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Indian Journal of Pediatrics Mar 2024Development of ascites in children with chronic liver disease is the most common form of decompensation. It is associated with a poor prognosis and increased risk of... (Review)
Review
Development of ascites in children with chronic liver disease is the most common form of decompensation. It is associated with a poor prognosis and increased risk of mortality. A diagnostic paracentesis should be performed in liver disease patients with- new-onset ascites, at the beginning of each hospital admission and when ascitic fluid infection (AFI) is suspected. The routine analysis includes cell count with differential, bacterial culture, ascitic fluid total protein and albumin. A serum albumin-ascitic fluid albumin gradient of ≥1.1 g/dL confirms the diagnosis of portal hypertension. Ascites has been reported in children with non-cirrhotic liver disease like acute viral hepatitis, acute liver failure and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. The main steps in management of cirrhotic ascites include dietary sodium restriction, diuretics and large-volume paracentesis. Sodium should be restricted to maximum of 2 mEq/kg/d (max 90 mEq/d) of sodium/day. Oral diuretic therapy comprises of aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone) with or without loop-diuretics (e.g., furosemide). Once the ascites is mobilized, the diuretics should be gradually tapered to the minimum effective dosage. Tense ascites should be managed with a large-volume paracentesis (LVP) preferably with albumin infusion. Therapeutic options for refractory ascites include recurrent LVP, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt and liver transplantation. AFI (fluid neutrophil count ≥250/mm) is an important complication, and requires prompt antibiotic therapy. Hyponatremia, acute kidney injury, hepatic hydrothorax and hernias are the other complications.
Topics: Child; Humans; Ascites; Peritonitis; Diuretics; Paracentesis; Hypertension, Portal; Serum Albumin; Sodium; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 37310583
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04596-8 -
Thrombosis and Haemostasis Mar 2022Development of ascites is the most common form of decompensation of cirrhosis. We aimed to investigate the coagulation system in ascitic fluid and plasma of patients...
Development of ascites is the most common form of decompensation of cirrhosis. We aimed to investigate the coagulation system in ascitic fluid and plasma of patients with cirrhosis. We determined coagulation parameters and performed clotting and fibrinolysis experiments in ascitic fluid and plasma of thoroughly characterized patients with cirrhosis and ascites ( = 25) and in plasma of patients with cirrhosis but without ascites ( = 25), matched for severity of portal hypertension. We also investigated plasma D-dimer levels in an independent cohort of patients ( = 317) with clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg), grouped according to ascites severity. Ascitic fluid was procoagulant in a clotting assay. The procoagulant potential of ascitic fluid was abolished by depletion of extracellular vesicles from ascitic fluid by filtration or by addition of a tissue factor-neutralizing antibody. Compared with plasma, extracellular vesicle-associated tissue factor activity was high in ascitic fluid, while activities of other coagulation factors were low. The extracellular vesicle-depleted fraction of ascitic fluid induced fibrinolysis, which was prevented by aprotinin, indicating the presence of plasmin in ascitic fluid. Plasma peak thrombin generation and parameters reflecting fibrinolysis were independently associated with the presence of ascites. Finally, plasma D-dimer levels were independently linked to ascites severity in our second cohort comprising 317 patients. In conclusion, coagulation and fibrinolysis become activated in ascites of patients with cirrhosis. While tissue factor-exposing extracellular vesicles in ascitic fluid seem unable to pass the peritoneal membrane, fibrinolytic enzymes get activated in ascitic fluid and may re-enter the systemic circulation and induce systemic fibrinolysis.
Topics: Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Austria; Blood Coagulation Factors; Blood Coagulation Tests; Cohort Studies; Correlation of Data; Disease Progression; Female; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Fibrinolysis; Humans; Hypertension, Portal; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 34020489
DOI: 10.1055/a-1515-9529 -
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North... Sep 2022Ascites is the most common and often the first decompensating event that occurs in cirrhosis. It has both a high symptom burden and high mortality rate. Increased... (Review)
Review
Ascites is the most common and often the first decompensating event that occurs in cirrhosis. It has both a high symptom burden and high mortality rate. Increased abdominal girth, generalized abdominal pain, early satiety, and shortness of breath have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments used to manage ascites include dietary sodium restriction, diuretics, large volume paracentesis, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Secondary complications of ascites include refractory ascites, hyponatremia, and hepatorenal syndrome and are associated with reduced survival. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness and timing of referrals for liver transplant and/or palliative care.
