Current treatment of intraabdominal infections

Albert J Chong1, E Patchen Dellinger

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Insights

Peritonitis, a complex abdominal infection, remains challenging despite advances. Future treatments may target specific inflammatory pathways or endotoxins to improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Critical Care
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Peritonitis is a common and complex intra-abdominal infection with a long history.
  • Understanding its pathophysiology and effective treatment remains a significant challenge for clinicians.
  • Patient outcomes depend on pathogen factors and the host's immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding and treatment principles of peritonitis.
  • To highlight the limitations of existing therapies for complicated cases.
  • To explore potential future therapeutic strategies for peritonitis management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established principles in managing intra-abdominal infections.
  • Discussion of the host-pathogen interaction in peritonitis.
  • Exploration of emerging therapeutic targets based on pathophysiology.

Main Results:

  • Current treatment relies on multimodality care: surgical source control, resuscitation, nutrition, organ support, and antibiotics.
  • Despite advances, mortality for complicated peritonitis remains high.
  • The host's inflammatory response plays a critical role in disease outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Effective peritonitis management requires a comprehensive approach addressing surgical, supportive, and antimicrobial needs.
  • Novel therapeutic agents targeting specific molecular pathways are needed.
  • Future research should focus on immunomodulatory and endotoxin-targeted therapies for improved peritonitis treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...