Sensitivity of diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is higher with the automated cell count method

BACKGROUND Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP)is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis entailing high morbidity and mortality.Making an accurate early diagnosis of this infection is key in the outcome of these patients.The current definition of SBP is based on studies performed more than 40 years ago using a manual technique to count the number of polymorphs in ascitic fluid(AF).There is a lack of data comparing the traditional cell count method with a current automated cell counter.Moreover,current international guidelines do not mention the type of cell count method to be employed and around half of the centers still rely on the traditional manual method.AIM To compare the accuracy of polymorph count on AF to diagnose SBP between the traditional manual cell count method and a modern automated cell counter against SBP cases fulfilling gold standard criteria:Positive AF culture and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.METHODS Retrospective analysis including two cohorts:Cross-sectional(cohort 1)and case-control(cohort 2),of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites.Both cell count methods were conducted simultaneously.Positive SBP cases had a pathogenic bacteria isolated on AF and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.RESULTS A total of 137 cases with 5 positive-SBP,and 85 cases with 33 positive-SBP were included in cohort 1 and 2,respectively.Positive-SBP cases had worse liver function in both cohorts.The automated method showed higher sensitivity than the manual cell count:80%vs 52%,P=0.02,in cohort 2.Both methods showed very good specificity(>95%).The best cutoff using the automated cell counter was polymorph≥0.2 cells×10^(9)/L(equivalent to 200 cells/mm^(3))in AF as it has the higher sensitivity keeping a good specificity.CONCLUSION The automated cell count method should be preferred over the manual method to diagnose SBP because of its higher sensitivity.SBP definition,using the automated method,as polymorph cell count≥0.2 cells×10^(9)/L in AF would need to be considered in patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis.

Navigating the controversy regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in acute variceal bleeding

Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding is part of the standard of care according to most clinical guidelines.However,with recent evidence arguing against antibiotic prophylaxis,the role of this intervention has become less clear.

Efficacy of current guidelines for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the clinical practice

AIM： To verify the validity of the International Ascites Club guidelines for treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） in clinical practice. METHODS： All SBP episodes occurring in a group of consecutive cirrhotics were managed accordingly and included in the study. SBP was diagnosed when the ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear （PIN） cell count was 〉 250 cells/mm^3, and empirically treated with cefotaxime. RESULTS： Thirty-eight SBP episodes occurred in 32 cirrhotics （22 men/20 women; mean age： 58.6 ＋ 22.2 years）. Prevalence of SBP, in our population, was 27%. Ascitic fluid culture was positive in nine （24%） cases only. Eleven episodes were nosocomial and 71% community-acquired. Treatment with cefotaxime was successful in 59% of cases, while 41% of episodes required a modification of the initial antibiotic therapy because of a less-than 25% decrease in ascitic PMN count at 48 h. Change of antibiotic therapy led to the resolution of infection in 87% of episodes. Among the cases with positive culture, the initial antibiotic therapy with cefotaxime failed at a percentage （44%） similar to that of the whole series. In these cases, the isolated organisms were either resistant or with an inherent insufficient susceptibility to cefotaxime. CONCLUSION： In clinical practice, ascitic PMN count is a valid tool for starting a prompt antibiotic treatment andevaluating its efficacy. The initial treatment with cefotaxime failed more frequently than expected. An increase in healthcare-related infections with antibiotic-resistant pathogens may explain this finding. A different first-line antibiotic treatment should be investigated.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Since its initial description in 1964,research hastransformed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)from a feared disease (with reported mortality of 90%)to a treatable complication of decompensated cirrhosis,albeit with steady prevalence and a high recurrencerate. Bacterial translocation,the key mechanism in thepathogenesis of SBP,is only possible because of theconcurrent failure of defensive mechanisms in cirrhosis.Variants of SBP should be treated. Leucocyte esterasereagent strips have managed to shorten the 'tap-to-shot' time,while future studies should look into theircombined use with ascitic fluid pH. Third generationcephalosporins are the antibiotic of choice becausethey have a number of advantages. Renal dysfunctionhas been shown to be an independent predictor ofmortality in patients with SBP. Albumin is felt to reducethe risk of renal impairment by improving effectiveintravascular volume,and by helping to bind pro-inflammatory molecules. Following a single episodeof SBP,patients should have long-term antibioticprophylaxis and be considered for liver transplantation.

