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World J Hepatol. May 27, 2013; 5(5): 251-263
Published online May 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i5.251
Published online May 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i5.251
Cirrhotic ascites review: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management
Christopher M Moore, David H Van Thiel, Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
Author contributions: Moore CM contributed to conception, drafting and revision, and final approval of this article; Van Thiel DH contributed to the conception, drafting and revision, and final approval of this article.
Correspondence to: Christopher M Moore, MD, Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States. christopher_moore@rush.edu
Telephone: +1-312-9425861 Fax: +1-312-5633945
Received: February 16, 2013
Revised: April 13, 2013
Accepted: April 18, 2013
Published online: May 27, 2013
Processing time: 99 Days and 19.2 Hours
Revised: April 13, 2013
Accepted: April 18, 2013
Published online: May 27, 2013
Processing time: 99 Days and 19.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Ascites is an accumulation of fluid most commonly found in cirrhosis with portal hypertension. Ascites can cause or is associated with a number of complications including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepato-hydrothorax and hepatorenal syndrome. Ascites itself, and these associated complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. The management of ascites is complex, utilizing an array of medications and interventional therapies to maintain appropriate total body volume, prevent multi-organ dysfunction, and manage against increased risk for associated infections.