Peritonitis Clinical Classification Quiz

Causes of Peritonitis

• Secondary peritonitis is caused by leakage of abdominal organ contents due to inflammation or infection.
• The main cause of peritonitis is bacterial infection.

Characteristics of Primary Peritonitis

• Primary peritonitis is characterized by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) that occurs in the absence of an identifiable source of infection.
• It is often associated with cirrhosis or other conditions that cause ascites.
• A good environment for bacteria growth in primary peritonitis is the presence of ascites, especially in patients with cirrhosis.

Definition and Classification of Peritonitis

• Secondary peritonitis is defined as peritonitis caused by a known intra-abdominal source of infection.
• The classification system that categorizes peritonitis into primary and secondary types is based on the presence or absence of an identifiable intra-abdominal source of infection.

Characteristics of Exudate

• Fibrinous exudate is a type of exudate classified in peritonitis.

Stages of Peritonitis

• The maximal manifestation of local signs of peritonitis in the initial (reactive) stage is rebound tenderness.
• The stage of peritonitis that involves often irreversible intoxication with vital function decompensation is the terminal stage.

Effects of Peritonitis

• Peritonitis can cause a shift in fluid volume, leading to hypovolemia.
• Multiple organ failure and death can result from severe peritonitis.
• Abdominal washout may be required in cases of peritonitis caused by leakage of abdominal organ contents.

Anatomy of the Peritoneum

• The peritoneum is a serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
• The main site where secondary peritonitis primarily occurs is the intraperitoneal space.
• Organs classified as extraperitoneal include the kidneys and ureters.

Microbiology of Peritonitis

• Common bacteria implicated in cases of peritonitis include E. coli, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus.