[Cirrhotic spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the elderly].

The cirrhotic patients are at increased risk of infection greater than patients with other chronic diseases, due to differences in inflammatory and immune reactions. In cirrhotic patients with ascites, you must pay close attention to the prevention of complications such as hyponatremia, hepatorenal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis SBP.The hospital mortality after an episode of SBP is 12-15% in the elderly, less than 10% in adults. Over 70% of patients with SBP belong to Class C Child-Pugh. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, the most common infection in cirrhosis, is characterized by a bacterial infection of ascites in the absence of conditions of intra-abdominal surgical relevance. After having described the pathogenesis, clinical and management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in elderly cirrhotic patients with ascites, the Authors stressed the most recent therapeutic measures and, particularly, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. An appropriate focus on the occurrence of complications is essential for life and survival of these patients.