23rd July 2023

A 62-year-old man presents with worsening abdominal distension and pain

A 62-year-old man presents with worsening abdominal distension and pain. He has a history of known liver cirrhosis. He has struggled with remaining abstinent from alcohol. You perform an ascitic tap and request an absolute neutrophil count.

His observations are as follows: RR 19/min, oxygen saturations 97% on room air, HR 108 bpm, BP 101/78 mmHg, T 38.1°C

Which of the following results would most support a diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.