Prophylactic Antibiotics in Admitted Cirrhotics

Cirrhosis is associated with a state of immune-compromise and progressive decompensation, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), and death are often caused by bacterial infections. Different sub-groups of patients with cirrhosis at increased risk, i.e. active upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, low protein ascites, history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), are known to benefit from prophylactic antibiotics. The investigators hypothesize that hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis are also at increased risk and thus may benefit from preventive treatment. Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive an antibiotic vs placebo.