Disease dependent qualitative and quantitative differences in the inflammatory response to ascites occurring in cirrhotics.

aimTo assess differing patterns and levels of ascitic fluid cyctokine and growth factors exist between those with a high risk and low risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

methodsA total of 57 consecutive patients with ascites requiring a large volume paracentesis were studied. Their age, gender, specific underlying disease conditions were recorded after a review of their clinical records. Each underwent a routine assessment prior to their paracentesis consisting of a complete blood count, complete metabolic profile and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (INR) determination. The ascitic fluid was cultured and a complete cell count and albumin determination was obtained on the fluid. In addition, blood and ascitic fluid was assessed for the levels of interleukin interleukin (IL)-1A, IL-1B, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) utilizing the Randox Biochip platforms (Boston, MA). A serum-ascites gradient, for each cytokine and growth factor was calculated. The results are reported as mean ± SEM between disease groups with statistical analysis consisting of the student t-test (two tailed) with a P value of 0.05 defining significance.

resultsNo clinically important demographic or biochemical differences between the 4 groups studied were evident. In contrast, marked difference in the cytokine and growth factors levels and pattern were evident between the 4 disease groups. Individuals with alcoholic cirrhosis had the highest levels of IL-1A, IL-1B, IL-4, IFNγ. Those with malignant disease had the highest levels of IL-2. Those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated cirrhosis had the highest value for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1 and VEGF. Those with cardiac disease had the highest level of TNF-α and EGF. The calculated serum- ascites gradients for the cardiac and malignant disease groups had a greater frequency of negative values signifying greater levels of IL-8, IL-10 and MCP-1 in ascites than did those with alcohol or HCV disease.

conclusionThese data document important differences in the cytokine and growth factor levels in plasma, ascitic fluid and the calculated plasma - ascites fluid gradients in cirrhotics requiring a large volume paracentesis. These differences may be important in determining the risk for bacterial peritonitis.