Drainage of ascites in cirrhosis

For cirrhotic refractory ascites,diuretics combined with albumin and vasoactive drugs are the first-line choice for ascites management.However,their therapeutic effects are limited,and most refractory ascites do not respond to medication treat-ment,necessitating consideration of drainage or surgical interventions.Con-sequently,numerous drainage methods for cirrhotic ascites have emerged,including large-volume paracentesis,transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,peritoneovenous shunt,automated low-flow ascites pump,cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy,and peritoneal catheter drainage.This review introduces the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in different aspects,as well as indications and contraindications for this disease.

Pleural effusion,ascites,colon ulcers and hematochezia:What we can learn from the diagnostic process of a patient with plasma cell myeloma:A case report

BACKGROUND Plasma cell myeloma(PCM)is characterized by hypercalcemia,renal impairment,anemia,and bone destruction.While pleural effusion,ascites,abdominal pain,and bloody stool are common manifestations of lung disease or gastrointestinal disorders,they are rarely observed in patients with PCM.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old woman presented with complaints of recurrent chest tightness,wheezing,and abdominal bloating accompanied by bloody stools.Computed tomography revealed pleural effusion and ascites.Pleural effusion tests showed inflammation,but the T-cell spot test and carcinoembryonic antigen were negative.Endoscopy showed colonic mucosal edema with ulcer formation and local intestinal lumen stenosis.Echocardiography revealed enlarged atria and reduced left ventricular systolic function.The diagnosis remained unclear.Further testing revealed elevated blood light chain lambda and urine immunoglobulin levels.Blood immunofixation electrophoresis was positive for immunoglobulin G lambda type.Smear cytology of the bone marrow showed a high proportion of plasma cells,accounting for about 4.5%.Histopathological examination of the bone marrow suggested PCM.Flow cytometry showed abnormal plasma cells with strong expression of CD38,CD138,cLambda,CD28,CD200,and CD117.Fluorescence in situ hybridization gene testing of the bone marrow suggested 1q21 gene amplification,but cytogenetic testing showed no clonal abnormalities.Colonic mucosa and bone marrow biopsy tissues were negative for Highman Congo red staining.The patient was finally diagnosed with PCM.CONCLUSION A diagnosis of PCM should be considered in older patients with pleural effusion,ascites,and multi-organ injury.

Clinical study on the relationship between liver cirrhosis,ascites,and hyponatremia

BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is a common liver disease,and ascites is one of the common clinical conditions.However,the clinical manifestations of ascites combined with hyponatremia as a high-risk condition and its relationship to patient prognosis have not been fully studied.AIM To explore the clinical manifestations,prognostic factors,and relationships of ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis to provide better diagnostic and treatment strategies.METHODS In this study,we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites between 2017 and 2022.Patients were divided into two groups:ascites combined with hyponatremia group and ascites group.We compared the general characteristics,degree of hyponatremia,complications,treatment,and prognosis between the two groups.RESULTS In the study results,patients in the ascites combined with hyponatremia group showed an older average age(58.2±8.9 years),64.4%were male,and had a significantly longer hospitalization time(12.7±5.3 d).Hyponatremia was more severe in this group,with a mean serum sodium concentration of 128.5±4.3 mmol/L,which was significantly different from the ascites group of 137.6±2.1 mmol/L.Patients with ascites and hyponatremia were more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy(56.2%vs 39.0%),renal impairment(45.2%vs 28.6%)and infection(37.0%vs 23.4%).Regarding treatment,this group more frequently used diuretics(80.8%vs 62.3%)and salt supplements(60.3%vs 38.9%).Multiple logistic regression analysis identified older age[Odds ratio(OR)=1.06,P=0.025]and male gender(OR=1.72,P=0.020)as risk factors for hyponatremia combined with ascites.Overall,patients with ascites and hyponatremia present a clear high-risk status,accompanied by severe complications and poor prognosis.CONCLUSION In patients with cirrhosis,ascites with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition that is often associated with severe complications.

