Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Peritonitis

Questions and Answers

What is the initial management step for a patient suspected of having peritonitis?

Administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics

Perform a surgical exploration right away

Start oral feeding immediately

Place IV cannula and start NPO (correct)

In the case of community-acquired secondary peritonitis, which combination of antibiotics is recommended?

Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole

Piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin

Cefazolin and clindamycin

Cefuroxime, gentamicin, and metronidazole (correct)

Which of the following complications may arise from untreated peritonitis?

Progressive liver failure

Pulmonary embolism

Localized abscess and intestinal obstruction (correct)

Chronic kidney disease

What is the appropriate management for primary peritonitis associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

IV antimicrobials Signup and view all the answers

Which surgical intervention is NOT typically associated with source control in peritonitis management?

Cholecystectomy Signup and view all the answers

Which peritoneal organ classification is characterized as being covered only by the parietal peritoneum on its anterior surface?

Retroperitoneal Organs Signup and view all the answers

Which type of peritonitis is characterized by an obvious source of infection due to an intra-abdominal lesion?

Secondary Peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical feature is NOT typically associated with peritonitis?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of bacterial infections in primary peritonitis?

No obvious source of infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organs is classified as intraperitoneal?

Spleen Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with advanced peritonitis and can indicate sepsis?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What type of pathogens are commonly isolated in secondary peritonitis?

Polymicrobial organisms from the gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method is NOT routinely used for diagnosing peritonitis?

Direct visualization through laparoscopy Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the peritoneum is attached to the abdominal wall?

Parietal peritoneum Signup and view all the answers

Which organs are considered intraperitoneal?

Stomach, liver, and spleen Signup and view all the answers

The potential space between the parietal and visceral peritoneum is called the:

Peritoneal cavity Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of primary peritonitis? A. Inflammation of the peritoneum with an obvious source of infection B. Inflammation of the peritoneum without an obvious source C. Infection following abdominal surgery D. Inflammation limited to the appendix

Inflammation of the peritoneum without an obvious source Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of secondary peritonitis?

Perforated colon Signup and view all the answers

Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis is primarily caused by:

Skin flora contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which is a feature of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

Associated with chronic liver disease Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are most commonly implicated in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

Enterobacterales and S. pneumoniae Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is most commonly associated with peritonitis?

Abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aetiology of PRIMARY/SBP PERITONITIS?

Usually aerobic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

A 32-year-old female presents with tenderness and guarding on palpation of the right iliac fossa. Ultrasound shows acute appendicitis. What is the likely diagnosis?

Secondary localized peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of generalized peritonitis?

Rebound tenderness Signup and view all the answers

Which radiological finding is suggestive of peritonitis?

Air under the diaphragm on an erect chest X-ray Signup and view all the answers

Which test is most useful to rule out pancreatitis in a patient suspected of having peritonitis?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

Which is the primary initial step in managing a patient with peritonitis?

Administer IV fluids and analgesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for adding metronidazole in the empiric treatment of secondary peritonitis?

To provide anaerobic cover Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic covers aerobic Gram-negative bacilli, including Pseudomonas, and also has good anaerobic cover?

Piperacillin-tazobactam Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antibiotics provides anaerobic coverage?

Metronidazole Signup and view all the answers

The empiric treatment for community-acquired secondary peritonitis typically includes:

Cefuroxime + Gentamicin + Metronidazole Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended empiric treatment for hospital-acquired secondary peritonitis?

Piperacillin-tazobactam + Gentamicin Signup and view all the answers

Why is gentamicin added to the treatment regimen in secondary peritonitis?

To provide additional Gram-negative coverage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is part of the 'source control' in peritonitis management?

Drainage of abscess Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual route of antimicrobial administration for PD-associated peritonitis?

Intraperitoneal Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of performing an ascitic tap in suspected primary peritonitis?

For cell count, Gram stain, and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic combination provides broad-spectrum coverage, including anaerobes?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antimicrobials is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic?

Penicillin G Signup and view all the answers

In secondary peritonitis, the addition of gentamicin to piperacillin-tazobactam is primarily to:

Provide synergy against resistant Gram-negative bacilli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antibiotics does NOT provide anaerobic cover?