Extensively drug-resistant bacteria are an independent predictive factor of mortality in 130 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or spontaneous bacteremia

AIM: To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of culture-positive spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and spontaneous bacteremia (SB) in decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical, laboratory characteristics, type of administered antibiotic, susceptibility and resistance of bacteria to antibiotics in one hundred thirty cases (68.5% males) with positive ascitic fluid and/or blood cultures during the period from January 1, 2012 to May 30, 2014. All patients with SBP had polymorphonuclear cell count in ascitic fluid > 250/mm3. In patients with SB a thorough study did not reveal any other cause of bacteremia. The patients were followed-up for a 30-d period following diagnosis of the infection. The final outcome of the patients was recorded in the end of follow-up and comparison among 3 groups of patients according to the pattern of drug resistance was performed.RESULTS: Gram-positive-cocci (GPC) were found in half of the cases. The most prevalent organisms in a descending order were Escherichia coli (33), Enterococcus spp (30), Streptococcus spp (25), Klebsiella pneumonia (16), S. aureus (8), Pseudomanas aeruginosa (5), other Gram-negative-bacteria (GNB) (11) and anaerobes (2). Overall, 20.8% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 10% extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Health-care-associated (HCA) and/or nosocomial infections were present in 100% of MDR/XDR and in 65.5% of non-DR cases. Meropenem was the empirically prescribed antibiotic in HCA/nosocomial infections showing a drug-resistance rate of 30.7% while third generation cephalosporins of 43.8%. Meropenem was ineffective on both XDR bacteria and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). All but one XDR were susceptible to colistin while all GPC (including E. faecium) and the 86% of GNB to tigecycline. Overall 30-d mortality was 37.7% (69.2% for XDR and 34.2% for the rest of the patients) (log rank, P = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, factors adversely affecting outcome included XDR infection (HR = 2.263, 95%CI: 1.005-5.095, P = 0.049), creatinine (HR = 1.125, 95%CI: 1.024-1.236, P = 0.015) and INR (HR =1.553, 95%CI: 1.106-2.180, P = 0.011).CONCLUSION: XDR bacteria are an independent life-threatening factor in SBP/SB. Strategies aiming at restricting antibiotic overuse and rapid identification of the responsible bacteria could help improve survival.

Multi-resistant bacteria in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: A new step in management?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) is the most typical infection observed in cirrhosis patients. SBP is responsible for an in-hospital mortality rate of approximately 32%. Recently, pattern changes in the bacterial flora of cirrhosis patients have been observed, and an increase in the prevalence of infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria has been noted. The wide-scale use of quinolones in the prophylaxis of SBP has promoted flora modifications and resulted in the development of bacterial resistance. The efficacy of traditionally recommended therapy has been low in nosocomial infections(up to 40%), and multi-resistance has been observed in up to 22% of isolated germs in nosocomial SBP. For this reason, the use of a broad empirical spectrum antibiotic has been suggested in these situations. The distinction between community-acquired infectious episodes, healthcare-associated infections, or nosocomial infections, and the identification of risk factors for multi-resistant germs can aid in the decision-making process regarding the empirical choice of antibiotic therapy. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, such as carbapenems with or without glycopeptides or piperacillin-tazobactam, should be considered for the initial treatment not only of nosocomial infections but also of healthcare-associated infections when the risk factors or severity signs for multi-resistant bacteria are apparent. The use of cephalosporins should be restricted to community-acquired infections.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:A severe complication of liver cirrhosis

This report presents a survey of current knowledge concerning one of the relatively frequent and severe complications of liver cirrhosis and associated ascites-spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Epidemiology,aetiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestation,diagnosis and present possibilities of treatment are discussed.