Colon signet-ring cell carcinoma with chylous ascites caused by immunosuppressants following liver transplantation:A case report

BACKGROUND Chylous ascites is caused by disruption of the lymphatic system,which is characterized by the accumulation of a turbid fluid containing high levels of triglycerides within the abdominal cavity.The two most common causes are cirrhosis and tuberculosis,and colon signer ring cell carcinoma(SRCC)due to the use of immunosuppressants is extremely rare in cirrhotic patients after liver transplantation,making it prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation and was administered with immunosuppressants for 8 months was admitted with a 3-month history of progressive abdominal distention.Initially,based on lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography,lymphatic obstruction was considered,and cystellar chyli decompression with band lysis and external membrane stripping of the lymphatic duct was performed.However,his abdominal distention was persistent without resolution.Abdominal paracentesis revealed allogenic cells in the ascites,and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed adenocarcinoma cells with phenotypic features suggestive of a gastrointestinal origin.Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed,and biopsy showed atypical signet ring cells in the ileocecal valve.The patient eventually died after a three-month follow-up due to progression of the tumor.CONCLUSION Colon SRCC,caused by immunosuppressants,is an unusual but un-neglected cause of chylous ascites.

Correlation between serum markers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites

BACKGROUND Individuals with refractory ascites in the context of liver cirrhosis typically face an adverse prognosis.The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is an efficacious intervention,but there is a lack of reliable tools for postoperative pro-gnosis assessment.Previously utilized clinical biochemical markers,such as the serum albumin concentration(Alb),sodium(Na+)concentration,and serum creatinine(Scr),have limited predictive value.Therefore,the quest for novel,specific biomarkers to evaluate the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites holds significant practical importance.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS at our institution from August 2019 to August 2021.These patients were followed up regularly for two years,and the death toll was meticulously documented.The patients were allocated into a survival group(n=45 patients)or a deceased group(n=30 patients)based on their prognosis status.The clinical data of the two groups were collected,and Child-Pugh scores and MELD scores were calculated for analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to evaluate the correlation of prognosis with Child-Pugh grade,MELD score,and Cys C level.Additionally,a multiple-factor analysis utilizing the Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent risk factors affecting the post-TIPS prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)ascertained the predictive value of the Cys C concen-tration,Child-Pugh grade,and MELD score for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis with refractory ascites in post-TIPS patients.RESULTS During a 2-year follow-up period,among 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS treatment,30 patients(40.00%)passed away.The deceased cohort exhibited heightened aspartate aminotrans-ferase,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,Scr,prothrombin time,Cys C,international normalized ratio,Child-Pugh,and MELD scores compared to those of the survival cohort,while Alb and Na+levels were attenuated in the deceased group(P<0.05).Spearman analysis revealed moderate to high positive correlations between prognosis and Child-Pugh score,MELD score,and Cys C level(r=0.709,0.749,0.671,P<0.05).Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that the independent risk factors for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites were Cys C(HR=3.802;95%CI:1.313-11.015),Child-Pugh(HR=3.030;95%CI:1.858-4.943),and MELD(HR=1.222;95%CI:1.073-1.393)scores.ROC analysis confirmed that,compared to those of the classic prognostic models for Child-Pugh and MELD scores,the predictive accuracy of Cys C for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites was slightly lower.This analysis yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 83.33%and 82.22%,respectively.The area under the curve value at this juncture was 0.883,with an optimal cutoff value set at 1.95 mg/L.CONCLUSION Monitoring the serum Cys C concentration is valuable for assessing the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.Predictive models based on serum Cys C levels,as opposed to Scr levels,are more beneficial for evaluating the condition and prognosis of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.

