Study of Serum and Ascitic Fluid Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein as Potential Markers of Infection in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Background: Hemodynamic instability in cirrhotic individuals and the onset of bacterial infection are both linked to elevated levels of Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP).
Objective: The aim of the current work was to evaluate the significance of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) level in serum and ascitic fluid in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) patients as a marker for infection.
Patients and Methods:A total of 112 patients were enrolled in this case control study and were split into two categories: Group (A):consisted of 56 individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD) having ascites exacerbated by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) through clinical and laboratory examinations. Group (B): consisted of 56 individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD) and ascites who had no detectable infection based on clinical and laboratory tests.
Results: In group A; significant positive correlations were found between serum LBP, HB, and total protein. Also, a negative remarkable correlation between serum LBP, INR, PTT, PT, serum creatinine, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, PLT, and ascitic fluid LBP. In group (B);significant positive correlations were found between serum LBP, AST, and TLC. Also, a negative remarkable correlation between serum LBP, PTT, serum urea, serum creatinine, and total bilirubin.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that serum LBP demonstrated a highly significant difference between the two groups with a substantial difference as regard the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, both in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Serum LBP may be considered as a diagnostic tool for SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites.
 

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