International survey among hepatologists and pulmonologists on the hepatic hydrothorax: plea for recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are which follows: To gather the practices of hepatogastroenterologists or pulmonologists practitioners regarding the diagnosis and management of the hepatic hydrothorax. METHODS: Practitioners from 13 French- speaking countries were invited to answer an online questionnaire on the hepatic hydrothorax diagnosis and its management. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight practitioners (80% from France) responded to this survey. 75% were hepatogastroenterologists, 20% pulmonologists and the remaining 5% belonged to other specialities. The Hepatic hydrothorax can be located on the left lung for 64% of the responders (66% hepatogastroenterologists vs 57% pulmonologists; p = 0.25); The Hepatic hydrothorax can exist in the absence of clinical ascites for 91% of the responders (93% hepatogastroenterologists vs 88% pulmonologists; p = 0.27). An Ultrasound pleural scanning was systematically performed before a puncture for 43% of the responders (36% hepatogastroenterologists vs 70% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). A chest X-ray was performed before a puncture for 73% of the respondeurs (79% hepatogastroenterologists vs 54% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). In case of a spontaneous bacterial empyema, an albumin infusion was used by 73% hepatogastroenterologists and 20% pulmonologists (p < 0.001). A drain was used by 37% of the responders (37% hepatogastroenterologists vs 31% pulmonologists; p = 0.26).An Indwelling pleural catheter was used by 50% pulmonologists and 22% hepatogastroenterologists (p < 0.01). TIPS was recommended by 78% of the responders (85% hepatogastroenterologists vs 52% pulmonologists; p < 0.001) and a liver transplantation, by 76% of the responders (86% hepatogastroenterologists vs 44% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this large study provide important data on practices of French speaking hepatogastroenterologists and pulmonologists; it appears that recommendations are warranted.

Hepatic Hydrothorax.

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a pleural effusion that develops in a patient with cirrhosis and portal hypertension in the absence of cardiopulmonary disease. Although the development of HH remains incompletely understood, the most acceptable explanation is that the pleural effusion is a result of a direct passage of ascitic fluid into the pleural cavity through a defect in the diaphragm due to the raised abdominal pressure and the negative pressure within the pleural space. Patients with HH can be asymptomatic or present with pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, hypoxemia, or respiratory failure associated with large pleural effusions. The diagnosis is established clinically by finding a serous transudate after exclusion of cardiopulmonary disease and is confirmed by radionuclide imaging demonstrating communication between the peritoneal and pleural spaces when necessary. Spontaneous bacterial empyema is serious complication of HH, which manifest by increased pleural fluid neutrophils or a positive bacterial culture and will require antibiotic therapy. The mainstay of therapy of HH is sodium restriction and administration of diuretics. When medical therapy fails, the only definitive treatment is liver transplantation. Therapeutic thoracentesis, indwelling tunneled pleural catheters, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and thoracoscopic repair of diaphragmatic defects with pleural sclerosis can provide symptomatic relief, but the morbidity and mortality is high in these extremely ill patients.

Rare Presentation of Isolated Spontaneous Bacterial Empyema without Concomitant Ascites in a Patient with Cirrhosis.

In decompensated cirrhosis, massive ascites and pleural effusion (hepatic hydrothorax) can be complicated by infection, which manifests either as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE). SBE is a distinct and often underdiagnosed complication having different pathogenesis and treatment strategy when compared with parapneumonic empyema. Hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is rare in patients with cirrhosis. The occurrence of SBE without SBP or ascites is even more of a rarity in cirrhosis and carries great morbidity and mortality. Here we report a case of an elderly female patient with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class B) who had unusual features of isolated right-sided hepatic hydrothorax without clinically evident ascites and was later diagnosed as having SBE based on imaging of the thorax, pleural fluid analysis, and cultures. The patient was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, and diuretics, and later pigtail insertion and drainage was done.

