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Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Aug 2021
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Ascites, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Hepatorenal Syndrome: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
Topics: Ascites; End Stage Liver Disease; Gastroenterology; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Humans; Peritonitis
PubMed: 33942342
DOI: 10.1002/hep.31884 -
Liver International : Official Journal... Feb 2020Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, which develops in 5%-10% of patients per year. Its management is based on symptomatic measures including... (Review)
Review
Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, which develops in 5%-10% of patients per year. Its management is based on symptomatic measures including restriction of sodium intake, diuretics and paracentesis. Underlying liver disease must always be treated and may improve ascites. In some patients, ascites is not controlled by medical therapies and has a major impact on quality of life and survival. TIPS placement and liver transplantation must therefore be discussed. More recently, repeated albumin infusions and Alfapump have emerged as new therapies in ascites. In this review, the current data on these different options are analysed and an algorithm to help the physician make clinical decisions is suggested.
Topics: Ascites; Diuretics; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation; Paracentesis; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32077614
DOI: 10.1111/liv.14361 -
The Medical Clinics of North America May 2022Cirrhosis is a chronic condition resulting from inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. Patients with cirrhosis may have a myriad of physical examination findings that... (Review)
Review
Cirrhosis is a chronic condition resulting from inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. Patients with cirrhosis may have a myriad of physical examination findings that reflect the severity of the underlying liver disease. Although many signs and symptoms related to cirrhosis are nonspecific, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and malaise, some findings are more specific and point to complications of liver disease. In this article, key physical findings in patients with cirrhosis, including hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, dilated abdominal wall veins, spider nevi, palmar erythema, and others, are discussed.
Topics: Ascites; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Diseases
PubMed: 35491064
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.12.001 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Apr 2023Ascites is the most common decompensation-associated complication of cirrhosis leading to reduced survival. Following significant development of antimicrobial resistance... (Review)
Review
Ascites is the most common decompensation-associated complication of cirrhosis leading to reduced survival. Following significant development of antimicrobial resistance and studies comparing therapeutic options, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases released a new guidance providing an in-depth review of those studies and updated guidelines based on expert opinions and emerging data. We review salient 2021 guidance recommendations to provide brief pearls for diagnosis and management of ascites and relevant conditions associated with decompensated cirrhosis, such as hyponatremia, hepatic hydrothorax, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, and use of transjugular intrahepatic shunt.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Liver Cirrhosis; Peritonitis
PubMed: 37011958
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.90a.22028 -
Gut Jan 2021The British Society of Gastroenterology in collaboration with British Association for the Study of the Liver has prepared this document. The aim of this guideline is to...
The British Society of Gastroenterology in collaboration with British Association for the Study of the Liver has prepared this document. The aim of this guideline is to review and summarise the evidence that guides clinical diagnosis and management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial advances have been made in this area since the publication of the last guideline in 2007. These guidelines are based on a comprehensive literature search and comprise systematic reviews in the key areas, including the diagnostic tests, diuretic use, therapeutic paracentesis, use of albumin, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and beta-blockers in patients with ascites. Where recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis are available, these have been updated with additional studies. In addition, the results of prospective and retrospective studies, evidence obtained from expert committee reports and, in some instances, reports from case series have been included. Where possible, judgement has been made on the quality of information used to generate the guidelines and the specific recommendations have been made according to the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)' system. These guidelines are intended to inform practising clinicians, and it is expected that these guidelines will be revised in 3 years' time.