Topics: Adult; Ascites; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Paracentesis; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Quality of Life
PubMed: 36049850
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2022.04.005 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Feb 2024Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion (typically ≥500 mL) that develops in patients with cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension in the absence of other causes. In... (Review)
Review
Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion (typically ≥500 mL) that develops in patients with cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension in the absence of other causes. In most cases, hepatic hydrothorax is seen in patients with ascites. However, ascites is not always found at diagnosis and is not clinically detected in 20% of patients with hepatic hydrothorax. Some patients have no symptoms and incidental findings on radiologic examination lead to the diagnosis of the condition. In the majority of cases, the patients present with symptoms such as dyspnea at rest, cough, nausea, and pleuritic chest pain. The diagnosis of hepatic hydrothorax is based on clinical manifestations, radiological features, and thoracocentesis to exclude other etiologies such as infection (parapneumonic effusion, tuberculosis), malignancy (lymphoma, adenocarcinoma) and chylothorax. The management strategy involves a stepwise approach of one or more of the following: Reducing ascitic fluid production, preventing fluid transfer to the pleural space, fluid drainage from the pleural cavity, pleurodesis (obliteration of the pleural cavity), and liver transplantation. The complications of hepatic hydrothorax are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The complication that causes the highest morbidity and mortality is spontaneous bacterial empyema (also called spontaneous bacterial pleuritis).
Topics: Humans; Hydrothorax; Ascites; Pleural Effusion; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation
PubMed: 38389460
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.107 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Feb 2023Ascites is a definitive sign of decompensated liver cirrhosis driven by portal hypertension. Although transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion (TIPS) is... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Ascites is a definitive sign of decompensated liver cirrhosis driven by portal hypertension. Although transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion (TIPS) is indicated for therapy of recurrent and refractory ascites, there is no evidence-based recommendation for a specific target of portal hepatic pressure gradient (PPG) decrease.
METHODS
In this single-center, retrospective trial, we investigated the decrease of PPG in 341 patients undergoing TIPS insertion for therapy of refractory or recurrent ascites until 2015. During each procedure, portal and inferior vena cava pressures were invasively measured and correlated with patients' outcome and ascites progression over time, according to the prespecified Noninvasive Evaluation Program for TIPS and Follow-Up Network protocol (NCT03628807).
RESULTS
Patients without ascites at 6 weeks after TIPS had significantly greater PPG reduction immediately after TIPS, compared to the patients with refractory ascites (median reduction 65% vs. 55% of pre-TIPS PPG; p = 0.001). Survival was significantly better if ascites was controlled, compared to patients with need for paracentesis 6 weeks after TIPS (median survival: 185 vs. 41 weeks; HR 2.0 [1.3-2.9]; p < 0.001). Therefore, higher PPG reduction by TIPS ( p = 0.005) and lower PPG after TIPS ( p = 0.02) correlated with resolution of severe ascites 6 weeks after TIPS. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that higher Child-Pugh score before TIPS (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.7]; p = 0.03) and lower serum sodium levels (OR 0.9 [0.9-1.0]; p = 0.004) were independently associated with ascites persistence 6 weeks after TIPS, whereas PPG reduction (OR 0.98 [0.97-1.00]; p = 0.02) was associated with resolution of ascites 6 weeks after TIPS.