Early thoracentesis correlated with survival benefit in patients with spontaneous bacterial empyema.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM) is a rare complication of hepatic hydrothorax characterized by hydrothorax infection in the absence of pneumonia. AIMS AND METHODS: We conducted this study to compare clinical outcomes in SBEM patients who underwent early thoracentesis (ET) (≤ 24 h from presentation) versus those who underwent delayed thoracentesis (DT). All patients diagnosed with SBEM at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota from January 1st 1999 to December 31st 2020 were reviewed. Demographics, pleural fluid studies, laboratory results and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 54 SBEM patients (27 ET and 27 DT) were identified with 38 (70.4%) of patients presenting with right-sided effusions. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The rate of ICU admission was significantly higher in the DT group (15 (55.6%) vs. 7 (25.9%) patients, P = 0.027). Patients with DT had similar rate of AKI (11 (40.7%) vs. 6 (22.2%) patients, P = 0.074). In-hospital mortality (11 (40.7%) vs. 2 (7.4%) patients, P = 0.004), 3-month mortality (16 (59.3%) vs. 2 (7.4%) patients, P < 0.001) and 1-year mortality rate (21 (77.8%) vs. 6 (22.2%) patients, P < 0.001) were higher in the DT group. CONCLUSION: Patients with SBEM who underwent thoracentesis after 24 h from presentation (DT) had higher rates of mortality and ICU admission compared to patients who received early thoracentesis. Thoracentesis should be performed early in patients with suspected SBEM since it may improve survival.

Community-Acquired, Post-COVID-19, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia and Empyema.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to the healthcare system globally, with opportunistic and secondary infections being one of the biggest challenges. Most secondary infections occur as nosocomial infections due to exposure to multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare facilities. Secondary bacterial pneumonia complicates the care of hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients. We present the case of a 77-year-old male who was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia about four weeks before the current presentation to the hospital and was treated symptomatically in the community setting. During workup, he was diagnosed with multifocal pneumonia and right-sided empyema caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). He underwent chest tube thoracostomy followed by intrapleural fibrinolysis along with targeted antibiotic therapy. He needed video-assisted thoracoscopy with decortication due to inadequate improvement with intrapleural fibrinolysis. This case is a rare presentation of a community-acquired MRSA lung infection that occurred after recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring for secondary infections, as well as highlights the extent of secondary infections in COVID-19.

Spontaneous Escherichia coli Empyema Thoracis: An Unusual Occurrence in a Non-cirrhotic, Immunocompetent Individual.

Spontaneous bacterial empyema is a spontaneous infection of the pleural cavity in the absence of pneumonia, typically seen in patients with liver cirrhosis and preexisting hepatic hydrothorax. Empyema thoracis caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a rare clinical finding and, in most cases, a consequence of E. coli pneumonia. Spontaneous bacterial empyema secondary to E. coli in a non-cirrhotic individual is an unusual association, rarely described in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous bacterial E. coli empyema thoracis in a non-cirrhotic, immunocompetent individual with a complex medical history including pulmonary thromboembolism, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and a high aspiration risk of oropharyngeal secretions.

Tuberculosis in Cirrhosis - A Diagnostic and Management Conundrum.

Background: Diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with cirrhosis remains challenging. We studied the clinical spectrum, diagnosis, and management of TB along with the assessment of the diagnostic utility of various laboratory investigations in this cohort. Methods: A retrospective review of records of patients with cirrhosis (July 2017 and December 2019) was done. Out of 30 patients with cirrhosis and TB, 20 patients with pleural/peritoneal TB (cases) were compared with 20 consecutively selected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) controls. Composite of clinical, laboratory, radiologic features and response to antituberculosis therapy (ATT) was taken as the gold standard to diagnose TB. Results: Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) (n = 23, 76.7%) was more common. Overall, 9 (30%) patients presented with ATT-induced hepatitis. Patients with pleural/peritoneal TB had less severe hepatic dysfunction as compared to SBP group with significantly lower CTP [8 ± 1.5 vs. 9 ± 1.7 (P = 0.01)], MELD [16.3 ± 5.8 vs. 20.2 ± 6.6 (P = 0.02)] and MELD-Na [18.8 ± 5.9 vs. 22.5 ± 7.1 (P = 0.03)] scores. Median ascitic/pleural fluid total protein [2.7 (2.4-3.1) vs. 1.1 (0.9-1.2); P < 0.0001] and adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels [34.5 (30.3-42.7) vs. 15 (13-16); P < 0.0001] were significantly higher in the TB group. Total protein levels had a sensitivity and specificity 81% and 93.3%, respectively, at cut off value of >2 g/dl with an AUROC of 0.89 [(0.79-0.96); P < 0.001] whereas ADA levels at cutoff >26 IU/L showed 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity to diagnose pleural/peritoneal TB with an AUROC of 0.93 [(0.82-0.97); P < 0.001]. Only 11 (36.7%), and 8 (26.6%) patients showed positivity on GeneXpert and mTB-PCR, respectively. Patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores of ≤7 and 8-10 tolerated well two and one hepatotoxic drugs, respectively. Conclusions: EPTB is more frequent in patients with cirrhosis. Relatively lower cutoffs of ascitic/pleural fluid total protein and ADA may be useful to diagnose EPTB in patients with high pretest probability. Individualized ATT with close monitoring and dynamic modifications is effective and well-tolerated.

