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Published on: December 30, 2025
[Antibiotic prophylaxis in liver cirrhosis]
S Restellini1, M Nendaz, I Morard
1Service de médecine interne générale, Département de médecine interne, réhabilitation et gériatrie, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Sophie.Restellini@hcuge.ch
Antibiotic prophylaxis (ATP) can prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) recurrence in cirrhosis patients. ATP improves survival in patients with low ascites protein, prior SBP, or gastrointestinal bleeding, reducing infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Cirrhosis patients frequently experience severe bacterial infections.
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the most common infection in cirrhosis.
- SBP recurrence rates exceed 70% within one year, with 30-50% hospital mortality.
Purpose:
- To review the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis (ATP) in patients with cirrhosis.
- To highlight the role of ATP in preventing SBP and improving survival.
Summary:
- Key risk factors for SBP include low ascitic fluid protein, a history of SBP, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated in these high-risk scenarios.
- Recognized indications for ATP significantly improve patient survival.
Impact:
- ATP represents a crucial strategy for managing bacterial infections in cirrhosis.
- Implementing ATP guidelines can reduce SBP recurrence and associated mortality.
- Improved survival rates are achievable through targeted antibiotic prophylaxis.
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