Diagnostic value of ascitic fluid lactoferrin, calprotectin, and calprotectin to albumin ratio in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is common and dangerous infection that occurs in 8-27% of cirrhotic inpatients with ascites. In the current study we have demonstrated and compared the diagnostic performance of ascitic fluid lactoferrin and calprotectin in the screening and diagnosis of SBP. In addition we have evaluated ascitic fluid calprotectin to albumin ratio as a novel marker in the diagnosis and Prognosis of SBP. In this cross sectional analytic study, ascitic fluids were collected from 87 cirrhotic patients (49 with SBP and 38 without SBP. Calprotectin and lactoferrin were measured in the ascitic fluids by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).