Clinical Profile, Microbial Spectrum, and Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Introduction: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) is a common and severe complication of ascites in cirrhotic patients, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the clinical, laboratory, and microbiological profiles and identify association of adverse outcomes among SBP patients. Method: A cross-sectional study was done over 18 months in a tertiary hospital. A total of 84 cirrhotic patients with ascites were enrolled. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leukocyte count ≥250 cells/mm³. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Result: SBP was diagnosed in 29.8% of patients. Ascitic neutrophil count was significantly higher in SBP cases (292.3 ± 31.9 vs. 126.5 ± 15.0, p < 0.001). E. coli was the most common isolate (60%). UGI bleeding (p = 0.001), hepatorenal syndrome (p = 0.003), and CTP Class C status (p = 0.0017) were significantly more in SBP. SBP patients had longer hospital stays and less duration of survival (24.3 vs. 27.9 days, p = 0.03). SBP was an independent predictor of mortality (OR = 5.6, p = 0.04). Conclusion: SBP is associated with severe complications, increased ICU need, and reduced short-term survival. Early diagnosis and risk stratification are needed for improving outcomes.