Rifaximin improves survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites: A real-world study

BACKGROUND Rifaximin has been shown to reduce the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy and other complications in patients with cirrhosis.However,few studies have investigated the effect of rifaximin in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.AIM To evaluate the effects of rifaximin in the treatment of refractory ascites and to preliminarily explore its possible mechanism.METHODS A total of 75 cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites were enrolled in the study(50 in a rifaximin and 25 in a control group).Patients in the rifaximin group were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and treatment with or without other antibiotics(19 patients treated with rifaximin and 31 patients treated with rifaximin plus intravenous antibiotics).All patients received conventional treatment for refractory ascites,while patients in the rifaximin group received oral rifaximin-α200 mg four times daily for at least 2 wk.The ascites grade,fasting weight,liver and kidney function,and inflammatory factors in the plasma were evaluated before and after treatment.In addition,the gut microbiota was determined by metagenomics sequencing to analyse the changes in the characteristics of the gut microbiota before and after rifaximin treatment.The patients were followed for 6 mo.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the fasting weight of patients significantly decreased and the ascites significantly subsided after treatment with rifaximin(P=0.011 and 0.009,respectively).The 6-mo survival rate of patients in the rifaximin group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P=0.048).The concentration of interferon-inducible protein 10 decreased significantly in the rifaximin group compared with that in the control group(P=0.024).The abundance of Roseburia,Haemophilus,and Prevotella was significantly reduced after rifaximin treatment,while the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_noname,Subdoligranulum,and Dorea decreased and the abundance of Coprobacillus increased after treatment with rifaximin plus intravenous antibiotics.The gene expression of virulence factors was significantly reduced after treatment in both subgroups treated with rifaximin or rifaximin plus intravenous antibiotics.CONCLUSION Rifaximin mitigates ascites and improves survival of cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.A possible mechanism is that rifaximin regulates the structure and function of intestinal bacteria,thus improving the systemic inflammatory state.     

Study on ascitic fluid complement 3 level in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ascitic fluid Complement 3 (C3) concentration is the most important factor to offer local defense against infection of ascitic fluid. Hepatic synthesis of Complement 3 and its concentration in ascitic fluid is significantly reduced in patients with advanced cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to assess the level of Complement 3 in ascitic fluid in cirrhotic patients with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and to identify the group of cirrhotic ascites at risk of developing METHODOLOGY: A prospective case control study was carried out to compare the level of ascitic fluid Complement 3 concentration in patients with SBP (case-group) and without SBP (control-group). Ascitic fluid Complement 3 level was estimated in 15 patients with SBP (case) and another 15 patients without SBP (control). RESULTS: In the study, ascitic fluid Complement 3 concentration was 7.3+/-4.3 mg/dL in patients with SBP and 16.4+/-11.3 mg/dL in patients who did not develop SBP. CONCLUSIONS: Ascitic fluid Complement 3 level is significantly (P=0.009) reduced in cirrhotic patients who develop SBP.     

利福昔明预防自发性细菌性腹膜炎有效性和安全性的Meta分析

目的评价利福昔明预防自发性细菌性腹膜炎(SBP)的有效性及安全性。方法通过计算机检索中国知网、万方数据、中国生物医学数据库、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆建库至2020年7月5日发表的有关利福昔明预防SBP的随机对照研究(RCT)、队列研究,根据纳入和排除标准对文献进行筛选,并对文献进行提取数据和质量评估,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果最终纳入13项研究,共2207例患者,其中6项为RCT,7项为队列研究。Meta分析结果显示,与无预防组相比,利福昔明组的SBP发病率(OR=0.36,95%CI:0.14~0.96,P=0.04)、死亡率(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.37~0.95,P=0.03)均明显下降;与诺氟沙星组相比,利福昔明组的SBP发病率(OR=0.39,95%CI:0.25~0.62,P<0.001)、死亡率(OR=0.55,95%CI:0.34~0.92,P=0.02)、不良反应(OR=0.36,95%CI:0.22~0.59,P<0.001)均明显降低,根据预防类型进行亚组分析,两组在初级预防无显著差异(OR=0.56,95%CI:0.23~1.35,P=0.20),二级预防时利福昔明组的SBP发病率(OR=0.18,95%CI:0.08~0.43,P<0.001)明显降低。此外,还发现利福昔明可以明显降低肝肾综合征(OR=0.34,95%CI:0.15~0.77,P=0.01)和肝性脑病(OR=0.55,95%CI:0.32~0.95,P=0.03)的发生风险。结论利福昔明对SBP初级预防和二级预防安全有效,在二级预防时,利福昔明优于诺氟沙星,但仍需高质量多中心RCT进行验证。     

