The summaries are free for public
use. The Chronic Liver Disease
Foundation will continue to add and
archive summaries of articles deemed
relevant to CLDF by the Board of
Trustees and its Advisors.
Abstract Details
Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension: How Do We Deal with Ascites and Its Consequences
Med Clin North Am. 2023 May;107(3):505-516. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.12.004.Epub 2023 Feb 20.
1Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
2Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. Electronic address: salvatorepiano@gmail.com.
Abstract
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.
Stay Informed!
