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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 -
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 -
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 -
Nature Cancer Aug 2023Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive gynecological tumor usually diagnosed with widespread metastases and ascites. Here, we depicted a single-cell landscape of the OC...
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive gynecological tumor usually diagnosed with widespread metastases and ascites. Here, we depicted a single-cell landscape of the OC ecosystem with five tumor-relevant sites, including omentum metastasis and malignant ascites. Our data reveal the potential roles of ascites-enriched memory T cells as a pool for tumor-infiltrating exhausted CD8 T cells and T helper 1-like cells. Moreover, tumor-enriched macrophages exhibited a preference for monocyte-derived ontogeny, whereas macrophages in ascites were more of embryonic origin. Furthermore, we characterized MAIT and dendritic cells in malignant ascites, as well as two endothelial subsets in primary tumors as predictive biomarkers for platinum-based chemotherapy response. Taken together, our study provides a global view of the female malignant ascites ecosystem and offers valuable insights for its connection with tumor tissues and paves the way for potential markers of efficacy evaluation and therapy resistance in OC.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ascites; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Ecosystem; Ovarian Neoplasms; Single-Cell Analysis
PubMed: 37488416
DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00599-8 -
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 -
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 -
British Journal of Cancer Jul 2020The build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity-ascites-is a hallmark of ovarian cancer, the most lethal of all gynaecological malignancies. This remarkable fluid, which... (Review)
Review
The build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity-ascites-is a hallmark of ovarian cancer, the most lethal of all gynaecological malignancies. This remarkable fluid, which contains a variety of cellular and acellular components, is known to contribute to patient morbidity and mortality by facilitating metastasis and contributing to chemoresistance, but remains largely under-researched. In this review, we will critically analyse the evidence associating ascites with metastasis and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and provide an update on research in the field. We will argue the case for ascites as a unique and accessible substrate for tracking tumour progression and for translational research that will enhance our understanding of this cancer and lead to improvements in patient outcomes.
Topics: Ascites; Biomarkers, Tumor; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Proteomics
PubMed: 32382112
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0875-x -
Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine =... Dec 2021Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, with an increased risk of mortality. For this reason, a diagnostic...
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, with an increased risk of mortality. For this reason, a diagnostic paracentesis should be performed in all patients with ascites and clinical features with high diagnostic suspicion. Although literature data abound in identifying new diagnostic markers in serum or ascites, they have not yet been validated. The final diagnosis requires the analysis of ascites and the presence of > 250 mm neutrophil polymorphonuclear (PMN) in ascites. If previous data showed that the most common microorganisms identified were represented by gram-negative bacteria, we are currently facing an increase in gram-positive bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Although prompt and effective treatment is required to prevent outcomes, this becomes challenging as first-line therapies may become ineffective leading to worsening prognosis and increased in-hospital mortality. In this paper we will make a brief review of existing data on the diagnosis and treatment of SBP.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascites; Bacterial Infections; Female; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Paracentesis; Peritonitis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34182617
DOI: 10.2478/rjim-2021-0024 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2022Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation, characterized by ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, or... (Review)
Review
Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation, characterized by ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, or jaundice. Therefore, it is important to prevent and manage such complications. Traditionally, the pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis was explained by the peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis, but it is currently understood that decompensation might also be driven by a systemic inflammatory state (the systemic inflammation hypothesis). Considering its oncotic and nononcotic properties, albumin has been thoroughly evaluated in the prevention and management of several of these decompensating events. There are formal evidence-based recommendations from international medical societies proposing that albumin be administered in individuals with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis, patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, those with acute kidney injury (even before the etiological diagnosis), and those with hepatorenal syndrome. Moreover, there are a few randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggesting a possible role for albumin infusion in patients with cirrhosis and ascites (long-term albumin administration), individuals with hepatic encephalopathy, and those with acute-on-chronic liver failure undergoing modest-volume paracentesis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether albumin administration also benefits patients with cirrhosis and other complications, such as individuals with extraperitoneal infections, those hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia, and patients with hyponatremia.
Topics: Albumins; Ascites; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Peritonitis
PubMed: 36156923
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i33.4773 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Feb 2021The development of ascites correlates with advanced stage disease and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Vascular permeability is the key pathophysiological change...
The development of ascites correlates with advanced stage disease and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Vascular permeability is the key pathophysiological change involved in ascites development. Previously, we provided evidence that perivascular M2-like macrophages protect the vascular barrier through direct contact with endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism and its clinical significance in the ovarian cancer setting. We found that upon direct coculture with the endothelium, M2 macrophages tuned down their VLA4 and reduced the levels of VCAM1 in ECs. On the other hand, ectopically overexpressing VLA4 in macrophages or VCAM1 in ECs induced hyperpermeability. Mechanistically, downregulation of VLA4 or VCAM1 led to reduced levels of RAC1 and ROS, which resulted in decreased phosphorylation of PYK2 (p-PYK2) and VE-cadherin (p-VE-cad), hence enhancing cell adhesion. Furthermore, targeting the VLA4/VCAM1 axis augmented vascular integrity and abrogated ascites formation in vivo. Finally, VLA4 expression on the macrophages isolated from ascites dictated permeability ex vivo. Importantly, VLA4 antibody acted synergistically with bevacizumab to further enhance the vascular barrier. Taking these data together, we reveal here that M2 macrophages regulate the vascular barrier though the VCAM1/RAC1/ROS/p-PYK2/p-VE-cad cascade, which provides specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of malignant ascites.
Topics: Animals; Ascites; Capillary Permeability; Female; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Integrin alpha4beta1; Macrophages; Mice; Neoplasm Proteins; Ovarian Neoplasms; RAW 264.7 Cells; Signal Transduction; THP-1 Cells; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
PubMed: 33295887
DOI: 10.1172/JCI140315