Rifaximin, but not growth factor 1, reduces brain edema in cirrhotic rats

AIM: To compare rifaximin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 treatment of hyperammonemia and brain edema in cirrhotic rats with portal occlusion.METHODS: Rats with CCl₄-induced cirrhosis with ascites plus portal vein occlusion and controls were randomized into six groups: Cirrhosis; Cirrhosis + IGF-1; Cirrhosis + rifaximin; Controls; Controls + IGF-1; and Controls + rifaximin. An oral glutamine-challenge test was performed, and plasma and cerebral ammonia, glucose, bilirubin, transaminases, endotoxemia, brain water content and ileocecal cultures were measured and liver histology was assessed.RESULTS: Rifaximin treatment significantly reduced bacterial overgrowth and endotoxemia compared with cirrhosis groups, and improved some liver function parameters (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase). These effects were associated with a significant reduction in cerebral water content. Blood and cerebral ammonia levels, and area-under-the-curve values for oral glutamine-challenge tests were similar in rifaximin-treated cirrhotic rats and control group animals. By contrast, IGF-1 administration failed to improve most alterations observed in cirrhosis.CONCLUSION: By reducing gut bacterial overgrowth, only rifaximin was capable of normalizing plasma and brain ammonia and thereby abolishing low-grade brain edema, alterations associated with hepatic encephalopathy.     

Efficacy and safety of alternating norfloxacin and rifaximin as primary prophylaxis for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic ascites: a prospective randomized open-label comparative multicenter study

Background and aim

Primary prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an important strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Efficacy and safety of alternating rifaximin and norfloxacin as primary prophylaxis is questionable.

Methods

Three hundred thirty-four cirrhotic patients with high SAAG (≥1.1) ascites, protein level in ascitic fluid less than 1.5 g/dL with advanced liver disease (Child-Pugh score >9 points with serum bilirubin level >3 mg/dL) or renal impairment (serum creatinine level >1.2 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen level >25 mg/dL, or serum sodium level <130 mEq/L) were included in an open-label, randomized study aimed at comparing alternating use of norfloxacin and rifaximin vs. norfloxacin or rifaximin alone as primary prophylaxis for SBP. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol efficacy analyses were done after 6 months of treatment by assessment of ascitic fluid neutrophil count. Safety analysis was done for all intention-to-treat populations.

Results

Alternating norfloxacin and rifaximin showed superior prophylaxis by intention-to-treat (74.7 vs. 56.4 % vs. 68.3 %, p < 0.048). Pairwise analysis showed that alternating regimen had lower probability to develop SBP when compared to a norfloxacin-based regimen in intention-to-treat (p = 0.016) and per protocol analysis (p = 0.039). There was no difference among the studied groups regarding the incidence and severity of adverse events reported.

Conclusions

Alternating norfloxacin- and rifaximin-based primary prophylaxis for SBP showed higher efficacy with the same safety profile when compared with monotherapy of norfloxacin.

     

肝硬化伴院内感染自发性腹膜炎肾功能的变化与预后的关系

探讨肝硬化腹水患者院内感染自发性腹膜炎（SBP）后肾功能的变化及其与预后的关系。观察162例院内感染SBP患者肾功能的变化，分析肾功能损害（RI）的演变过程与死亡率的关系。结果显示有SBP的患者肾功能损害（SBP－RI）发生率明显高于无SBP患者肾功能损害发生率（P＜0．05），63例发生SBP－RI的患者中，进展型SBP－RI占36．51％，稳定型SBR－RI占33．33％，一过型SBP－RI占30．16％，进展型和稳定型SBP－RI死亡率（73．91％、42．86％）显著高于无SBP－RI者（16．16％），一过型SBP－RI（15．79％）不增加死亡率。引起SBP－RI的主要原因是感染，它的高死亡率与肾损害程度直接相关。     

Effect of rifaximin on gut microbiota composition in advanced liver disease and its complications

