Increased Mortality with Intermediate Ascitic Polymorphonuclear Cell Counts Amongst Patients with Cirrhosis: Time to Redefine the Care Approach

Binary SBP A-PMN thresholds may not adequately capture mortality risk in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Low ascitic albumin and intermediate A-PMN counts are associated with increased long-term mortality, suggesting the need for more nuanced diagnostic and prognostic criteria in SBP evaluation.