Empyema Tube or No Tube?

We report the case of a 36-year-old man with cirrhosis who presented with recurrent infection of his right-sided hepatic hydrothorax in the form of fever, dyspnea, and cough. The pleural fluid analysis showed transudative fluid with normal pH, lactic acid dehydrogenase, and glucose, but with Escherichia coli growth. An uncommon diagnosis of high mortality, spontaneous bacterial empyema was made. Criteria for chest tube drainage were met, but he was managed without one. He developed hospital-acquired pneumonia during his stay, but his pleural fluid showed the same characteristics. His empyema and pneumonia were managed with antibiotics and other supportive measures. On follow-up, he was readmitted on three other occasions with similar complaints and succumbed to upper gastrointestinal bleed during the fifth admission. A chest tube is not indicated in patients with spontaneous bacterial empyema unless frank pus is present.

One-year outcome of patients with cirrhosis who developed spontaneous bacterial empyema: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate outcomes in cirrhotic patients diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) compared with those without this complication. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of cirrhotic patients from a tertiary care center. The primary outcome was time to death or liver transplantation (LT) within one year after diagnosis of infection. We integrated three groups: patients with SBE (group A), patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP; group B), and cirrhotic patients without SBP or SBE (group C), matched by age, model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score and year of infection. Outcomes were analyzed using a Cox regression model adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and MELD-Na score. RESULTS: Between January 1999 and February 2019, 4829 cirrhotic patients were identified. Among them, 73 (1.5%) had hepatic hydrotorax, of whom 22 (30.1%) were diagnosed with SBE. Median age in group A was 58 years, 50% were men, and median MELD-Na was 21.5. Compared with group C, the hazard ratio of death or LT during the first year after infection was 2.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-6.22, P = 0.004) for group A and 1.23 (95% CI 0.65-2.32, P = 0.522) for group B. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients with SBE have a worse outcome during the first year after infection is diagnosed. Patients who develop SBE should be promptly referred for transplant evaluation. SBE may emerge as new indication that could benefit from MELD exception points.

