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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the evidence for impact of bacterial sepsis and multiple organ failure in patients with liver cirrhosis. Data sources A review of contemporary (1995 to present) English medical literature using the terms bacterial infection, hepatic encephalopathy, multiple organ dysfunction, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was conducted. Study selection Abstracts were reviewed independently by two authors, and relevant articles were then evaluated. Exclusion criteria included editorials, non-English language, comments, and letters. Data extraction Level of evidence was assigned in accordance with the Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine guidance (levels I-V). Results Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria; of which, 11 were of level III, 22 of level IV, and four of level V evidence. Bacterial sepsis and multiple organ failure are common in patients with liver cirrhosis. There was level III evidence that third-generation cephalosporins are the treatment of choice for infections in patients with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion This review indicates that bacterial sepsis and multiple organ failure are common in patients with liver cirrhosis, supported principally by level III/IV evidence.

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