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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Risk Factors Recurrence of Spontaneous Ascitic Fluid Infection (Slai) in Cirrhotic Patients

Introduction: After an episode of spontaneous infection of ascitic fluid (ISLA). The recurrence of ISLA at one year is greater than 70%. We studied the risk factors associated with the occurrence of recurrence. Patients and methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of patient files, hospitalized in the department for 12 months, the choice of the sample was of convenience. Results: We have 1347 patient files collected including 389 cases of cirrhosis. We had 37 files of cirrhotic patients with ISLA including 28 cures without recurrence of ISLA, 08 files of patients with recurrence of ISLA and 03 excluded, i.e. a hospital prevalence of recurrence of 0.6% and a prevalence in cirrhotic patients of 23.5%. The most common antecedents were: hospital contact recent (35.3%), the concept of iterative ascites punctures (32.3%), the presence of HCC (29.4%), hepatic encephalopathy (20.6%) and digestive hemorrhage (14.7%). In univariate analysis, recent digestive bleeding was associated with an increased risk of recurrence (OR 7.2, 95% CI 0.96 - 67.1). HBV (62.5%) is the main etiology of cirrhosis. The PNN rate at 250 - 499 mm3 (62.5%), the protein level 3 (75%). Patients on secondary prophylaxis with NORFLOXACIN were 25%. Recurrence of ISLA was treated with CEFTRIAXONE 2 g/24 hours. Conclusion: Recurrence of ISLA is serious, the predictive factors for recurrence are, hospital contact recent, the concept of iterative ascites punctures, the presence of HCC, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy and digestive bleeding.

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.

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.

Clinical efficacy of tolvaptan for treatment of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis patients

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan to treat refractory ascites in decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with or without further complications, such as hepatorenal syndrome and/or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Evaluation and treatment of malignant ascites secondary to gastric cancer

Malignant ascites affects approximately 10% of patients with gastric cancer(gC), and poses significant difficulties for both patients and clinicians. In addition to the dismal general condition of affected patients and the diversity of associated complications such as jaundice and ileus, problems in assessing scattered tumors have hampered the expansion of clinical trials for this condition. However, the accumulation of reported studies is starting to indicate that the weak response to treatment in g C patients with malignant ascites is more relevant to their poor prognosis rather than to the ascites volume at diagnosis. Therefore, precise assessment of initial state of ascites, repetitive evaluation of treatment efficacy, selection of suitable treatment, and swift transition to other treatment options as needed are paramount to maximizing patient benefit. Accurately determining ascites volume is the crucial first step in clinically treating a patient with malignant ascites. Ultrasonography is commonly used to identify the existence of ascites, and several methods have been proposed to estimate ascites volume. Reportedly, the sum of the depth of ascites at five points(named "five-point method") on three panels of computed tomography images is well correlated to the actual ascites volume and/or abdominal girth. This method is already suited to repetitive assessment due to its convenience compared to the conventional volume rendering method. Meanwhile, a new concept, "Clinical Benefit Response in g C(CBR-GC)", was recently introduced to measure the efficacy of chemotherapy for malignant ascites of g C. CBR-GC is a simple and reliable patient-oriented evaluation system based on changes in performance status and ascites, and is expected to become an important clinical endpoint in future clinical trials. The principal of treatment for g C patients with ascites is palliation and prevention of ascites-related symptoms. The treatment options are various, including a standard treatment based on the available guidelines, cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC), laparoscopic HIPEC alone, intravenous chemotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and molecular targetingtherapy. Although each treatment option is valid,further research is imperative to establish the optima choice for each patient.

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.

Current approaches to the management of patients with cirrhotic ascites

This review describes current approaches to the management of patients with cirrhotic ascites in relation to the severity of its clinical manifestations. The PubMed database, the Google Scholar retrieval system, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the reference lists from related articles were used to search for relevant publications. Articles corresponding to the aim of the review were selected for 1991-2018 using the keywords:“liver cirrhosis,”“portal hypertension,”“ascites,”“pathogenesis,”“diagnostics,” and “treatment.” Uncomplicated and refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis were the inclusion criteria. The literature analysis has shown that despite the achievements of modern hepatology, the presence of ascites is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. The key to successful management of patients with ascites may be the stratification of the risk of an adverse outcome and personalized therapy. Pathogenetically based approach to the choice of pharmacotherapy and optimization of minimally invasive methods of treatment may improve the quality of life and increase the survival rate of this category of patients.