Topics: Ascites; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 33067334
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321790 -
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Jan 2023The development of refractory ascites in approximately 10% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis heralds the progression to a more advanced stage of cirrhosis. Its... (Review)
Review
The development of refractory ascites in approximately 10% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis heralds the progression to a more advanced stage of cirrhosis. Its pathogenesis is related to significant hemodynamic changes, initiated by portal hypertension, but ultimately leading to renal hypoperfusion and avid sodium retention. Inflammation can also contribute to the pathogenesis of refractory ascites by causing portal microthrombi, perpetuating the portal hypertension. Many complications accompany the development of refractory ascites, but renal dysfunction is most common. Management starts with continuation of sodium restriction, which needs frequent reviews for adherence; and regular large volume paracentesis of 5 L or more with albumin infusions to prevent the development of paracentesisinduced circulatory dysfunction. Albumin infusions independent of paracentesis may have a role in the management of these patients. The insertion of a covered, smaller diameter, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic stent shunt (TIPS) in the appropriate patients with reasonable liver reserve can bring about improvement in quality of life and improved survival after ascites clearance. Devices such as an automated low-flow ascites pump may be available in the future for ascites treatment. Patients with refractory ascites should be referred for liver transplant, as their prognosis is poor. In patients with refractory ascites and concomitant chronic kidney disease of more than stage 3b, assessment should be referred for dual liver-kidney transplants. In patients with very advanced cirrhosis not suitable for any definitive treatment for ascites control, palliative care should be involved to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Quality of Life; Liver Cirrhosis; Albumins; Hypertension, Portal; Sodium; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Paracentesis
PubMed: 35676862
DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0104 -
The Medical Clinics of North America May 2023Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, with 5-year mortality reaching 30%. Complications of ascites (ie, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal... (Review)
Review
Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, with 5-year mortality reaching 30%. Complications of ascites (ie, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, recurrent/refractory ascites, and hepatic hydrothorax) further worsen survival. The development of ascites is driven by portal hypertension, systemic inflammation, and splanchnic arterial vasodilation. Etiologic treatment and nonselective beta-blockers can prevent ascites in compensated cirrhosis. The treatment of ascites is currently based on the management of fluid overload (eg, diuretics, sodium restriction, and/or paracenteses). In selected patients, long-term albumin use, norfloxacin prophylaxis, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt reduce the risk of further decompensation and improve survival.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation; Hypertension, Portal
PubMed: 37001950
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.12.004 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Aug 2023Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with significant risk of mortality. Therefore, it... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with significant risk of mortality. Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition.
OBJECTIVE
This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning SBP for the emergency clinician.
DISCUSSION
SBP is commonly due to Gram-negative bacteria, but infections due to Gram-positive bacteria and multidrug resistant bacteria are increasing. The typical presentation of SBP includes abdominal pain, worsening ascites, fever, or altered mental status in a patient with known liver disease; however, some patients may be asymptomatic or present with only mild symptoms. Paracentesis is the diagnostic modality of choice and should be performed in any patient with ascites and concern for SBP or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or in those being admitted for a complication of cirrhosis. Ultrasound should be used to optimize the procedure. An ascites absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 250 cells/mm is diagnostic of SBP. Ascitic fluid should be placed in blood culture bottles to improve the culture yield. Leukocyte esterase reagent strips can be used for rapid diagnosis if available. While many patients will demonstrate coagulation panel abnormalities, routine transfusion is not recommended. Management traditionally includes a third-generation cephalosporin, but specific patient populations may require more broad-spectrum coverage with a carbapenem or piperacillin-tazobactam. Albumin infusion is associated with reduced risk of renal impairment and mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of literature updates can improve the care of patients with suspected SBP.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Liver Cirrhosis; Ascitic Fluid; Peritonitis; Emergency Medicine
PubMed: 37244043
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.05.015 -
BMJ Case Reports Feb 2020Peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most challenging forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis to diagnose. This challenge can be compounded in low incidence regions,...
Peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most challenging forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis to diagnose. This challenge can be compounded in low incidence regions, and in patients with cirrhosis in whom the presence of ascites alone may not prompt further investigation. A delay in the diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal tuberculosis may lead to worse clinical outcomes. This case describes a 64-year-old Italian male with decompensated cirrhosis being evaluated for liver transplantation, who developed abdominal pain and a persistent inflammatory ascites with peritoneal thickening despite antibiotic therapy. Peritoneal tuberculosis was suspected, although non-invasive and invasive direct mycobacterial testing remained negative. A constellation of positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test, elevated ascitic adenosine deaminase and dramatic symptomatic and radiographic response to empiric anti-tuberculous therapy confirmed the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. This paper will review the approach to the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Ascites; Diagnosis, Differential; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneum; Peritonitis, Tuberculous; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 32033999
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233131 -
Surgical Oncology Clinics of North... Jul 2021In addition to severe, life-limiting complications such as malignant bowel obstruction, fistulae, and malignant ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis frequently causes... (Review)
Review
In addition to severe, life-limiting complications such as malignant bowel obstruction, fistulae, and malignant ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis frequently causes life-impacting symptoms such as pain, nausea, anorexia, cachexia, and fatigue. A variety of medical, interventional, and surgical therapies are now available for management of both complications and symptoms. Although surgery in this population is often associated with a relatively high risk of morbidity and mortality, operative intervention can offer effective palliative treatment in appropriately selected patients. Early involvement of palliative care specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team is essential to providing optimal, holistic care of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Topics: Ascites; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Palliative Care; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34053663
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.02.004