Spontaneous Infection of Ascites Fluid at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background: Spontaneous ascites fluid infection (SAFI) is an extremely serious and frequently encountered complication in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of SAFI and the factors associated with it in the largest hospital in Cotonou. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted from January 2013 to July 2019, at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin. All patients followed in the University Clinic of Hepato-Gastroenterology and diagnosed with SAFI were included. Results: Eighty-two patients were included, predominantly males (69.5%), with a mean age of 51.5 ± 14.5 years. Among them, 32 had SAFI, i.e., a prevalence of 39%. Of the 32 cases of SAFI, the culture of ascites fluid was positive in 6 cases (18.7%). The most frequent germ found in SAFI was Escherichia coli (5 patients, 83.3%). The factors associated with SAFI in this study were: abdominal pain (p = 0.004), increased bilirubinemia (p = 0.009), decreased prothrombin level 20 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: SAFI was common in cirrhotic patients in the department. Certain clinical and paraclinical factors were associated with it, as was the severity of cirrhosis. Early diagnosis and aetiological management of cirrhosis could reduce its frequency.

The Effectiveness of Albumin Combined with Diuretics in Treating Ascites in Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis often leads to various complications during its progression,with ascites being one of the most common.Among these cases,5%to 10%are classified as refractory ascites.In recent years,clinical research on the treatment of cirrhotic ascites has yielded increasingly enriched results.In this paper,a large number of clinical data on the treatment of ascites using albumin combined with diuretics were collected,and it was found that there were more results in group control studies.It was believed that albumin combined with diuretic therapy could effectively improve symptoms,reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,ensure the safety of patients,and have a good clinical application prospect.This paper reviews the efficacy of albumin combined with diuretics in the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis.

Prevalence and risk factors of lymphatic dysfunction in cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites:An often unconsidered mechanism

BACKGROUND The lymphatic system is crucial in maintaining the body fluid homeostasis.A dysfunctional lymphatic system may contribute to the refractoriness of ascites and edema in cirrhosis patients.Therefore,assessment of lymphatic dysfunction in cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites(RA)can be crucial as it would call for using different strategies for fluid mobilization.AIM To assessing the magnitude,spectrum,and clinical associations of lymphatic dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients with RA.METHODS This observational study included 155 consecutive cirrhosis patients with RA.The presence of clinical signs of lymphedema,such as peau d’orange appearance and positive Stemmer sign,intestinal lymphangiectasia(IL)on duodenal biopsy seen as dilated vessels in the lamina propria with strong D2-40 immunohistochemistry,and chylous ascites were used to diagnose the overt lymphatic dysfunctions.RESULTS A total of 69(44.5%)patients out of 155 had evidence of lymphatic dysfunction.Peripheral lymphedema,found in 52(33.5%)patients,was the most common manifestation,followed by IL in 42(27.0%)patients,and chylous ascites in 2(1.9%)patients.Compared to patients without lymphedema,those with lymphedema had higher mean age,median model for end-stage liver disease scores,mean body mass index,mean ascitic fluid triglyceride levels,and proportion of patients with hypoproteinemia(serum total protein<5 g/dL)and lymphocytopenia(<15%of total leukocyte count).Patients with IL also had a higher prevalence of lymphocytopenia and hypoproteinemia(28.6%vs.9.1%,P=0.004).Seven(13%)patients with lymphedema had lower limb cellulitis compared to none in those without it.On multivariate regression analysis,factors independently associated with lymphatic dysfunction included obesity[odds ratio(OR):4.2,95%confidence intervals(95%CI):1.1–15.2,P=0.027],lymphocytopenia[OR:6.2,95%CI:2.9–13.2,P<0.001],and hypoproteinemia[OR:3.7,95%CI:1.5–8.82,P=0.003].CONCLUSION Lymphatic dysfunction is common in cirrhosis patients with RA.Significant indicators of its presence include hypoproteinemia and lymphocytopenia,which are likely due to the loss of lymphatic fluid from the circulation.Future efforts to mobilize fluid in these patients should focus on methods to improve lymphatic drainage.