Liver cirrhosis is a paradigm of intestinal dysbiosis. The qualitative and quantitative derangement of intestinal microbial community reported in cirrhotic patients seems to be strictly related with the impairment of liver function. A kind of gut microbial "fingerprint",characterized by the reduced ratio of "good" to "potentially pathogenic" bacteria has recently been outlined,and is associated with the increase in Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Child Pugh scores. Moreover,in patients presenting with cirrhosis complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP),hepatic encephalopathy(HE),and,portal hypertension intestinal microbiota modifications or the isolation of bacteria deriving from the gut are commonly reported. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic used in the management of several gastrointestinal diseases. Beyond bactericidal/bacteriostatic,immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity,a little is known about its interaction with gut microbial environment. Rifaximin has been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects on cognitive function in patients with HE,and also to prevent the development of SBP,to reduce endotoxemia and to improve hemodynamics in cirrhotics. These results are linked to a shift in gut microbes functionality,triggering the production of favorable metabolites. The low incidence of drug-related adverse events due to the small amount of circulating drug makes rifaximin a relatively safe antibiotic for the modulation of gut microbiota in advanced liver disease.     

Association between proton pump inhibitor use and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites

BACKGROUND:

There are data suggesting a link between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients with ascites; however, these data are controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether the use of PPIs in cirrhotic patients with ascites is associated with an increased risk for SBP.

METHODS:

A retrospective case-control study (June 2004 to June 2010) was conducted at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal in Montreal, Quebec. Fifty-one cirrhotic patients admitted with paracentesis-proven SBP (≥250 neutrophils/mm³), occurring within seven days of hospital admission, met the inclusion criteria. These patients were matched 1:2 (for age, Child-Pugh class and year of admission) with 102 comparable cirrhotic patients with ascites who were admitted for conditions other than SBP.

RESULTS:

Patients with SBP had a significantly higher rate of pre-hospital PPI use (60.8%) compared with cirrhotic patients without SBP (42.2%; P=0.03). On multivariate analysis, PPI use was the only factor independently associated with SBP (OR 2.09 [95% CI 1.04 to 4.23]; P=0.04). Thirty-five (35%) patients in both groups had no documented indication for PPI use in their charts. Forty-five percent of the remaining cirrhotic patients with SBP had an inappropriate indication, as defined in the protocol, for PPI use compared with 25% of controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cirrhotic patients with SBP were twice as likely to have taken PPIs than patients without SBP. These findings reinforce the association between PPI use and SBP observed in other studies. A high percentage of cirrhotic patients were taking a PPI without any documented indication.     

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by Pasteurella multocida under treatment with rifaximin

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Recently, rifaximin, a non-absorbable antibiotic which is used to prevent recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, has been proposed as effective prophylaxis for SBP. Here, we present an unusual case of SBP under treatment with rifaximin. A 50-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis was admitted because of tense ascites and abdominal pain. She was under long-term oral prophylaxis with rifaximin due to hepatic encephalopathy. Paracentesis revealed SBP caused by Pasteurella multocida, which was sensitive to multiple antibiotics, including rifaximin. Treatment with ceftriaxone resulted in rapid resolution of the peritonitis and restoration of the patient. Since P. multocida is usually transmitted from pets, the patient’s cat was tested and could be identified as the most likely source of infection. This case should elicit our awareness that uncommon pathogens and unusual routes of transmission may lead to SBP, despite antibacterial prophylaxis with non-absorbable antibiotics. Nevertheless, such infections may still remain sensitive to systemic therapy with conventional antibiotics.     

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), carriersof the G-allele were significantly less frequent in SBPpatients(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.     

