OBJECTIVE Ascitic fluid infections (AFI) in cirrhotic patients can be classified into two groups: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the two groups of patients with AFI.

METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of cirrhotic patients with AFI. We evaluated demographic data, clinical presentations of AFI, laboratory findings, liver function, and mortality rates.

RESULTS Between January 2005 and December 2014, 533 patients with AFI were evaluated; 259 (48.6%) had SBP and 274 (51.4%) CNNA. Ascites neutrophil count (4410/mm³ versus 1046/mm³, p < .001) and the blood culture positive rate (38.1% versus 20.1%, p < .001) were higher in the SBP group, which also had a higher MELD score (24.29 versus 22.05, p = .004). Seven-day mortality was higher in the SBP group (9.4% versus 4.5%, p = .027) but there was no significant difference in 30-day (22.1% versus 17.5%) or 90-day mortality rate (36.1% versus 36.4%).

CONCLUSIONS Patients in the SBP group had a higher MELD score, ascites neutrophil count, and positive blood culture rate. Although seven-day mortality rate was higher in the SBP group, the 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were similar in the two groups.