ASCO Conference Coverage

Predictors of Peritonitis in Ovarian Cancer Hospitalizations

Miranda Manier, BA

Key Highlights

  • 7.08% of ovarian cancer hospitalizations were complicated by peritonitis.
  • Significant predictors included post-laparotomy state, chemotherapy, sepsis, neutropenia, and obesity.
  • Peritonitis was associated with longer hospital stays and higher hospital charges.
  • Targeting these predictors early may improve clinical outcomes.

A cross-sectional study presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting examined predictors of peritonitis in ovarian cancer (OC) hospitalizations, finding that post-laparotomy state, sepsis, neutropenia, chemotherapy, and obesity were significant contributors. Peritonitis was associated with longer hospital stays, higher charges, and worse outcomes in these patients.

Malignant ascites, a common complication in advanced OC, increases the risk of peritonitis, affecting about 10% of patients with malignant ascites. This study sought to identify factors that contribute to the development of peritonitis during OC hospitalizations, to inform earlier interventions and improved management.

A total of 298,084 OC hospitalizations were analyzed. The study found that 7.08% of these hospitalizations were complicated by peritonitis. Patients who developed peritonitis were slightly younger than those who did not (mean age: 62.40 years vs 63.34 years). The racial distribution among peritonitis cases was 70% Caucasian, 10% African American, and 10% Hispanic (P = .09). Geographically, 34% of peritonitis cases occurred in the South, 25% in the West, 21% in the Midwest, and 19% in the Northeast (P < .001).

Peritonitis was associated with increased length of stay (mean: 8.41 days vs 5.49 days) and higher hospital charges ($113,432 vs $64,262.48). Significant predictors of peritonitis identified via chi-square analysis included post-laparotomy state (3.58% vs 1.06%, P < .001), chemotherapy (3.31% vs 3.23%, P < .001), sepsis (15.79% vs 7.51%, P < .001), neutropenia (9.03% vs 3.73%, P = .02), and obesity (16.59% vs 13.09%, P < .001).

“Peritonitis is a significant complication in OC hospitalizations, associated with worse outcomes and increased resource utilization,” the study authors concluded. “Our study identifies key predictors of peritonitis in OC hospitalizations. Targeting these predictors early in the disease course is critical to improving clinical outcomes.”

Reference

Thannir S, Jayakumar J, Vojjala N, et al. Key predictors of peritonitis in ovarian cancer hospitalizations: Insights for early intervention. Presented at: 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; 2025 May 30–June 3; Chicago, IL. https://www.asco.org/annual-meeting