Peritonitis - spontaneous
Definition
Peritonitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers the abdominal organs. This tissue is called the peritoneum.
Alternative Names
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)Causes
Spontaneous peritonitis usually results from ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is usually related to liver or kidney failure. Risk factors for liver disease include alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases that lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B or C).
Spontaneous peritonitis also occurs in patients undergoing dialysis for kidney failure.
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