[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the cirrhotic patient. A study by discriminant analysis]

Infection of peritoneal fluid in cirrhotic patients requires an early diagnosis and treatment. Different parameters have been used for the diagnosis of this complication, however, the statistical study has not used multivariable analysis techniques. We have therefore designed this work performing a discriminating analysis in order to find the best variable combination. Twenty-six cirrhotic patients who were consecutively admitted to our hospital have been studied. Total adn polymorphonuclear leukocytes, glucose, LDH, and lactic acid were determined in peritoneal fluid. Eighteen peritoneal fluids were classified as non infected and the rest as infected. The criteria obtained from the discriminating function which combines total leukocytes, LDH, and glucose has been chosen as optimal. The utility of discriminating analysis is discussed and we conclude with the need to verify in a later study the value of the calculated function.