Current concepts and future strategies in the antimicrobial therapy of emerging Gram-positive spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) is the most common infection in end-stage liver disease patients.SBP is defined as an ascitic fluid infection with a polymorphonuclear leucocyte count ≥ 250/mm^3 without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source.Several mechanisms contribute to SBP occurrence,including translocation of gut bacteria and their products,reduced intestinal motility provoking bacterial overgrowth,alteration of the gut's barrier function and local immune responses.Historically,Gram-negative enteric bacteria have been the main causative agents of SBP,thereby guiding the empirical therapeutic choice.However,over the last decade,a worryingly increasing prevalence of Gram-positive and multi-drug resistant(MDR) SBP has been seen.Recently,the microbiological spectrum of SBP seems to have changed in Europe due to a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria(48%-62%).The overall proportion of MDR bacteria is up to 22%-73% of cases.Consequently,empirical therapy based on thirdgeneration cephalosporins or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,can no longer be considered the standard of care,as these drugs are associated with poor outcomes.Theaim of this review is to describe,with an epidemiological focus,the evidence behind this rise in Gram-positive and MDR SBP from 2000 to present,and illustrate potential targeted therapeutic strategies.An appropriate treatment protocol should include daptomycin plus ceftaroline and meropenem,with prompt stepdown to a narrower spectrum when cultures and sensitivity data are available in order to reduce both cost and potential antibiotic resistance development.

Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM: To evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cirrhotic patients who have hepatic and renal impairment with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Efficacy of leukocyte esterase dipstick test as a rapid test in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of dipstick test in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients who underwent abdominal paracentesis based on the locally available dipstick test. METHODS: There were 200 consecutive samples from cirrhotic patients who underwent abdominal paracentesis. Urine dipstick (Combur10 Test?M, Roche, Mannheim, Germany) was used as a screening test. A manual cell count with differential study was done in all samples by experienced technicians. The polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count more than 250 cells/mm3 was used as a diagnostic cut off level. One to three plus dipstick results were used as cut off levels for a positive result. The dipstick test results had to be agreed by three experienced readers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of two different colorimetric cut off scales (1+ and 2+) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBP diagnosed by manual cell count was 21.0%. There were 128 specimens that had a true negative result by dipstick. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of 1+ and 2+ cut off scale to diagnose SBP were 88%, 81%, 55%, 96% and 83% respectively, and 63%, 96%, 82%, 81% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSION: Dipstick test can be used as a rapid test for screening of SBP. The higher cut off colorimetric scale has a better specificity and positive predictive value but a lower sensitivity.

Nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis antibiotic treatment in the era of multi-drug resistance pathogens: A systematic review

To systematically review literature upon aetiology of nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (N-SBP) given the rising importance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. METHODSA literature search was performed on MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 15th of November 2016, using the following search strategy: “spontaneous” AND “peritonitis”. RESULTSThe initial search through electronic databases retrieved 2556 records. After removing duplicates, 1958 records remained. One thousand seven hundred and thirty-five of them were excluded on the basis of the screening of titles and abstract, and the ensuing number of remaining articles was 223. Of these records, after careful evaluation, only 9 were included in the qualitative analysis. The overall proportion of MDR bacteria turned out to be from 22% to 73% of cases across the studies. CONCLUSIONN-SBP is caused, in a remarkable proportion, by MDR pathogens. This should prompt a careful re-assessment of guidelines addressing the treatment of this clinical entity.

Accuracy of the automated cell counters for management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM： To evaluate the accuracy of automated blood cell counters for ascitic polymorphonuclear （PMN） determination for： （1） diagnosis, （2） efficacy of the ongoing antibiotic therapy, and （3） resolution of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP）. METHODS： One hundred and twelve ascitic fluid samples were collected from 52 consecutive cirrhotic patients, 16 of them with SBP. The agreement between the manual and the automated method for PMN count was assessed. The sensitivity/specificity and the positive/negative predictive value of the automated blood cell counter were also calculated by considering the manual method as the ＂gold standard＂ RESULTS： The mean ＋ SD of the difference between manual and automated measurements was 7.8 4- 58 cells/ram3, while the limits of agreement were ＋124 cells/mm3 [95% confidence interval （CI）： ＋145 to ＋103] and -108 cells/mm3 （95% CI： -87 to -129）. The automated cell counter had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.7% in diagnosing SBP, and a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100% for the efficacy of the ongoing antibiotic therapy. The two methods showed a complete agreement for the resolution of infection. CONCLUSION： Automated cell counters not only have a good diagnostic accuracy, but are also very effectivein monitoring the antibiotic treatment in patients with SBP. Because of their quicker performance, they should replace the manual counting for PMN determination in the ascitic fluid of patients with SBP.