Pulmonary Complications in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

Patients with advanced chronic liver diseases, particularly with decompensated liver cirrhosis, can develop specific pulmonary complications independently of any pre-existing lung disease. Especially when dyspnea occurs in combination with liver cirrhosis, patients should be evaluated for hepato-pulmonary syndrome (HPS), porto-pulmonary hypertension (PPHT), hepatic hydrothorax and spontaneous bacterial empyema, which represent the clinically most relevant pulmonary complications of liver cirrhosis. Importantly, the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and the corresponding therapeutic options differ between these entities, highlighting the role of specific diagnostics in patients with liver cirrhosis who present with dyspnea. Liver transplantation may offer a curative therapy, including selected cases of HPS and PPHT. In this review article, we summarize the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic algorithms and treatment options of the 4 specific pulmonary complications in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Combined spontaneous bacterial empyema and peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hepatic hydrothorax.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM) is an underestimated condition in patients with ascites and hepatic hydrothorax with a high mortality. This study aimed to find whether spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a prerequisite for SBEM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 3000 HCV-related cirrhotic patients with ascites and hydrothorax were screened for the presence of SBP (ascitic fluid neutrophils >250/mm3) and SBEM (positive pleural fluid culture and neutrophils >250/mm3 or negative pleural fluid culture and neutrophils >500/mm3 with no evidence of pneumonia/parapneumonic effusion on chest radiograph or CT). RESULTS: The prevalence of SBEM in cirrhotic patients was 1.2% (36/3000) unlike SBP (1.6%; 48/3000). SBEM was detected in 51.4% of the patients with hepatic hydrothorax (36/70). A total of 70 patients had concomitant ascites and hydrothorax, namely SBP (n=17), SBEM (n=5), and dual SBP and SBEM (n=31), whereas 17 patients had sterile concomitant ascites and hydrothorax. Age, sex, liver function, kidney function tests, complete blood count, INR, MELD, MELD-Na, blood chemistry, and culture/sensitivity for ascitic and pleural fluid were statistically not different (p>0.05) between SBP and dual SBP and SBEM patients. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected in the culture. From univariate analysis, no predictors of dual SBP and SBEM were detected. CONCLUSION: SBEM is a part of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hydrothorax.

Impact of Hepatic and Extrahepatic Insults on the Outcome of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

BACKGROUND: To study the differences in outcome and predictors of mortality in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) precipitated by hepatic or extrahepatic insults. METHODS: Consecutive patients of cirrhosis with acute decompensation were prospectively included and followed up for 90 days from admission. ACLF was defined based on chronic liver failure (CLIF) acute-on-chronic liver failure in cirrhosis (CANONIC study) criteria. Acute worsening due to acute viral hepatitis A and E, hepatitis B flare, alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis flare, or drug-induced liver injury were categorized as hepatic ACLF and that due to bacterial infection, upper gastrointestinal bleed or surgery as extrahepatic ACLF. Patients with both hepatic and extrahepatic insults were included in combined insult group. RESULTS: Of 179 patients of acute decompensation, 122 had ACLF (hepatic insults 47 and extrahepatic insults 51). Alcohol (64.8%) was the most common etiology of cirrhosis while infection (36%) was the most common acute insult followed by alcoholic hepatitis (24.6%). Higher proportion of extrahepatic ACLF patients had history of prior decompensation than hepatic ACLF patients (62.7% vs. 27.7%, P < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality among hepatic and extrahepatic ACLF groups at 28 and 90 days (53.2% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.715 and 85% vs. 74.5%, P = 0.193, respectively). Area under receiver-operating curve (AUROC) for 28-day mortality in extrahepatic ACLF group was 0.788, 0.724, 0.718, 0.634, and 0.726 and in hepatic-ACLF group was 0.786, 0.625, 0.802, 0.761, and 0.648 for chronic liver failure-sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF-SOFA), model for end stage liver disease (MELD), integrated MELD score (iMELD), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score (APACHE-II), and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in mortality among hepatic and extrahepatic ACLF groups at 28 and 90 days. iMELD and CLIF-SOFA have highest AUROC to predict 28-day mortality in hepatic and extrahepatic ACLF groups, respectively.

Infecciones espontáneas en el paciente cirrótico: características clínicas y microbiológicas en una cohorte bi-institucional del Uruguay / Spontaneous infections in cirrhotic patients: clinical and microbiological characteristics in a bi-institutional cohort from Uruguay / Infecções espontâneas em pacientes cirróticos: características clínicas e microbiológicas em uma coorte biinstitucional do Uruguai

