Peritonitis; spontaneous

Causes and Risks:
The cause of spontaneous peritonitis is infection in the blood. Fluid accumulates in the peritoneal cavity when it is not reabsorbed in the normal way. Risk factors include alcoholic cirrhosis and other forms of cirrhosis (the greatest risks), nephrotic syndrome , peptic ulcer disease , appendicitis , or diverticulitis . The incidence of this disease is approximately 2 out of 1 million people per year. It is rare in children.

Prevention:
There are no preventative once alcoholic cirrhosis has developed. Early avoidance of excess alcohol use would prevent this risk factor.

Symptoms:

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:



Signs and Tests:
Tests that show infection:

Other tests that may be performed:



Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause of the peritonitis . Surgery is indicated in the unlikely presence of appendicitis or repair of a perforation (hole). Antibiotics are given to control infection, and dehydration is treated by intravenous therapy. Hospitalization is common.

Prognosis:
The infection can usually be treated, but the outcome is usually poor because of underlying liver disease . Affected individuals often respond to antibiotics but may still have a poor outcome.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis ; this can quickly become an emergency situation!