Treat Most Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis With 5 Days of Antibiotics

Up to 30% of cirrhosis patients will develop spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)...with a mortality rate of about 20%.

Consider SBP in liver patients with ascites and fever, abdominal pain, altered mental status, or other risks...such as a variceal bleed.

Try to perform paracentesis and draw blood cultures before starting antibiotics. Send fluid for a neutrophil count and cultures.