What is the difference between primary and secondary peritonitis?

The two main types of peritonitis are primary spontaneous peritonitis, an infection that develops in the peritoneum; and secondary peritonitis, which usually develops when an injury or infection in the abdominal cavity allows infectious organisms into the peritoneum. Both types of peritonitis are life-threatening.

What causes primary peritonitis?

In most cases, the cause is a rupture (perforation) within the abdominal wall. Though it’s rare, the condition can develop without an abdominal rupture. Common causes of ruptures that lead to peritonitis include: Medical procedures, such as peritoneal dialysis.

What is peritonitis Medscape?

Peritonitis is defined as an inflammation of the serosal membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and the organs contained therein. The peritoneum, which is an otherwise sterile environment, reacts to various pathologic stimuli with a fairly uniform inflammatory response.

How can you tell the difference between SBP and secondary peritonitis?

SBP is an acute ascites infection an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count of ≥250 cells/mm3 both with or without a positive ascitic fluid bacterial culture. SBP can be differentiated from secondary bacterial peritonitis by the absence of a surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection.

What is secondary peritonitis?

Secondary bacterial peritonitis describes peritoneal infections secondary to intraabdominal lesions, such as perforation of the hollow viscus, bowel necrosis, nonbacterial peritonitis, or penetrating infectious processes.

How is primary peritonitis treated?

Most cases of primary peritonitis require the use of antimicrobial agents as the mainstay of therapy, and drainage procedures usually are not required. Secondary peritonitis requires surgical treatment, known as source control, to correct the underlying pathology.

How many stages of peritonitis are there?

Peritonitis is divided into three stages. The division is based on the defensive and inhibitory mechanisms of the host.

What are the differential diagnosis for peritonitis?

Differential Diagnosis

Disease
Primary peritonitis Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Tuberculous peritonitis
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD peritonitis)
Secondary peritonitis Acute bacterial secondary peritonitis

Is SBP primary or secondary peritonitis?

SBP can be differentiated from secondary bacterial peritonitis by the absence of a surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection.