Bactericidal activity of ascitic fluid in patients with nephrotic syndrome

Patients with nephrotic syndrome are unusually susceptible to infections, including primary peritonitis. In this study, we have evaluated nine adult patients with nephrotic syndrome and ascites for ascitic fluid bactericidal activity, complement and immunoglobulin concentrations. Eight of nine patients had diminished ascitic fluid bactericidal activity while twelve control peritoneal fluids had normal bactericidal activity. Complement (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) concentrations were significantly lower in nephrotic syndrome ascitic fluid than peritoneal fluid from normal subjects. These findings may explain the high occurrence rate of primary peritonitis in nephrotic patients with ascites.