. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly isolated organism followed by Escherichia coli. The various factors that predispose to development of SBP include low ascitic fluid protein concentration, a high level of serum bilirubin, deranged serum creatinine, high Child-Pugh score, and high MELD-Na score. CONCLUSION: Ascitic fluid analysis remains the single most important test for identifying and assessing a course of SBP. Early diagnosis and treatment will reduce the mortality rate in these patients.

Vagococcus fluvialis first isolated from the ascitic fluid of a patient with cirrhosis.

Ascites is the most common complication of the decompansated cirrhosis. The most common organisms isolated in patients with ascidic fluid infections and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are intestinal pathogens including Escherichia coli, Gram-positive cocci (mainly Streptococcus species) and Enterococci. As an infectious pathogen Vagococcus spp. can be isolated from animals such as pigs, cats, horses and fishes and also rarely in humans. In this paper, we present a case of Vagococcus fluvialis peritonitis which is the first one reported in a cirrhotic patient with ascites.

Salmonella typhimurium as a causative agent of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and abdominal ascites, usually caused by organisms from the Enterobacteriaceae family. A woman in her 40s with a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented to the hospital with dyspnoea, abdominal distention and diffuse abdominal pain. She was found to have sepsis and abdominal ascites, with elevated ascitic fluid neutrophil counts consistent with SBP. Culture of ascitic fluid revealed Salmonella typhimurium Further investigation revealed that the patient shared her home with a pet bearded dragon, a reptile known to carry Salmonella spp. She was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and oral ciprofloxacin for a total of 14 days. S. typhimurium, likely transmitted to the patient from the pet reptile, is a rare pathogen in SBP and highlights the importance of environmental exposures in the management of this condition.

Risk factors for the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms in liver cirrhosis / Factores de riesgo para la aparición de organismos multirresistentes en la cirrosis hepática

Background: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a reality that can alter the paradigm of treatment and prevention of infection in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC).ObjectiveIdentify risk factors for the occurrence of MDROs in patients with LC.Patients and methods: Prospective study from October 2017 to March 2018 in consecutively hospitalized patients with decompensated LC with infection. Blood, urine and ascitic fluid cultures were analyzed. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: MDROs isolated in 18 of 52 episodes of infection. MDROs were associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (p=0.0312), antibiotic therapy in the last 90 days (p=0.0033) and discharge within preceding 30 days or current hospitalization above 48h (p=0.0082). There was higher 90-day mortality in patients with MDROs infection (71.4% versus 35.7%, p=0.0316).Conclusion: MDROs infections were prevalent in this cohort and associated with 90-day mortality. Use of PPIs and antibiotics increased the risk of MDROs infections, suggesting that its prescription should be restricted to formal indication. Hospitalization was associated with the onset of MDROs, so LC patients should stay at the hospital the least possible. It is relevant to investigate other factors predisposing to the emergence of these microorganisms, in order to prevent it. (AU)

Antecedentes: Los organismos multirresistentes (MDROs, por sus siglas en inglés) son una realidad que puede alterar el paradigma del tratamiento y la prevención de la infección en los pacientes con cirrosis hepática (LC, por sus siglas en inglés).Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo para la aparición de MDROs en pacientes con LC.Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de octubre de 2017 a marzo de 2018 en pacientes hospitalizados consecutivamente con LC descompensada con infección. Se analizaron los cultivos de sangre, orina y líquido ascítico. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p≤0,05.Resultados: Se aislaron MDROs en 18 de los 52 episodios de infección. Los MDROs se asociaron con el uso de inhibidores de la bomba de protones (IBP) (p=0,0312), la terapia antibiótica en los últimos 90 días (p=0,0033) y el alta en los 30 días anteriores o la hospitalización actual superior a 48h (p=0,0082). Hubo una mayor mortalidad a los 90 días en los pacientes con infección por MDROs (71,4 frente al 35,7%; p=0,0316).Conclusión: Las infecciones por MDROs fueron prevalentes en esta cohorte, y se asociaron con la mortalidad a los 90 días. El uso de IBP y antibióticos aumentó el riesgo de infecciones por MDROs, lo que sugiere que su prescripción debe restringirse a la indicación formal. La hospitalización se asoció a la aparición de MDROs, por lo que los pacientes con LC deberían permanecer en el hospital el menor tiempo posible. Es relevante investigar otros factores que predisponen a la aparición de estos microorganismos para prevenirla. (AU)

Risk factors for the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms in liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a reality that can alter the paradigm of treatment and prevention of infection in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). OBJECTIVE: Identify risk factors for the occurrence of MDROs in patients with LC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study from October 2017 to March 2018 in consecutively hospitalized patients with decompensated LC with infection. Blood, urine and ascitic fluid cultures were analyzed. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: MDROs isolated in 18 of 52 episodes of infection. MDROs were associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (p=0.0312), antibiotic therapy in the last 90 days (p=0.0033) and discharge within preceding 30 days or current hospitalization above 48h (p=0.0082). There was higher 90-day mortality in patients with MDROs infection (71.4% versus 35.7%, p=0.0316). CONCLUSION: MDROs infections were prevalent in this cohort and associated with 90-day mortality. Use of PPIs and antibiotics increased the risk of MDROs infections, suggesting that its prescription should be restricted to formal indication. Hospitalization was associated with the onset of MDROs, so LC patients should stay at the hospital the least possible. It is relevant to investigate other factors predisposing to the emergence of these microorganisms, in order to prevent it.

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.