Expression and significance of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in benign and malignant ascites

AIM:To investigate the mRNA expression of cyclooxygensae-2(COX-2)in benign and malignant ascites,and to explore the difference in COX-2 mRNA expression among different diseases.METHODS:A total of 36 samples were collected from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University and divided into two experimental groups:benign ascites(n=21)and malignant ascites(n=15).Benign ascites included cirrhotic ascites(n=10)and tuberculous ascites(n=5).Malignant ascites included oophoroma(n=7),cancer of colon(n=5),cancer of the liver(n=6),gastric cancer(n=2),and bladder carcinoma(n=1).The mRNA expression of COX-2 in ascites was examined with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)technology,and the positive rate of COX-2 mRNA was compared between different diseases.RESULTS:The positive rate of COX-2 mRNA in malignant ascites was 42.9%(9/21),which was significantly higher than in benign ascites,6.7%(1/15),difference being significant between these two groups(χ2=4.051,P=0.044).The proportion of the positive rate in the malignant ascites was as follows:ovarian cancers57.1%(4/7),colon cancer 40.0%(2/5),liver cancer33.3%(2/6),gastric cancer 50.0%(1/2),and bladder cancer 0.00%(0/1).However,there was no significant difference in COX-2 mRNA expression among various tumors with malignant ascites(χ2=1.614,P=0.806).Among the benign ascites,COX-2 mRNA levels were different between the tuberculous ascites(0/5)and cirrhotic ascites(1/10),but there was no significant difference(P=1.000).CONCLUSION:COX-2 mRNA,detected by RT-PCR,is useful in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites,which also has potential value in the clinical diagnosis of tumors.

Cirrhotic ascites review: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Ascites is a pathologic accumulation of peritoneal fluidcommonly observed in decompensated cirrhotic states. Its causes are multi-factorial, but principally involve significant volume and hormonal dysregulation in the setting of portal hypertension. The diagnosis of ascites is considered in cirrhotic patients given a constellation of clinical and laboratory findings, and ultimately confirmed, with insight into etiology, by imaging and paracentesis procedures. Treatment for ascites is multimodal including dietary sodium restriction, pharmacologic therapies, diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis, and in certain cases transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt. Ascites is associated with numerous complications including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepato-hydrothorax and hepatorenal syndrome. Given the complex nature of ascites and associatedcomplications, it is not surprising that it heralds increased morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients and increased cost-utilization upon the health-care system. This review will detail the pathophysiology of cirrhotic ascites, common complications derived from it, and pertinent treatment modalities.

Do vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists benefit cirrhotics with refractory ascites?

Hyponatremia is a frequent complication of advanced cirrhosis with ascites associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is caused by an impairment in the renal capacity to eliminate solute-free water and is considered to be related to persistent secretionof vasopressin despite low serum osmolality. This nonosmotic release of vasopressin is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, which senses the underfilling of arterial vascular component. This reduction of effective arterial blood volume is closely related to the development of ascites. Although the short-time effects of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists(vaptans) on hyponatremia and ascites have been repeatedly reported, their effects on the long-term management of cirrhotic ascites have not been established yet. Considering that their effects on water diuresis and their safety are limited by severe underfilling state of patients, cautious approaches with adequate monitoring are needed to advanced cirrhosis. Proper indication, adequate doses and new possibility of combination therapy should be explored in the future controlled study. As hyponatremia is frequent obstacle to ascites management, judicious combination with low-dose diuretics may decrease the incidence of refractory ascites. Although vaptans show much promise in the treatment of advanced cirrhosis, the problem of high cost should be solved for the future.