Management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the serious complications in cirrhotic patients with ascites.The higher the incidence, the more difficult to treat and the higher the mortality rate.The mechanism of SBP is mainly decreased intestinal mucosal defense function and increased permeability, by which bacteria colonized in intestinal cavity translocate to the peritoneal cavity.Ascites puncture and polymorphonuclear cell count remains a rapid, sensitive and specific means of diagnosis for SBP.Acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ascites albumin below 10 g/L and previous SBP are high risk factors of recurrence of SBP.Application of antibiotics including quinolones can be effective in preventing SBP.Treatment should be comprehensively considered by improving liver function, treatment of original liver disease, albumin infusion and rational use of antibiotics.