Evaluation of leukocyte esterase and nitrite strip tests to detect spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

AIM： To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagent strips for bedside diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP）. METHODS： A total of 63 consecutive patients with cirrhotic ascites （38 male, 25 female） tested between April 2005 and July 2006 were included in the study. Bedside reagent strip testing was performed on ascitic fluid and the results compared to manual cell counting and ascitic fluid culture. SBP was defined as having a polymorphonuclear ascites count of ≥ 250/mm^3. RESULTS： Fifteen samples showed SBP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the leukocyte esterase reagent strips were; 93%, 100%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the nitrite reagent strips were 13%, 93%, 40%, and 77%, respectively. The combination of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagents strips did not yield statistically significant effects on diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION： Leukocyte esterase reagent strips may provide a rapid, bedside diagnostic test for SBP.

Analysis of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 gene polymorphism in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM:To investigate a genetic polymorphism of the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1 ) gene in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).METHODS:MCP-1 genotyping was performed in 23 patients with SBP and 83 cirrhotic control patients with non-infected ascites.RESULTS:The frequency of carriers of the G-allele was lower in SBP patients but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However,in the subgroup of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (n=80),carriers of the G-allele were significantly less frequent in SBP-patients (38.1%) than in cirrhotic controls (67.8%,P=0.021). CONCLUSION:In patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis,the-2518 MCP-1 genotype AA is a risk factor for the development of SBP.

Molecular detection of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 polymorphism in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients

AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter polymorphism (A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Influence of proton pump inhibitors in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM To investigate whether the use of proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) increases the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.METHODS An historical cohort study was carried out in cirrhotic outpatients with ascites followed in a specialized clinic at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Patient charts were reviewed to collect information on the variables of interest as the use of PPIs. Primary outcome was defined as development of SBP during the study period. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 without evidence of an intraabdominal, surgically treatable source of infection.RESULTS Of 738 cirrhotic patients, 582(58.2% male) were enrolled, with mean age of 53.6 ± 12 years. Hepatitis C virus infection(36.2%) and alcohol abuse(25.6%) were the main etiologies of cirrhosis. The presence of ascites was detected in 299(51.4%) patients during the development of the study. Nineteen patients with previous diagnosis of SBP undergoing secondary prophylaxis and 22 patients with insufficient PPI data were further excluded. Of 258 patients with ascites, 151 used PPIs, and 34 developed SBP(22.5%). Among 107 non-users of PPIs, 23 developed SBP(21.5%)(HR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.85-2.47, P = 0.176). The median follow-up time of patients using PPI was 27 mo vs 32 mo for non-users. Univariate analysis of the risk factors associated with the development of SBP revealed a significant association of SPB with the severity of liver disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) score. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CTP score was the only independent variable influencing the occurrence of SBP. Survival at 60 mo(Kaplan-Meier analysis) was similar in users and non-users of PPI, independently of the presence of SBP(58.4% vs 62.7% respectively, P = 0.66). For patients with SBP, survival at 60 mo was 55.1%, vs 61.7% in patients without SBP(P = 0.34). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the rate of SBP was not significantly different in users or non-users of PPIs in this cohort of cirrhotic with ascites.

Multivariate predictive model for asymptomatic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUNDSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a detrimental infection of the asciticfluid in liver cirrhosis patients, with high mortality and morbidity. Earlydiagnosis and timely antibiotic administration have successfully decreased themortality rate to 20%-25%. However, many patients cannot be diagnosed in theearly stages due to the absence of classical SBP symptoms. Early diagnosis ofasymptomatic SBP remains a great challenge in the clinic.AIMTo establish a multivariate predictive model for early diagnosis of asymptomaticSBP using positive microbial cultures from liver cirrhosis patients with ascites.METHODSA total of 98 asymptomatic SBP patients and 98 ascites liver cirrhosis patients withnegative microbial cultures were included in the case and control groups,respectively. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was performed toidentify potential indicators for asymptomatic SBP diagnosis. The diagnosticperformance of the model was estimated using the receiver operatingcharacteristic curve.RESULTSPatients in the case group were more likely to have advanced disease stages,cirrhosis related-complications, worsened hematology and ascites, and higher mortality. Based on multivariate analysis, the predictive model was as follows: y (P) = 0.018 + 0.312 × MELD (model of end-stage liver disease) + 0.263 × PMN(ascites polymorphonuclear) + 0.184 × N (blood neutrophil percentage) + 0.233 ×HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) + 0.189 × renal dysfunction. The area under thecurve value of the established model was 0.872, revealing its high diagnosticpotential. The diagnostic sensitivity was 73.5% (72/98), the specificity was 86.7%(85/98), and the diagnostic efficacy was 80.1%.CONCLUSIONOur predictive model is based on the MELD score, polymorphonuclear cells,blood N, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal dysfunction. This model mayimprove the early diagnosis of asymptomatic SBP.