Cefuroxime Signup and view all the answers

Why might metronidazole be added to cefuroxime in secondary peritonitis?

To provide anaerobic coverage Signup and view all the answers

Which is a potential complication of untreated peritonitis?

Adhesions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a severe complication of peritonitis?

Sepsis/septic shock Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may result from adhesions formed due to peritonitis?

Intestinal obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What condition can localized abscesses due to peritonitis lead to?

Bloodstream infection (BSI) Signup and view all the answers

Septic shock in peritonitis may present with:

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

A patient with liver cirrhosis presents with fever and abdominal pain. Ascitic fluid analysis reveals elevated neutrophils. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Primary peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

In a patient with a perforated duodenal ulcer, which type of peritonitis is most likely?

Secondary peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

A 55-year-old female on peritoneal dialysis develops abdominal pain and cloudy peritoneal fluid. Which antibiotic route is preferred?

Intraperitoneal Signup and view all the answers

A patient with generalized peritonitis after a bowel perforation is most likely to have:

A polymicrobial infection Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a risk factor for developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

Liver cirrhosis with ascites Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging modality is most useful to identify free air in the abdomen due to perforation?

Erect chest X-ray Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic is most likely to cause nephrotoxicity and requires monitoring?

Gentamicin Signup and view all the answers

The main goal of empiric antibiotic therapy in peritonitis is to:

Cover all possible pathogens Signup and view all the answers

An appendectomy is primarily performed as:

Source control for secondary peritonitis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least likely to be a cause of secondary peritonitis?

Infected ascitic fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom differentiates primary from secondary peritonitis?

Presence of an obvious source of infection Signup and view all the answers

Which lab test is essential in the evaluation of peritoneal fluid in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

Neutrophil count Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding peritoneal lavage in peritonitis?

It helps reduce the bacterial load. Signup and view all the answers

Peritonitis can lead to ileus, which is characterized by:

Decreased or absent bowel sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is least suggestive of an acute abdomen due to peritonitis?

Normal abdominal examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial imaging study recommended for a patient with suspected acute appendicitis?

Ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

In a patient with suspected primary peritonitis, which laboratory test is most essential for confirming the diagnosis?

Ascitic fluid culture Signup and view all the answers

What finding on an abdominal X-ray is a classic sign of free intraperitoneal air?

Rigler's sign Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key radiological sign of a perforated viscus on an erect chest X-ray?

Free air under the diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

In diagnosing peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, what is the most important diagnostic test?

Peritoneal dialysis fluid analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best imaging modality to evaluate suspected intra-abdominal abscesses?

CT scan Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of performing an "ascitic tap" in patients with suspected primary peritonitis?

To obtain ascitic fluid for cell count and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding is most commonly elevated in secondary peritonitis?

Procalcitonin Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is most indicative of infection and inflammation in peritonitis?

C-reactive protein (CRP) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

It requires the exclusion of occult perforation. Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic procedure is used to confirm Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

Ascitic tap or diagnostic paracentesis Signup and view all the answers

In primary peritonitis, what is the primary purpose of performing an ascitic tap?

To obtain a specimen for cell count, Gram stain, and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings in peritoneal fluid analysis would suggest Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

Elevated neutrophil count Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to exclude occult perforation in patients with suspected primary peritonitis?

Occult perforation often results in polymicrobial infections requiring different management. Signup and view all the answers

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is typically caused by which of the following types of organisms?

Skin flora Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indication for removal of the PD catheter in PD-associated peritonitis?

Persistent infection despite appropriate antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection is most commonly associated with monomicrobial peritoneal fluid culture?

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antibiotics is typically used for empiric therapy in primary peritonitis (SBP)?

Intravenous ceftriaxone Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common source of microorganisms in PD-associated peritonitis?

Skin at the catheter exit site Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is most indicative of PD-associated peritonitis?

Cloudy peritoneal dialysis fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind using intraperitoneal antibiotics in PD-associated peritonitis?

To deliver antibiotics directly to the site of infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common causative organism of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

Escherichia coli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical step in the management of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?

Empiric antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which microorganism is less commonly associated with PD-associated peritonitis?

Candida spp. Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging modality is most useful for diagnosing bowel perforation in secondary peritonitis?