CONCLUSION
Extent of PPG reduction and/or lowering of target PPG immediately after TIPS placement is associated with improved ascites control in the short term and with survival in the long term. A structured follow-up visit for patients should assess persistence of ascites at 6 weeks after TIPS.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Liver Cirrhosis; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35869810
DOI: 10.1002/hep.32676 -
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory... Jun 2024Ascites is the pathological accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. It often occurs as results of liver cirrhosis, malignant neoplasia, tuberculous... (Review)
Review
Ascites is the pathological accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. It often occurs as results of liver cirrhosis, malignant neoplasia, tuberculous infection, cardiac insufficiency, renal diseases, etc. Determining the etiology is an essential step in the management of patients with new-onset ascites. Abdominal paracentesis with appropriate ascitic fluid analysis is probably the most cost-effective method of determining the cause of ascites. We performed a literature search of PubMed and identified articles published in the field of ascites, to evaluate diagnostic values of various parameters in defining the etiologies of ascites and then provides diagnostic algorithm for patients with new-onset ascites. In patients with ascites, the constituent ratio of underlying etiology varies between developed and developing countries. It is a challenge to define the etiologies of ascites in developing countries. Routine ascitic fluid analysis should include the serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), total protein concentration, cell count and differential. Optional ascitic fluid analysis includes cholesterol, fluid culture, cytology, tumor markers, lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase (ADA), triglyceride, amylase, glucose, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), etc. Our review evaluated diagnostic values of the above parameters in defining the etiologies of ascites. Diagnostic algorithm established in this review would provide a practical and convenient diagnostic strategy for clinicians in diagnosing patients with new-onset ascites.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Algorithms; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38112289
DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1112 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Feb 2024Malignant ascites occurs as a symptom of the terminal stage of cancer, affecting the quality of life through abdominal distension, pain, nausea, anorexia, dyspnea and... (Review)
Review
Malignant ascites occurs as a symptom of the terminal stage of cancer, affecting the quality of life through abdominal distension, pain, nausea, anorexia, dyspnea and other symptoms. We describe the current main drug treatments in addition to surgery according to the traditional and new strategies. Traditional treatments were based on anti-tumor chemotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine treatments, as well as diuretics to relieve the patient's symptoms. New treatments mainly involve photothermal therapy, intestinal therapy and targeted immunity. This study emphasizes that both traditional and new therapies have certain advantages and disadvantages, and medication should be adjusted according to different periods of use and different patients. In conclusion, this article reviews the literature to systematically describe the primary treatment modalities for malignant ascites.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Quality of Life; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 38128628
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104237 -
Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990) 2020The risk of developing an abdominal wall hernia is high in the cirrhotic patient, due to the association of ascites, hypoalbuminemia and amyotrophy in connection with... (Review)
Review
The risk of developing an abdominal wall hernia is high in the cirrhotic patient, due to the association of ascites, hypoalbuminemia and amyotrophy in connection with undernutrition frequently associated with cirrhosis. Thus, almost 20% of cirrhotic patients develop an umbilical hernia. Parietal surgery is more at risk in cirrhotic patients and its indications must be discussed on a case-by-case basis. The objective of this work was to review the entire literature on wall surgery in order to best define the surgical indications and the specifics of their management. The bibliographic research was done on Pubmed over the period from January 1995 to December 2019, using French and English as publication languages. The keywords retained were "hernia" [Mesh] and "liver cirrhosis" [Mesh]. In an elective situation, preoperative ascites control is recommended. A parietal prosthesis can be used, even in the case of uninfected ascites, preferably in the retromuscular position. Laparoscopy should be used with caution, due to the bleeding risk. No recommendation can be made on the use of prophylactic intra-abdominal drainage. The literature data do not allow the trans-jugular route portosystemic shunt recommendation, nor the use of a peritoneal-vesical pump to decrease the volume of ascites before parietal surgery in cirrhotic patients.
Topics: Abdominal Wall; Ascites; Hernia, Umbilical; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 32369717
DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.115.2.140 -
Journal of Gastroenterology and... Dec 2023
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Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 2024Better understanding of disease pathophysiology has led to advances in managing ascites and its associated complications including hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Better understanding of disease pathophysiology has led to advances in managing ascites and its associated complications including hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney Injury (HRS-AKI), especially medicinal and interventional advances.
AIM
To review the latest changes in the management of ascites and HRS-AKI.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, using the keywords cirrhosis, ascites, renal dysfunction, acute kidney injury, hepatorenal syndrome, beta-blockers, albumin, TIPS and vasoconstrictors, including only publications in English.
RESULTS
The medicinal advances include earlier treatment of clinically significant portal hypertension to delay the onset of ascites and the use of human albumin solution to attenuate systemic inflammation thus improving the haemodynamic changes associated with cirrhosis. Furthermore, new classes of drugs such as sodium glucose co-transporter 2 are being investigated for use in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. For HRS-AKI management, newer pharmacological agents such as vasopressin partial agonists and relaxin are being studied. Interventional advances include the refinement of TIPS technique and patient selection to improve outcomes in patients with refractory ascites. The development of the alfa pump system and the study of outcomes associated with the use of long-term palliative abdominal drain will also serve to improve the quality of life in patients with refractory ascites.
CONCLUSIONS
New treatment strategies emerged from better understanding of the pathophysiology of ascites and HRS-AKI have shown improved prognosis in these patients. The future will see many of these approaches confirmed in large multi-centre clinical trials with the aim to benefit the patients with ascites and HRS-AKI.
Topics: Humans; Acute Kidney Injury; Ascites; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Hypertension, Portal; Liver Cirrhosis; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic
PubMed: 38526023
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17972