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What is ascites?

What is ascites?

What is ascites? Ascites is the buildup of an abnormal amount of fluid inside the abdomen (belly). This is a common problem in patients with cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Approximately 80% of patients with cirrhosis of the liver develop ascites. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the best treatment for refractory ascites?

Oral midodrine has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and survival in patients with refractory ascites; its use should be considered in this setting. (Class IIa, Level B) 20. Serial therapeutic paracenteses are a treatment option for patients with refractory ascite(Class I, Level C) 21.

What are the complications of ascites?

What are the complications of ascites? Abdominal pain, discomfort and difficulty breathing: These problems may occur when too much fluid builds up in the… Infection: The fluids that build up in the gut as a result of ascites could become infected with bacteria. When this… Fluid in the lungs:

What causes ascites in cirrhotic patients?

It is a common clinical finding, with various extraperitoneal and peritoneal causes ( Box 1 ), but it most often results from liver cirrhosis. The development of ascites in a cirrhotic patient generally heralds deterioration in clinical status and portends a poor prognosis. Box 1. Common Causes of Ascites

Can ascites cause fever and abdominal pain?

Infection: The fluids that build up in the gut as a result of ascites could become infected with bacteria. When this happens, the condition is called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. It usually causes fever and abdominal pain.

How is ascites detected on a physical exam?

If ascites fluid is greater than 500ml, it can be demonstrated on physical examination by bulging flanks and fluid waves performed by the doctor examining the abdomen. Smaller amounts of fluid may be detected by an ultrasound of the abdomen.