Resumen: Los pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados presentan una alta prevalencia de infecciones bacterianas. Entre ellas, las denominadas infecciones espontáneas del cirrótico, que incluyen la peritonitis bacteriana espontánea, la bacteriemia espontánea y el empiema bacteriano espontáneo, constituyen un grupo particular, con un elevado riesgo de complicaciones y mortalidad. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo describir y caracterizar las infecciones espontáneas en el cirrótico, la microbiología prevalente y su perfil de resistencia antibiótica, en 2 centros asistenciales de Montevideo-Uruguay. Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo y multicéntrico, que incluyó pacientes con cirrosis hepática hospitalizados, en el periodo marzo 2018-marzo 2019. Del total de pacientes ingresados con cirrosis (156), 25 (16%) desarrollaron una infección espontánea del cirrótico. En 24 de estos pacientes (96%) la cirrosis se encontraba en estadios avanzados (Child-Pugh B-C, MELD＞15). La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la peritonitis bacteriana espontánea (52%), seguida de la bacteriemia espontánea (40%) y del empiema bacteriano espontáneo (8%). El aislamiento microbiológico fue posible en 17 casos (68%). En 12 de ellos (70%) se aislaron bacilos Gram negativos, en 4 (24%) bacilos Gram positivos, y Candida en 1 solo caso. Se identificaron 3 cepas productoras de BLEE (2 K. pneumoniae y 1 E. coli), y 4 microorganismos con otros perfiles de resistencia antibiótica (2 E. faecalis, 1 K. oxytoca, 1 E. cloacae). La prevalencia de microorganismos multirresistentes fue del 41%, siendo todos los casos en el grupo de adquisición nosocomial. La realización de otros estudios en esta área podría aproximarnos al conocimiento de la epidemiología local, para la optimización de los tratamientos empíricos dirigidos a los microorganismos más prevalentes, con el objetivo de mejorar el abordaje de las infecciones en los pacientes con cirrosis.

Abstract: Hospitalized cirrhotic patients present with a high prevalence of bacterial infections. Among them, spontaneous cirrhotic infections include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, spontaneous bacteremia and spontaneous bacterial empyema, which constitute a particular group, with a high risk of complications and mortality. The work above aims to describe and characterize the spontaneous infections in the cirrhotic, the prevalent microbiology and its resistance profile, in 2 healthcare centers in Montevideo-Uruguay. A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study was held, including hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis, between March 2018 - March 2019. 25 (16%) of the 156 patients admitted with cirrhosis developed a spontaneous cirrhotic infection. 24 (96%) of these patients were in an advanced stage of their disease, (Child-Pugh B-C, MELD＞15). The most frequent presentation was the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (52%), followed by the spontaneous bacteremia (40%) and the spontaneous bacterial empyema (8%). Microbiological isolation was possible in 17 cases (68%), of which 12 (70%) developed gram negative bacilli, 4 (24%) gram positive bacilli and 1 case Candida. 3 ESBL producing strains were identified, (2 K. pneumoniae and 1 E. coli), and other 4 microorganisms with different antibiotic resistance profile (2 E. faecalis, 1 K. oxytoca, 1 E. cloacae). The prevalence of multiresistant microorganisms was 41%, all of nosocomial acquisition. Research on this topic may provide more knowledge about the local epidemiology, improving the empiric treatments, targeting the most prevalent microorganisms, in order to better approach the infections in cirrhotic patients.

Resumo: Pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados presentam alta prevalência de infecções bacterianas. Dentre elas, as chamadas infecções cirróticas espontâneas, que incluem a peritonite bacteriana espontânea, a bacteremia espontânea e o empiema bacteriano espontâneo, constituem um grupo particular, com alto risco de complicações e mortalidade. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever e caracterizar as infecções espontâneas em pacientes cirróticos, a microbiologia prevalente e seu perfil de resistência aos antibióticos, em 2 centros de saúde em Montevidéu-Uruguai. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e multicêntrico, que incluiu pacientes hospitalizados com cirrose hepática, no período de março de 2018 a março de 2019. Do total de pacientes internados com cirrose (156), 25 (16%) desenvolveram infecção cirrótica espontânea. A cirrose estava em estágios avançados, em 24 desses pacientes (96%) (Child-Pugh B-C, MELD ＞ 15). A forma de apresentação mais frequente foi peritonite bacteriana espontânea (52%), seguida de bacteremia espontânea (40%) e empiema bacteriano espontâneo (8%). O isolamento microbiológico foi possível em 17 casos (68%). Em 12 deles (70%) foram isolados bacilos Gram negativos, em 4 (24%) bacilos Gram positivos e Candida em apenas 1 caso. Foram identificadas 3 cepas produtoras de ESBL (2 K. pneumoniae e 1 E. coli) e 4 microrganismos com outros perfis de resistência a antibióticos (2 E. faecalis, 1 K. oxytoca, 1 E. cloacae). A prevalência de microrganismos multirresistentes foi de 41%, todos no grupo de aquisição nosocomial. A realização de outros estudos nesta área poderá nos aproximar do conhecimento da epidemiologia local, para a otimização de tratamentos empíricos direcionados aos microrganismos mais prevalentes, com o objetivo de melhorar o manejo de infecções em pacientes com cirrose.

