J Hepatol. 2008 Feb
Terg R, Fassio E, Guevara M, Cartier M, Longo C, Lucero R, Landeira C, Romero G, Dominguez N, Muñoz A, Levi D, Miguez C, Abecasis R.
Unidad de Hígado, Hospital de Gastroenterología “Dr. Bonorino Udaondo”, Sección Hepatología, Av. Caseros 2061, 1264 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Low protein concentration in ascitic fluid has been identified as a risk factor for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Until now, primary prophylaxis has not been recommended in these patients. The aim was to investigate the efficacy of long-term administration of ciprofloxacin to prevent SBP.
METHODS: One hundred cirrhotic patients with (less then) 1.5g/dl of total protein in ascitic fluid were randomized prospectively, in a double blind fashion to receive ciprofloxacin 500mg/day (n=50) or placebo (n=50) for 12 months.
RESULTS: Baseline data were similar in both groups. In the ciprofloxacin group, SBP occurred almost four times less frequently than in the placebo group but it was not statistically significant. The probability of survival at 12 months was significantly higher in patients receiving ciprofloxacin (86% versus 66%) (p<0.04). p="0.05).">
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis and low protein concentration in ascitic fluid are candidates to receive long-term prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infections and improve survival.
Elsevier