Efficacy of Bispecific Antibody Targeting EpCAM and CD3 for Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer Ascites:An Experimental Study

Objective This study aimed to explore the value of M701,targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM)and CD3,in the immunotherapy of ovarian cancer ascites by the in vitro assay.Methods The expression of EpCAM in ovarian cancer tissues was analyzed by databases.The EpCAM expression and immune cell infiltration in different foci of ovarian cancer were detected by 8-channel flow cytometry.The toxic effect of M701 on OVCAR3 was tested using the in vitro cytotoxicity assay.The 3D cell culture and drug intervention experiments were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of M701 in ovarian cancer specimens.Flow cytometry was used to examine the effect of M701 on the binding of immune cells to tumor cells and the activation capacity of T cells.Results The results of the bioinformatic analysis showed that the expression of EpCAM in ovarian cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in normal ovarian tissue.The 8-channel flow cytometry of clinical samples showed that the EpCAM expression and lymphocyte infiltration were significantly heterogeneous among ovarian cancer patients and lesions at different sites.The in vitro experiment results showed that M701 had a significant killing effect on OVCAR3 cells.M701 also obviously killed primary tumor cells derived from some patients with ovarian cancer ascites.M701 could mediate the binding of CD3^(+)T cells to EpCAM^(+)tumor cells and induce T cell activation in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion M701 showed significant inhibitory activity on tumor cells derived from ovarian cancer ascites,which had a promising application in immunotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer ascites.

Polyneuropathy organomegaly endocrinopathy M-protein and skin changes syndrome with ascites as an early-stage manifestation:A case report

BACKGROUND Polyneuropathy organomegaly endocrinopathy M-protein and skin changes(POEMS)syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by a potential plasma cell tumor.The clinical manifestations of POEMS syndrome are diverse.Due to the insidious onset and lack of specific early-stage manifestations,POEMS syndrome is easily misdiagnosed or never diagnosed,leading to delayed treatment.Neurological symptoms are usually the first clinical manifestation,while ascites is a rare symptom in patients with POEMS syndrome.CASE SUMMARY A female patient presented with unexplained ascites as an initial symptom,which is a rare early-stage manifestation of the condition.After 1 year,the patient gradually developed progressive renal impairment,anemia,polyserosal effusion,edema,swollen lymph nodes on the neck,armpits,and groin,and decreased muscle strength of the lower extremities.The patient was eventually diagnosed with POEMS syndrome after multidisciplinary team discussion.Treatment comprised bortezomib+dexamethasone,continuous renal replacement therapy,chest and abdominal closed drainage,transfusions of erythrocytes and platelets,and other symptomatic and supportive treatments.The patient’s condition initially improved after treatment.However,then her symptoms worsened,and she succumbed to the illness and died.CONCLUSION Ascites is a potential early manifestation of POEMS syndrome,and this diagnosis should be considered for patients with unexplained ascites.Furthermore,multidisciplinary team discussion is helpful in diagnosing POEMS syndrome.

Selenium nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in ascites syndrome in broiler chickens via the ATF6-DR5 signaling pathway

Broiler ascites syndrome(AS)is one of the main diseases threatening the health of broilers.It is well documented that myocardial hypertrophy and failure is one of the key mechanisms of broiler ascites syndrome.Therefore,prevention of cardiac hypertrophy and failure would be one goal to reduce broiler ascites syndrome incidence.Myocardial hyper-trophy and failure are closely related to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)in cardiac myocytes,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling system(ATF6-DR5)is one of the important pathways of myocardial apoptosis.Excessive hyper-trophy will affect the heart muscle's normal contraction and diastole function,and the heart will turn from compen-sated to decompensate thus causing myocardial injury.Myocardial apoptosis is a core component of the pathological changes of this myocardial injury.Nano-selenium is a kind of red elemental selenium nanoparticle.Due to its excellent physical,chemical and biological properties,it has attracted extensive academic attention in recent years.It has been proven to have excellent antioxidant,antibacterial,antitumor,antihypertrophic,and antiapoptotic abilties.Herein,nano-selenium(1μmol/L)can inhibit hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))-induced oxidative stress in broiler primary cardiomyocytes,and at the same time reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis.In vivo,nano-selenium can reduce broiler myocardial injury-related enzyme indicators(AST,CK and LDH),and alleviate myocardial injury.It can also activate the antioxidant enzyme system(SOD,GSH-Px and CAT)and reduce MDA,and make the recovery ofT-AOC ability in the organization.Meanwhile,nano-selenium can down-regulate the genes and proteins expression of ATF-6,GRP-78,CHOP and caspase 12 in the ERS-related signaling pathway,and inhibit that of downstream-related caspase 3,Bax and caspase 9,and increase that of the downstream anti-apoptotic Bcl-2,thereby maintaining the homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum and alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis.It can be seen that nano-selenium can protect the damaged myocardium in the broiler ascites caused by high-salt drinking by regulating the ATF6-DR5 signaling pathway.This study was performed in chickens and cardiomyocyte cells and attempted to demonstrate that selenium nanoparticles can protect the damaged myocar-dium in broiler ascites.This paper provides a new idea for preventing and treating broiler ascites syndrome.

