The cause of spontaneous peritonitis is infection in the blood. Fluid accumulates in the peritoneal cavity when it is not reabsorbed in the normal way. The incidence of this disease is approximately 2 out of 1 million people per year. It is rare in children. Antibiotics are given to control infection, and dehydration is treated by intravenous therapy.
Hospitalization is common.
The infection can usually be treated, but the outcome is usually poor because of underlying liver disease . Affected individuals often respond to antibiotics but may still have a poor outcome. There are no preventative once alcoholic cirrhosis has developed. Early avoidance of excess alcohol use would prevent this risk factor. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.