Abdominal CT scan Signup and view all the answers

What kind of fluid's presence during a diagnostic paracentesis is highly suggestive of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

Cloudy fluid with high neutrophil count Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomy of the Abdomen

Peritoneum

Definition: A continuous serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal viscera.
Divisions:
- Parietal peritoneum: Attached to the abdominal wall.
- Visceral peritoneum: Wrapped around visceral organs.
- Peritoneal cavity: Potential space between parietal and visceral peritoneum containing a small amount of sterile lubricating fluid, allowing layers to glide easily over each other.

Organ Classification

Intraperitoneal Organs:
- Fully enveloped by the visceral peritoneum.
- Examples: Stomach, liver, spleen.
Retroperitoneal Organs:
- Covered only by the parietal peritoneum on their anterior surface.
- Examples: Esophagus, rectum, kidneys, pancreas, ascending and descending colon.

Peritonitis

Definition

Inflammation of the peritoneum resulting in exudate that can become purulent.
Types:
- Localized: Example - inflamed appendix.
- Generalized: Example - perforated colon.
Causes: Contamination of the sterile peritoneal cavity by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) or irritating chemicals (e.g., bile, urine, gastric content, blood).

Classification

Primary/Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)
- No obvious source of infection.
- Often seen in patients with pre-existing ascites (e.g., chronic liver disease).
- No disruption of abdominal wall and intra-abdominal organs.
- Common pathogens: Enterobacterales (E. coli, K. pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, and others.
Secondary Peritonitis
- Secondary to intra-abdominal lesions/spillage (e.g., perforation of an organ, penetrating injury, acute pancreatitis).
- Typically polymicrobial, reflecting the flora of the diseased GI/GU tract.
- Common pathogens: Enterobacterales, Enterococci, Streptococci, Anaerobes, Candida spp.
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)-Associated Peritonitis
- Entry of organisms through the PD catheter (Tenckhoff catheter).
- Common pathogens: Skin flora (S. aureus, CoNS), less commonly GI flora.

Clinical Features

Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea/vomiting, anorexia.
- Pain may radiate to shoulders or back and worsen on movement.
- Fever.
Signs:
- Features of sepsis: fever, tachycardia, hypotension, oliguria, mottled skin.
- Acute abdomen presentation: acute pain, tenderness, distension, guarding, percussion tenderness.
Diagnosis:
- Laboratory Tests: Routine bloods (FBC, renal profile, liver function tests, etc.), amylase, lactate, blood cultures, urine MC&S.
- Microbiology: Peritoneal fluid specimen for Gram stain and culture.
- Radiology: Abdominal X-ray, CT abdomen & pelvis, ultrasound.

Management

Initial:
- NPO (nothing by mouth).
- IV cannula, analgesia, IV fluids.
- May require surgical exploration.
Antimicrobial Therapy:
- Secondary Peritonitis:
  - Community-acquired: Cefuroxime (covers aerobic Gram-positive cocci and Enterobacterales, but lacks anaerobic cover) + Gentamicin (provides additional Gram-negative coverage) + Metronidazole (provides anaerobic coverage).
  - Hospital-acquired: Piperacillin-tazobactam (covers aerobic Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative bacilli including Pseudomonas, and has good anaerobic cover, so no need to add metronidazole) + Gentamicin (added for Gram-negative coverage in case of resistance).
- Primary Peritonitis (SBP) or PD Peritonitis:
  - SBP: IV antimicrobials.
  - PD Peritonitis: Intraperitoneal (IP) route.
Source Control:
- Drainage of abscesses.
- Surgical interventions (appendectomy, bowel resection, repair of perforation).
- Laparotomy with peritoneal lavage.

Complications

Bloodstream infection (BSI).
Sepsis/septic shock.
Localized abscess/collection.
Adhesions, which may cause pain, volvulus, or intestinal obstruction.

Case Study Recap

Example 1: 32-year-old female with acute appendicitis - Secondary localized peritonitis.
Example 2: 45-year-old female with perforated duodenal ulcer - Diagnosed with secondary peritonitis via CT scan showing air under the diaphragm.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the abdomen, focusing on the peritoneum and its divisions. Explore the classifications of intraperitoneal organs and their functions within the abdominal cavity. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of abdominal anatomical structures.