[Diagnostic aspects of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in hepatic cirrhosis with ascites].

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication appearing in 8-22% of hepatic cirrhosis with ascitic decompensation. The authors describe 6 cases of SBP in hepatic cirrhosis. SBP diagnosis has been confirmed by isolation of the aetiological agents in the ascitic fluid, and PMN count above 250/ml in 12% of the studies cases. SBP diffusion and the high mortality risk justify the examine of the ascitic fluid also in asymptomatic patients.