What are the criteria for diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis?

The diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis relies on specific laboratory and clinical findings in the peritoneal fluid. The correct criteria state that SBP is indicated by the presence of at least 100 white blood cells (WBCs) per millimeter cubed of peritoneal fluid, with a positive culture for bacteria.

This is important because the elevation in WBC count signifies an inflammatory response to infection within the peritoneal cavity, while a positive culture confirms the presence of a bacterial pathogen. The threshold of 100 WBCs/mm³ is significant because it indicates a level of infection that warrants treatment, and monitoring for bacterial peritonitis is essential in patients on peritoneal dialysis due to their predisposition to infections.

Other options may include symptoms or nonspecific findings, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria necessary for confirming SBP. For instance, abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate can occur in multiple scenarios and aren't definitive alone without the quantitative and culture data. Thus, the precise combination of WBC count and culture positivity is crucial for an accurate diagnosis of SBP in this patient population.