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Serum and ascitic concentration of C3, C4 and protein in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

BACKGROUND
Lower concentration of ascitic or serum complement (C3, C4) or protein has been reported to participate in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). In Taiwan, the etiology of hepatic cirrhosis is mainly post-hepatic and SBP is the common complication. This study aims to determine the role of protein and complements in the pathogenesis of SBP.


METHODS
119 cirrhotic patients were divided into two groups, 30 SBP and 89 non-SBP. The concentrations of ascitic and serum complement and protein were measured for comparison.


RESULTS
The ascitic and serum C3, C4 and protein levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with SBP than in non-SBP patients. No significant differences were noted in the ascites/serum ratio of C3, C4 and protein in patient with or without SBP.


CONCLUSIONS
Low levels of ascitic and serum protein and complements, C3 and C4, may be prone to develop SBP in our patients mostly with post-hepatitic cirrhosis.