Clinical features: Peritonitis is the acute inflammation of the peritoneum. It is usually caused by bacterial infection secondary to gastro-intestinal perforation, and may be localized or diffuse.
Bacterial peritonitis is usually characterized by acute abdominal pain and tenderness, dehydration, fever, hypotension, nausea and vomiting and tachycardia. Complications include abscess formation, oliguria and shock.
Treatment guideline
Treat dehydration if any
Drug of choice |
Ampicillin (IV) 1 g every 6 hours for 5-10 days |
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Plus |
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Gentamicin (IV) 4 mg/kg/24 hours in 3 divided doses for 5-10 days. |
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Metronidazole (IV) or (O) 400-600 mg every 8 hours for 5-10 days. |