Exploring the mechanism of action and efficacy of Shi-Pi-San in the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis based on intestinal microbiota

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of action and efficacy of Shi-Pi-San(SPS)in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites based on intestinal flora and to provide new ideas for clinical research.Methods:We searched PubMed,CNKI,Wanfang and Wipu Chinese journal databases to collect randomized controlled trials of SPS in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites,extracted relevant data,and summarized them to analyze the relationship between intestinal flora and cirrhotic ascites.Results:The disorder of intestinal flora can lead to cirrhotic ascites,and the treatment of cirrhotic ascites with SPS has good efficacy,and SPS has positive effects in improving the status of intestinal flora,increasing the abundance of flora and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.Conclusion:SPS has good long-term efficacy in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites,but the side effects and dosage criteria have not been extensively studied in clinical practice.

Refractory Ascites Revealing an Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor with Intraperitoneal Rupture

Yolk sac tumors of the ovary are rare entities that account for 2% - 5% of all ovarian tumors. They represent the second most common histological variant of malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary after dysgerminomas. Yolk sac tumors are most commonly encountered in women in the second and third decades. Microscopically, they are highly polymorphic and can present in a pure form or associated with another contingent of germ cell tumor. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman, who underwent surgery for a large right ovarian tumor rupturing into the peritoneal cavity. The ovarian tumor was revealed by ascites of great abundance and abdomino-pelvic pain. On histological examination, the diagnosis of yolk sac tumor in its pure and polyvesicular vitelline pattern was made. Through this observation, we propose to discuss the anatomoclinical particularities of these tumors by emphasizing the importance of histology for the diagnosis as well as the need of an early and appropriate management.

Combined Determination of CEA, Tch and ADA for Differential Diagnosis of Ascites

Objective: To study the value of combined determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), total cholesterol (Tch) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the differential diagnosis of ascites due to different causes. Methods: Sixty-eight cases with ascites were divided into 3 groups based on their etiology, namely malignant ascites, tubercular ascites and non-tubercular benign ascites. CEA, Tch, and ADA were measured and analyzed in different ascites. Results: CEA was significantly higher in malignant ascites than in benign ascites, the sensitivity and specificity for malignant ascites being 50% and 100% respectively. Tch is higher or equal to 1.54 mmol/L in tubercular ascites and lower or equal to 1.18 mmol/L in non-tubercular benign ascites, and Tch level in malignant ascites was frequently between that in tubercular acites and non-tubercular benign ascites. Ascitic fluid ADA activity was higher than 30 U/L in 80% of tubercular ascites, while none of non-tubercular benign ascites reached to such level. Conclusion: CEA, Tch and ADA are valuable for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ascitic etiology and combine measurements of these indices can increase the diagnostic efficiency.

