Ascitic fluid infection in children with liver disease: time to change empirical antibiotic policy.

AFI was found in 31% children with liver disease and almost half of them were nosocomial resulting in high mortality. ESBL producing Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequently isolated organisms. Cefoperazone-sulbactam or carbapenems may be useful empirical antibiotics in nosocomial setting. Children with AFI and CPT score ≥ 11 should be evaluated for liver transplantation.