Organisms causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with liver disease and ascites in Southern Iran

AIM： To determine the causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） in children with liver disease and ascites in our center. METHODS： During a 2.5 year period, from September 2003 to March 2006, 12 patients with 13 episodes of SBP were studied. In all cases at the time of admission serum albumin and glucose, urinalysis and urine culture was performed. Analysis [white blood cell （WBC） count with differential, albumin, glucose], gram stain, culture by BACTEC method and antibiogram was done on ascitic fluids. Abdominal paracentesis was repeated after 48 h of antibiotic therapy for bacteriologic assay. The patients were followed for at least three months in a gastroenterology clinic. RESULTS： There were 7 girls （58%） and 5 boys （42%） with a median age of 5.2 years （range, 6 mo to 16 years）. All cases had positive ascitic fluid culture. Gram stain was positive in 5 （38.5%） of them. The isolated organisms were S. pneumoniae in 5 （38.5%）, E. coli in 2 （15.3%）, S. viridans in 2 （15.3%）, and K. pneumoniae, H. influenza, Enterococci, and nontypable Streptococcus each in one （7.7%）. All of them except Enterococci were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. All ascitic fluid cultures were negative after 48 h of antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION： S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of SBP in the pediatric age group and we recommend a third generation cephalosporine （e.g., Ceftriaxlone or Cefotaxime） for empirical therapy in children with SBP.

Predictors of fifty days in-hospital mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM: To determine the predictors of 50 d in-hospital mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP).METHODS: Two hundred and eighteen patients admitted to an intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital between June 2013 and June 2014 with the diagnosis of SBP(during hospitalization) and cirrhosis were retrospectively analysed. SBP was diagnosed by abdominal paracentesis in the presence of polymorphonuclear cell count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 in the peritoneal fluid. Student's t test, multivariate logistic regression, cox proportional hazard ratio(HR), receiver operating characteristics(ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Predictive abilities of several variables identified by multivariate analysis were compared using the area under ROC curve. P < 0.05 were considered statistical significant. RESULTS: The 50 d in-hospital mortality rate attributable to SBP is 43.11%(n = 94). Median survival duration for those who died was 9 d. In univariate analysis acute kidney injury(AKI), hepatic encephalopathy, septic shock, serum bilirubin, international normalized ratio, aspartate transaminase, and model for end-stage liver disease- sodium(MELD-Na) were significantly associated with in- hospital mortality in patients with SBP(P ≤ 0.001). Multivariate coxproportional regression analysis showed AKI(HR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.36-3.42, P = 0.001) septic shock(HR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.05-2.83, P = 0.029) MELD-Na(HR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02-1.09, P ≤ 0.001) was significantly associated with 50 d in-hospital mortality. The prognostic accuracy for AKI, MELD-Na and septic shock was 77%, 74% and 71% respectively associated with 50 d inhospital mortality in SBP patients.CONCLUSION: AKI, MELD-Na and septic shock were predictors of 50 d in-hospital mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients with SBP.

Single daily amikacin versus cefotaxime in the short-course treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotics

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of single daily amikacin vs. cefotaxime in the 5-d treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).METHODS: Thirty-seven cirrhotic patients with SBP,19 in group A and 18 in group B, were studied. Group A received 1 g of cefotaxime every 6 h, and group B received 500 mg of amikacin qd. Both antibiotics were administered up to 5 d and the responses were compared.RESULTS: Infection was cured in 15 of 19 patients (78.9%) treated with cefotaxime and in 11 of 18 (61.1%)treated with amikacin. Four patients of the Cefotaxime group (21.1%) and five patients of the Amikacin group (27.8%) died. Two in each group (10.5% vs 11.1%)had renal impairment during study period. One in each group (5.3% vs 5.6%) may be considered to suffer from nephrotoxicity due to increased urinary β2-microglobulin concentration.CONCLUSION: In this study, single daily doses of amikacin in the treatment of SBP in cirrhotics were not associated with an increased incidence of renal impairment or nephrotoxicity. However, a 5-d regimen of amikacin is less effective than a 5-d regimen of cefotaxime in the SBP treatment.