Leptin levels in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ascites

AIM： To evaluate the role of leptin levels in the differentia diagnosis of ascites. METHODS： Ascitic leptin, TNFα and serum leptin levels were measured in 77 patients with ascites （35 with malignancies, 30 cirrhosis and 12 tuberculosis）. Control serum samples were obtained from 20 healthy subjects. Leptin and TNFα levels were measured by EUSA. Body mass index （BMI） and percentage of body fat （BFM） by skin fold measurement were calculated for all patients and control groups. Peritoneal biopsy, ascites cytology and cultures or biochemical values were used for the diagnosis of patients. RESULTS： In patients with malignancies, the mean serum and ascites leptin levels and their ratios were significantly decreased compared to the other patient groups and controls. In tuberculosis peritonitis, ascitic fluid TNFα levels were significantly higher than malignant ascites and cirrhotic sterile ascites. BMI and BFM values did not distinguish between patients and controls. CONCLUSION： In patients with malignant ascites, levels of leptin and TNFα were significantly lower than in patients with tuberculous ascites.

Mean platelet volume as a novel predictor of systematic inflammatory response in cirrhotic patients with culturenegative neutrocytic ascites

AIM: To identify a mean platelet volume(MPV) cutoff value which should be able to predict the presence of bacterial infection.METHODS: An observational, analytic, retrospective study. We evaluated medical records of cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized from January 2012 to January 2014 at the Gastroenterology Department of "Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", we included 51 cirrhotic patients with ascites fluid infection(AFI), and 50 non-infected cirrhotic patients as control group. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to identify the best cutoff value of several parameters from hematic cytometry, including MPV, to predict the presence of ascites fluid infection.RESULTS: Of the 51 cases with AFI, 48 patients(94.1%) had culture-negative neutrocytic ascites(CNNA), 2(3.9%) had bacterial ascites, and one(2%)had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Infected patients had greater count of leucocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, greater levels of MPV and cardiac frequency(P < 0.0001), and lower mean arterial pressure compared with non-infected patients(P = 0.009). Leucocytes, polymorphonuclear count, MPV and cardiac frequency resulted to be good or very good predictive variables of presence of AFI in cirrhotic patients(area under the receiving operating characteristic > 0.80). A cutoff MPV value of 8.3 fl was the best to discriminate between cirrhotic patients with AFI and those without infection. CONCLUSION: Our results support that MPV can be an useful predictor of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cirrhotic patients with AFI, particularly CNNA.

Alfapump®implantable device in management of refractory ascites:An update

Refractory ascites(RA)is a frequent and life-threatening complication of cirrhosis.In selected patients with RA,transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement and liver transplantation(LT)are currently considered the best therapeutic alternatives to repeated large volume paracentesis.In patients with a contraindication to TIPS or LT,the alfapump®system(Sequana Medical,Ghent,Belgium)has been developed to reduce the need for iterative paracentesis,and consequently to improve the quality of life and nutritional status.We report here recent data on technical progress made since the first implantation,the efficacy and tolerance of the device,the position of the pump in the therapeutic arsenal for refractory ascites,and the grey areas that remain to be clarified regarding the optimal selection of patients who are potential candidates for this treatment.

Effects and safety of natriuretic peptides as treatment of cirrhotic ascites:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Natriuretic peptides are involved in the cascade of pathophysiological events occurring in liver cirrhosis,counterbalancing vasoconstriction and anti-natriuretic factors.The effects of natriuretic peptides as treatment of cirrhotic ascites have been investigated only in small studies,and definitive results are lacking.AIM To examine the effects and safety of natriuretic peptides in cirrhosis patients with ascites.METHODS We searched MEDLINE,Web of Science,Scopus,Cochrane Library and Embase for all available studies applying intravenous administration of any natriuretic peptide to patients suffering from cirrhotic ascites.Inclusion was not limited by treatment duration or dose,or by follow-up duration.Both randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies were eligible for inclusion.The primary outcome was change in renal sodium excretion.Secondary outcomes included safety measures and changes in renal water excretion,plasma aldosterone concentration,and plasma renin activity.RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included.Atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP)was the only intensively studied treatment.Sodium excretion increased in response to continuous ANP infusion and was more pronounced when infusion rates of>30 ng/kg/min were administered compared with≤30 ng/kg/min(P<0.01).Moreover,natriuresis was significantly higher in study subgroups with mild/moderate ascites compared with moderate/severe and refractory ascites(P<0.01).ANP infusions increased renal water excretion,although without reaching a statistically significant dose-response gradient.Plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were significantly lower at baseline in study subgroups achieving a negative sodium balance in response to an ANP administration compared with treatment non-responders(P<0.01).Blood pressure decreases occurred less frequently when ANP doses≤30 ng/kg/min were applied.The quality of evidence for a natriuretic response to ANP was low,mainly due to small sample sizes and considerable between-study heterogeneity.Data were sparse for the other natriuretic peptides;B-type natriuretic peptide and urodilatin.CONCLUSION Intravenous ANP infusions increase sodium excretion in patients with cirrhotic ascites.Continuous infusion rates>30 ng/kg/min are the most effective.However,safety increases with infusion rates≤30 ng/kg/min.

