Predictors of mortality and morbidity in peritonitis in a developing country

Generalized peritonitis is still a common emergency managed by most general surgeons throughout the world. If the outcome in these patients can be correctly predicted, then better management can be instituted to those patients in need. This study aims to identify factors in patients with peritonitis which have a significant bearing on morbidity and mortality. These factors could be later used to predict the outcome in patients with generalized peritonitis.

A total of one hundred patients with peritonitis were studied. Factors including age, pulse and respiratory rate, temperature, hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, hematocrit, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, pH, PaO2 levels at the time of surgery along with peritoneal contamination and duration of surgery were noted. Using the Students t test, factors were identified which had a statistically significant influence on the outcome.

Thirty-six patients in the study developed complications and 17 died. Statistics showed that 8 factors influenced morbidity and 11 influenced mortality.

Identifying variables which influence the outcome of patients with peritonitis is an important initial step. Once these factors have been identified, the outcome of patients can be correctly predicted and better management can be instituted to those patients in need.