Hepatic hydrothorax.

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an uncommon complication in patients with end-stage liver disease. Only 5% to 10% of patients with end-stage liver disease develop HH, which may result in dyspnea, hypoxia, and infection, and portends a poor prognosis. The most likely explanation for development is passage of fluid from the peritoneal space to the pleural space due to small diaphragmatic defects. Initial management consists of diuretics with dietary sodium restriction and thoracentesis, and a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may ultimately be required. Afflicted patients can develop morbid and fatal complications, pose management dilemmas, and should warrant evaluation for liver transplantation.

Spontaneous bacterial empyema in patients with liver cirrhosis in Upper Egypt: prevalence and causative organisms.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM) is a complication in cirrhotic patients, in which a preexisting pleural effusion becomes infected. PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the prevalence and causative organisms of SBEM among cirrhotic patients with hydrothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 901 cirrhotic patients. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, liver function tests, chest X-ray, abdominal and chest ultrasonography, and pleural and peritoneal fluids study (when detected) including polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte count, biochemical analysis, and culture by two methods: conventional and modified (inoculation of 10 mL of pleural or peritoneal fluid into a blood culture bottle). Diagnostic criteria for SBEM included positive pleural fluid culture and a PMN count of >250 cells/mm(3) or, if a negative culture, a pleural fluid PMN count of >500 cells/mm(3) and the absence of pneumonia on chest radiography. RESULTS: Of 901 cirrhotic patients, 16 cases of SBEM were diagnosed. The prevalence of SBEM was 1.8 % in cirrhotic patients and 26.2 % in patients with cirrhosis and hydrothorax. Pleural fluid culture was found to be positive by the conventional method in four (25 %) cases and by modified methods in 11 (68.8 %) cases. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (six cases). The mortality rate of SBEM was 25 %. CONCLUSIONS: SBEM is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients with hydrothorax. E. coli is the most frequent organism responsible for SBEM. The modified method of pleural fluid culture is more sensitive than the conventional method for diagnosis of SBEM.

Paradigms in the management of hepatic hydrothorax: past, present, and future.

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an infrequent but a well-known complication of portal hypertension in patients with end-stage liver disease. The estimated prevalence of HH is around 4-6 % in cirrhotics. Thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis is a must for establishing the diagnosis of this transudative effusion in the absence of primary cardiopulmonary disease. Management strategies include sodium restriction, diuretics, thoracentesis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, pleurodesis, and video assisted thoracic surgery in selected patients. Liver transplantation remains the ultimate definitive management paradigm. Refractory HH thus warrants prompt consideration of liver transplantation.

Refractory Ascites: Pathogenesis, Clinical Impact, and Management.

Refractory ascites is defined as ascites that does not recede or that recurs shortly after therapeutic paracentesis, despite sodium restriction and diuretic treatment. To date, there is no approved medical therapy specifically for refractory ascites. Management of these patients is based upon procedures such as large-volume paracentesis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), which temporarily alleviate symptoms but are not curative. These patients have a poor prognosis and are at risk for a series of complications that are associated with the condition or are secondary to therapy. The most common complications include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic hydrothorax, spontaneous bacterial empyema, and umbilical hernia. The predicted survival rate is as low as 50% at 1 year, and prognosis worsens as patients present with comorbidities such as hepatorenal syndrome, renal failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The only curative treatment is liver transplantation, though current studies have shown that TIPS also increases survival.