Ascitic fluid carcinoembryonic antigen and alkaline phosphatase levels for the differentiation of primary from secondary bacterial peritonitis with intestinal perforation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In cirrhotic patients, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) may be difficult to distinguish from secondary peritonitis with occult intestinal perforation; Runyon's criteria (based on ascitic fluid glucose, protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels) are sensitive but not specific. Ascitic fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) are potential markers for secondary peritonitis. METHODS: Ascitic fluid CEA and AP levels were prospectively compared among three subject groups--cirrhotic patients with sterile ascites, cirrhotic patients with SBP, and patients (cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic) with perforation-related secondary peritonitis. RESULTS: The secondary peritonitis group (n = 38 including 11 cirrhotic patients) had significantly higher mean CEA and AP levels than the SBP (n = 34) and sterile ascites patients (n = 63). Of secondary peritonitis patients, 92% fulfilled predetermined criteria (either CEA >5 ng/ml or AP >240 units/l) versus only 12% of SBP patients; sensitivity was 92% and specificity 88% for differentiating secondary peritonitis from SBP. Runyon's criteria had a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 56%. Stratification of secondary peritonitis patients by the presence or absence of cirrhosis did not alter our results. CONCLUSIONS: Ascitic fluid CEA or AP elevations appear to be sensitive and specific markers for perforation-related secondary peritonitis in cirrhotic as well as non-cirrhotic patients.     

Rifaximin versus neomycin on hyperammoniemia in chronic portal systemic encephalopathy of cirrhotics. A double-blind, randomized trial.

Preliminary data suggest that rifaximin a new non-absorbable rifamycin-derivate, has beneficial effects on chronic portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE). To compare the efficacy and safety of rifaximin vs neomycin in the treatment of the hyperammoniemic state of PSE, 30 cirrhotic patients with grade I to III of PSE were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group A (15 patients) receiving rifaximin (400 mg/8h) and group B (15 patients) neomycin (1gr/8h). The duration of treatment was 21 consecutive days. Age, sex, hepatic and renal function, level of PSE, EEG and number connection test were similar in both groups. A significant decrease in blood ammonia levels was observed at the end of the treatment period in both groups; moreover rifaximin produced an earlier reduction of blood ammonia levels. The neuropsychic syndrome related to the PSE improved in both groups without significant difference. No side effects attributable to therapy were observed in the rifaximin group. These results indicate that, rifaximin is at least as effective as neomycin in the achievement and maintenance of low blood ammonia levels in cirrhotics with chronic PSE.     

Increasing frequency of Gram-positive bacteria in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

AIM: To evaluate the characteristics and possible recent changes of the microbial causes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 42 cirrhotic patients with positive ascitic fluid culture and without evidence of secondary peritonitis who were admitted consecutively to our Department between 1998 and 2002. RESULTS: Twenty (48%) of 42 patients with positive ascitic fluid culture were diagnosed during 1998-1999 (period A) and the remaining 22 (52%) patients during 2000-2002 (period B). Gram-negative bacteria were the cause of SBP in 15 (75%) of the 20 patients during period A and in only nine (41%) of the 22 patients during period B (P=0.026). SBP patients with Gram-positive bacteria compared with those with Gram-negative bacteria were less frequently in Child class C (P=0.058) and had significantly higher ascitic fluid protein (P=0.014) and albumin concentrations (P=0.009) and lower ascitic fluid neutrophil count (P=0.008). Resistance to quinolones was detected significantly more frequently in the isolated Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Culture-positive SBP in cirrhotic patients are caused more frequently by Gram-positive bacteria during the recent years, which are, in their vast majority, resistant to quinolones.     

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth versus antimicrobial capacity in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Both defects in the host defense mechanisms and the enhancement of the offensive factor (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)) may contribute to the development of SBP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SIBO versus various antimicrobial capacities in the pathogenesis of SBP in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Forty-five cirrhotic patients were enrolled in this study. Bacterial overgrowth was evaluated by breath hydrogen test (BH2T). The hepatic reticuloendothelial system phagocytic index (HRESPI) was measured by intravenously injected colloid suspensions. RESULTS: The Child-Pugh scores in the SBP group were higher than in the non-SBP group (10.5 +/- 2.0 versus 8.0 +/- 1.8, P < 0.01). The ascitic protein concentration was significantly lower in the SBP group than in the non-SBP group (897 +/- 425 mg/l versus 1,325 +/- 453 mg/l, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the serum C3 concentration was lower in the SBP group than in the non-SBP group (43.1 +/- 13.6 ng/dl versus 73.2 +/- 26.4 ng/dl, P < 0.01). The serum C4 concentration was also lower in the SBP group than in the non-SBP group (12.4 +/- 4.0 ng/dl versus 16.9 +/- 6.6 ng/dl, P < 0.05). The incidence of SIBO was higher in the SBP group than in the non-SBP group (68.2% versus 17.4%, P < 0.01). HRESPI values were significantly higher in the two groups of cirrhotic patients than in the normal reference. However, there were no statistical differences in HRESPI between the two groups (8.4 +/- 2.8 min in the SBP group versus 7.9 +/- 2.8 min in the non-SBP group). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the hepatic reticuloendothelial function is impaired in cirrhotic patients, but the degree of impairment does not differ between patients with and without previous history of SBP. Lower ascitic total protein, lower serum C3 and C4 concentrations, and presence of SIBO are all risk factors for SBP. Based on the results of our study, defects in the host defense mechanisms and the enhancement of the offensive factor (SIBO) may act in concert for the development of SBP.     