Diagnosis and therapy of ascites in liver cirrhosis

Ascites is one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is important to distinguish noncirrhotic from cirrhotic causes of ascites to guide therapy in patients with noncirrhotic ascites. Mild to moderate ascites is treated by salt restriction and diuretic therapy. The diuretic of choice is spironolactone. A combination treatment with furosemide might be necessary in patients who do not respond to spironolactone alone. Tense ascites is treated by paracentesis, followed by albumin infusion and diuretic therapy. Treatment options for refractory ascites include repeated paracentesis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement in patients with a preserved liver function. Potential complications of ascites are spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). SBP is diagnosed by an ascitic neutrophil count > 250 cells/mm3 and is treated with antibiotics. Patients who survive a first episode of SBP or with a low protein concentration in the ascitic fluid require an antibiotic prophylaxis. The prognosis of untreated HRS type 1 is grave. Treatment consists of a combination of terlipressin and albumin. Hemodialysis might serve in selected patients as a bridging therapy to liver transplantation. Liver transplantation should be considered in all patients with ascites and liver cirrhosis.

Chemotherapy with laparoscope-assisted continuous circulatory hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion for malignant ascites

AIM:To investigate the procedure, feasibility and effects of laparoscopeassisted continuous circulatory hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy (CHIPC) in treatment of malignant ascites induced by peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancers. METHODS: From August 2006 to March 2008, the laparoscopic approach was used to perform CHIPC on 16 patients with malignant ascites induced by gastric cancer or postoperative intraperitoneal seeding. Each patient underwent CHIPC three times after laparoscopeassisted perfusion catheters placing. The first session was completed in operative room under general anesthesia, 5% glucose solution was selected as perfusion liquid, and 1500 mg 5 fluorouracil (5FU) and 200 mg oxaliplatin were added in the perfusion solution. The second andthird sessions were performed in intensive care unit, 0.9% sodium chloride solution was selected as perfusion liquid, and 1500 mg 5FU was added in the perfusion solution alone. CHIPC was performed for 90 min at a velocity of 450600 mL/min and an in flow temperature of 43 ± 0.2℃.RESULTS: The intraoperative course was uneventful in all cases, and the mean operative period for laparoscopeassisted perfusion catheters placing was 80 min for each case. No postoperative deaths or complications related to laparoscopeassisted CHIPC occurred in this study. Clinically complete remission of ascites and related symptoms were achieved in 14 patients, and partial remission was achieved in 2 patients. During the followup, 13 patients died 29 mo after CHIPC, with a median survival time of 5 mo. Two patients with partial remission suffered from port site seeding and tumor metastasis,and died 2 and 3 mo after treatment. Three patients who are still alive today survived 4, 6 and 7 mo, respectively. The Karnofsky marks of patients (5090) increased significantly (P < 0.01) and the general status improved after CHIPC. Thus satisfactory clinical efficacy has been achieved in these patients treated by laparoscopic CHIPC. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopeassisted CHIPC is a safe, feasible and effective procedure in the treatment of debilitating malignant ascites induced by unresectable gastric cancers.