Increased risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis seen in cirrhotic patients with ascites, gene variants

patients with ascites and TLR2 gene variants are more susceptible to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, according to a study.

Investigators also concluded that the combination of the TLR2 GT microsatellite polymorphism with at least one NOD2 risk variant leads to improved identification of patients at high risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

The study included 150 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, each genotyped for TLR2 gene variants, who were monitored for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis over 2 years. After the follow-up period, 35% of patients had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis that was significantly more frequent in patients with the TLR2-16934 TT genotype (38.5% vs. 15.3%; P=.002).

Researchers confirmed through multivariate analysis that TLR2 GT microsatellite polymorphism and NOD2 variants are independent predictors of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

“Our results suggest that TLR2 polymorphisms in combination with NOD2 variants might be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites to identify those who have particularly high risk for imminent [spontaneous bacterial peritonitis],” the study authors said.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.