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Prognosis

Mortality of SBP remains high. 1-year mortality rate is 30-90 (1), probably due to the advanced liver disease present in the first place.

Early admission and prophylactic cephalosporins might have a role in decreasing mortality rate.(2)

Complications

The physician should have a high index of suspicion to diagnose SBP early and start empiric antibiotic therapy. The earlier the stage of diagnosis, the better the survival.

Hypotension, hypothermia and shock: With the progression of infection, septicaemia ensues with its classic symptoms and signs. Septicaemia and shock are associated with very bad prognosis.

Altered mental status: Hepatic decompensation in association with the progression of infection make altered mental status more likely to happen. Ammonia levels can be within normal limits or slightly elevated as hepatic decompensation is not the only element leading to the altered mental status.

Paralytic ileus: Peritoneal inflammation can be complicated with paralytiv=c ileus. PAralytic ileus is a very poor prognostic sign with increased mortality rate.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is common due to associated intestinal bacterial overgrowth.(4)

Natural history

SBP is treatable with antibiotics but early diagnosis and intiation of empiric antibiotics is the most important factor for survival.

In a study performed in 2006, Each hour of delay of administration of empiric antibiotics was associated with increased mortality by 7.6% while administration of antibiotics at the first hour of hypotension increased overall survival to 79%.(3)