Long-term clinical outcome of large volume paracentesis with intravenous albumin in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a randomized prospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Large volume paracentesis (LVP) with plasma volume expansion has been used for tense or refractory ascites. However, still in question is whether it is safe and effective for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We addressed this issue and conducted a study to assess safety and long-term outcome of LVP in cirrhotic patients with SBP. METHODS: Forty-two randomly assigned cirrhotic patients with SBP were classified into two groups; Group 1 included 21 patients who were treated with LVP and intravenous albumin; and Group 2 included 21 patients who were treated with diuretics and intravenous albumin. RESULTS: The overall cumulative survival rate was poor in patients with SBP (42.5% and 22.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively). At 7 days after treatment, the blood tests were similar between the two groups. In the ascitic fluid, the white blood cell counts decreased significantly and the protein concentrations tended to increase in both groups. In-hospital days, resolution rate of SBP, and in-hospital mortality rate were similar between the two groups. Although complication rates tended to be slightly higher in Group 1, long-term cumulative survivals were similar between Group 1 and Group 2. LVP was effective in removing abdominal discomfort in patients with tense ascites without serious complication. CONCLUSIONS: LVP with intravenous albumin was as effective as diuretics with intravenous albumin for the treatment of SBP with similar mortality. LVP with intravenous albumin might be feasible for the treatment of tense or refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients with SBP.     

Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and their inhibitors during the course of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

The aim of this work was the evaluation, in cirrhotic patients with noninfected ascites and with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), of serum and ascitic fluid levels of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL) 1-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-), and IL6] and antiinflammatory compounds [IL10, soluble IL-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1Ra), soluble receptors of TNF p55 and p75 (sTNFR55 and sTNFR75), and soluble receptor of IL6 (sIL6R)], as well as their relationship with the outcome of the infection in those with SBP. These molecules were assayed by ELISA in noninfected cirrhotic controls (n = 15), patients with SBP (n = 32), and healthy controls (n = 20). Serum levels of IL6 and of the majority of antiinflammatory mediators, sIL1Ra, sTNFR75, and sIL6R, were higher in control cirrhotic patients compared to healthy subjects. SBP was associated with significantly elevated ascitic fluid levels of every one of the proinflammatory cytokines compared to those in cirrhotic controls. Also, serum levels of IL10 and both TNF receptors and ascitic fluid levels of sIL1Ra and sTNFR55 were higher in patients with SBP compared to cirrhotic controls. Ascitic fluid levels of proinflammatory cytokines decreased rapidly after resolution of the infection; however, nonsignificant changes were detected in ascitic fluid concentrations of antiinflammatory molecules. Thus, elevated levels of antiinflammatory compounds both in noninfected cirrhotic patients and in patients with SBP suggest a regulatory control of the inflammatory process by these molecules in liver cirrhosis patients.     

Increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor in peritoneal macrophages of cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites that usually results in renal failure and death despite the efficacy of the current antibiotic therapy. The pathogenesis of these phenomena is poorly known but it has been related to the production of vasoactive cell mediators locally acting on the splanchnic vasculature. Because previous studies showed that peritoneal macrophages of cirrhotic patients may produce high quantities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a powerful vessel permeabilizing agent, when stimulated by cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide, the present study was aimed to seek whether peritoneal macrophages of SBP patients are induced to produce increased amounts of VEGF. Our results indicate that the production rate and the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of this substance are increased in macrophages of patients with SBP in comparison with those of noninfected cirrhotic patients. This characteristic feature is absent in circulating monocytes of these patients. Moreover, enhanced endothelial cell proliferation induced by conditioned medium of macrophages isolated from the ascites of patients with SBP is abolished by anti-VEGF antibody, and peritoneal tissue of cirrhotic patients expresses both VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR. These results, therefore, are consistent with the concept that locally released macrophage-derived VEGF may result in increased vascular permeability and plasma leakage in the peritoneal vessels of cirrhotic patients with SBP.     

Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis.

In cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, antibiotic prophylaxis decreases the incidence of infections but most randomized trials have not shown an increase in survival. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of infections and its effect on survival rate in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Four end points were assessed: infection, bacteremia and/or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), incidence of SBP, and death. For each end point, heterogeneity and treatment efficacy were assessed by Der Simonian and Peto methods. Five trials including 534 patients, 264 treated with antibiotic prophylaxis for 4 to 10 days and 270 without, were identified. Mean follow-up was 12 days. Antibiotic prophylaxis significantly increased the mean percentage of patients free of infection (32% mean improvement rate, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22-42, P <.001), bacteremia and/or SBP (19% mean improvement rate, 95% CI: 11-26, P <.001), and SBP (7% mean improvement rate, 95% CI: 2.1-12.6, P =.006). Antibiotic prophylaxis also significantly increased the mean survival rate (9. 1% mean improvement rate, 95 % CI: 2.9-15.3, P =.004), without significant heterogeneity. In cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, short-term antibiotic prophylaxis significantly increases the mean percentage of patients free of infection and significantly increases short-term survival rate.     

血清降钙素原、C反应蛋白、中性粒细胞比值联合检测在肝硬化腹水并自发性细菌性腹膜炎诊治中的意义

目的:探讨血清降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、中性粒细胞比值(NEUT)联合检测在肝硬化腹水并发自发性细菌性腹膜炎(SBP)诊治中的应用价值。方法:选择2014年2月至2018年7月就诊的50例肝硬化腹水并发SBP患者作为实验组,同期选取肝硬化腹水无SBP患者42例作为对照组。使用AFIAS-50干式荧光免疫分析仪,SMART 300全自动化学发光测定仪,BC-5600全自动血液细胞分析仪检测患者血清PCT、CRP和NEUT,并绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC),分析其诊治价值。结果 :与对照组患者相比,实验组患者的PCT、CRP、NEUT值均显著增高(P<0.01),PCT的曲线下面积为0.95,95%CI为0.923~0.977,最佳截断值为0.54,灵敏度为92.00%,特异度为90.48%;NEUT的曲线下面积为0.91,95%CI为0.864~0.956,最佳截断值为71.02%,灵敏度为88.00%,特异度为85.71%;CRP的曲线下面积为0.88,95%CI为0.808~0.952,最佳截断值为9.65,灵敏度为84.00%,特异度为76.57%,相对PCT和NEUT而言较低。三者联合检测的灵敏度为93.00%,特异度为86.13%,约登指数为0.7913。结论:PCT在肝硬化腹水并发SBP的诊治中,筛查效果最好,PCT联合CRP、NEUT检测可弥补CRP诊断肝硬化腹水并发SBP患者的不足。     

Effect of albumin infusion on preventing the deterioration of renal function in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

OBJECTIVE : To determine whether plasma volume expansion with albumin could prevent impairment of renal function and reduce mortality in cirrhotic patients with either acute spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or patients complicated with SBP. METHODS : A total of 112 patients was randomly allocated to two groups: 56 patients were allocated to be treated with ceftriaxone and 56 patients were allocated to treatment with ceftriaxone plus intra‐venous albumin in 3 weeks. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were monitored. RESULTS : Of the 56 patients (group 2) treated with ceftriaxone and albumin, five patients had renal impairment. Of the 56 patients (group 1) treated with ceftriaxone alone, 19 had renal impairment. The incidence of renal impairment was significantly lower in patients treated with ceftriaxone and albumin (5/56; 10%) than in patients treated with ceftriaxone alone (19/56; 34%; P = 0.002). In addition, in‐hospital mortality in group 2 was 10% (5/56), but was 33% (17/56) in group 1. Thus, in‐hospital mortality was significantly reduced from 33% (17/56) in patients treated with ceftriaxone to 10% (5/56) in patients treated with ceftriaxone and albumin (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS : The addition of intravenous albumin to an antibiotic regimen reduces the incidence of renal impairment and mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP.