Elevated C-reactive protein and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with chronic liver disease and ascites.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare laboratory indices of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and noninfected ascites in children with chronic liver disease and to determine the infectious agents involved in SBP.

Methods: The medical records of 90 children with chronic liver disease and ascites studied between January 2005 and August 2011 were reviewed for laboratory data of diagnostic significance in SBP. Standard laboratory tests included blood cell count, coagulation indices, liver and renal function tests, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum sodium concentration, serum albumin, and serum cultures.