Peritonitis - spontaneous
Alternate Names : Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
Definition
Peritonitis is swelling (inflammation) of the peritoneum -- the tissue that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Spontaneous peritonitis is usually caused by ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This usually occurs from 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 who are on dialysis for kidney failure.
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