Instant diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis using leukocyte esterase reagent strips: Nephur-Test vs. MultistixSG.

Background/aim: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), defined by an ascites neutrophil count >250/mul, is a severe complication of cirrhosis and demands prompt diagnosis. Leukocyte esterase reagent strips can rapidly detect leukocytes in physiological fluids. We compared the performance of two leukocyte esterase reagent strips in the diagnosis of SBP.

Rapid diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with leukocyte esterase reagent strips in a European and in an American center.

Background: Timely diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are essential to survival. The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate leukocyte esterase reagent strips (Nephur-Test and MultistixSG10) in the bedside diagnosis of SBP.

Methods: Patients with cirrhotic ascites were prospectively included in France (center 1) and in the USA (center 2).