Cirrhosis Complications: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Topic Overview

People who have cirrhosis are at risk of developing an infection in the fluid (ascites) that builds up in the abdominal cavity. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of ascitic fluid that occurs without warning or a clear cause. SBP most often occurs when a person has had cirrhosis for a long time.

SBP infection is treated with antibiotics such as cefotaxime (Claforan). These medicines can kill bacteria usually found in the intestine. Your doctor may do a procedure called paracentesis to collect a sample of fluid from the abdomen. The fluid can be analyzed to find out which antibiotic will work best to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

Most people who are treated with antibiotics recover from the infection. After you recover from an infection of ascitic fluid, you will need to take antibiotics for the rest of your life to prevent the infection from recurring.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerW. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last RevisedJanuary 22, 2010
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 22, 2010
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.



Topic Contents

    Healthwise. For every health decision