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Ascites
- Summary
- What is Ascites?
- Causes
- Exams and Tests
- Treatments
- Possible Complications
- When to contact a medical professional
- References
- Disclaimer
What is Ascites?
Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).
Alternative names
Causes
A person with ascites usually has severe liver disease . Ascites is caused by high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low albumin levels. Disorders that may be associated with ascites include: Cirrhosis Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis) Congestive heart failure Constrictive pericarditis Hepatitis Liver cancer Nephrotic syndrome Ovarian cancer Pancreatitis Protein-losing enteropathy
What is Ascites?
Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).
Causes
A person with ascites usually has severe liver disease. Ascites is caused by high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low albumin levels.
Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:
- Cirrhosis
- Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis)
- Congestive heart failure
- Constrictive pericarditis
- Hepatitis
- Liver cancer
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Protein-losing enteropathy
Exams and Tests
A physical examination may reveal a swollen abdomen or belly.
Paracentesis may be performed. This procedure involves using a thin needle to pull fluid from the abdomen. The fluid is tested in various ways to determine the cause of ascites.
Treatments
The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.
Treatment may include:
- Diuretics, usually spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix), which help remove the fluid
- Antibiotics, if an infection develops
- Limiting salt in the diet (no more than 1,500 mg/day of sodium)
- Avoiding drinking alcohol
Procedures used for ascites that do not respond to medical treatment include:
- Placing a tube into the area to drain the ascites
- Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
Possible Complications
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the ascites fluid)
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Other complications of liver cirrhosis
When to contact a medical professional
Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.
References
Heidelbaugh JJ, Sherbondy M. Cirrhosis and chronic liver failure: part II. Complications and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2006;74:767-776.
Salerno F, Cammà C, Enea M, Rössle M, Wong F. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for refractory ascites: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Gastroenterology. 2007;133:825-834.
Schuppan D, Afdhal NH. Liver cirrhosis. Lancet. 2008;371:838-851.
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etherealmango: Meig's syndrome: ascites, R-sided pleural effusion, thecoma-fibroma. this wasn't in my med school curriculum but it's in review books... |
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psanggasantosa: @_yusufkurniawan gendut, buncit, ascites,,,udah gt masi minta ditraktir,,,ckckckc |
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1stRealEstate: Natural remedies help ascites: http://dld.bz/va9 #tIsaacs |
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Cancers_Enemy: Natural remedies help ascites: http://dld.bz/va9 #tonyIsaacs |
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NewsReactions: News Alert: Treatment of ovarian cancer ascites by intra-peritoneal injection of diphtheria toxin A ... - http://bit.ly/csyzKK |
