Biochemical and clinical effects resulting from the administration of a cation-anion exchange resin in decompensated hepatic cirrhosis.

Abstract

Abstract The administration of an anion-cation exchange resin mixture is described in nine patients incapacitated by ascites and edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis. Improvement as defined by loss of ascites and edema, normalization of liver function tests and an improved clinical state was observed in the majority of patients. Long-term administration of the resin mixture with a liberal diet was accompanied by no striking changes in the serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. Serum pH and carbon dioxide content tended to decrease in a somewhat parallel manner during treatment. The metabolic acidosis was not as severe as has been described elsewhere. No significant relationship was noted between short-term changes in fluid retention and colloidal osmotic pressure. The relationship of sodium retention to ascites and edema in Laennec's cirrhosis is reaffirmed. Serum proteins and colloidal osmotic pressure increases noted during the long-term study probably represent an improved nutritional state of the patients.