[Prevalence and prognosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Experience in patients from a general hospital in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (1991-2000)].

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a frequent complication that occurs in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and has a recurrence rate of 70% in 1 year. In addition, this infection determines a poor short and long-term prognosis and a shorter survival rate.

Aims: Evaluate the prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and the effect of its occurrence on the survival.