Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender and MELD showed that an elevated ascites IL-6 concentration was associated with a higher 30-day-mortality (HR 1.008, 95% CI: 1.003–1.013; P = 0.004) in all patients with decompensated cirrhosis, whereas ascites PMN count and ascites bactDNA level did not show any significant association. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is Cirrhosis.