Refractory Ascites In Cirrhotic Patients Research Articles

P-089 SPONTAONEUS BOWEL EVISCERATION IN UMBILICAL HERNIA: CASE REPORT

Abstract Aim Spontaneous rupture of sac of hernia is a less common complication and mainly associated to persistent ascites or congenital wall defects. In literature we have few cases of spontaneous bowel eviscerations in umbilical hernias. Case Report a 53-year-old male years old man addicted to heroin, cocaine and alcohol, presented to the Emergency Department with evisceration of small bowel through an existing umbilical hernia. The patient was conscious and not complaining pain. He stated a protrusion of small bowel through his umbilical skin caused to sudden coughing after assumption of a dose of heroin.In emergency room showed an ileal loop with sub ischemic features. Blood test revealed an hepatitis C infection. During the urgent laparotomy there wasn't evidence of ascites and was necessary to performed an ileal resection and latero-lateral anastomosis with mechanical suturing machine. The placement of a prosthesis was performed; therefore, direct plastic surgery of the abdominal wall. After surgery with a short stay in ICU of 24 hours, the patient was discharged in POD 5. The postoperative course was regular without wound complications. After four months he was free from recurrence and VAS was 0. Conclusions Spontaneous bowel eviscerations in umbilical hernias is associated with refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients or congenital defect. This case is one of few case depicted in literature as spontaneous evisceration of bowel in non cirrhotic patient with umbilical hernia.

Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of Terlipressin Delivered by Continuous Intravenous Infusion in Patients with Cirrhosis and Refractory Ascites

Background. Terlipressin is a long acting synthetic analogue of vasopressin, which is used to manage variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome. Terlipressin is being developed to treat refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients who are no longer responsive to diuretic drugs and require repeated paracentesis. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of terlipressin as an outpatient treatment for refractory ascites in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Methods. This was an open-label Phase 2a trial. Patients received a continuous IV infusion of terlipressin 2 mg/day escalating to 4 mg/d during an initial 7-day inpatient period, followed by 21 days as outpatients. The PK, safety/tolerability, and effects on the need for and volume of paracentesis were evaluated. Results. Four of 6 patients experienced ≥50% increase in the interval between large volume paracenteses (LVP) with terlipressin. The volume of ascites removed by LVP in the 28-day treatment period was reduced in all patients by ≥30% compared with pretreatment. Terlipressin was rapidly eliminated with a mean half-life of 42.3 minutes, mean clearance of 5.6 mL/min/kg, and volume of distribution of 0.33 L/kg. Average steady state plasma concentrations ranged from 1.69 to 5.55 ng/mL and increased proportionally with increasing dose. Three (50.0%) patients reported treatment-related adverse events, but none were serious. Conclusion. Continuous terlipressin IV infusion improved control of refractory ascites with an acceptable safety and predictable PK profile. Further evaluation of terlipressin is warranted in a randomized controlled trial for treating refractory ascites and related complications of cirrhosis.

Comparison of Low Dose Albumin Versus Full Dose Albumin in Improving Refractory Ascites in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Refractory ascites is one of the most important complications of cirrhosis & albumin is considered highly effective in controlling it. Objective: To compare efficacy of 10g albumin versus 20g albumin in improving refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients.
 Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at department of Gastroenterology, Mayo hospital Lahore for 12 months. After ethical approval, 60 patients of chronic liver disease with refractory ascites were included in the study & were divided into two groups. Group A was administered with 20g albumin whereas; group B was given 10g albumin. Both groups were followed for next 3 days by measuring change in weight, abdominal girth and urine output. Data was analyzed by using SPSS v-21. Results: There was no considerable difference between two groups regarding change in weight, abdominal girth and urine output. There was no significant difference in albumin response for both the groups in reducing ascites (p=0.6022). Conclusion: Low dose albumin is as effective as full dose albumin for reducing refractory ascites among cirrhotic patients. 

Small-diameter TIPS combined with splenic artery embolization in the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients.

Maximally decreasing portal pressures with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is associated with improved ascites control but also increased encephalopathy incidence. Since splenic venous flow contributes to portal hypertension, we assessed if combining small-diameter TIPS with splenic artery embolization could improve ascites while minimizing encephalopathy. Fifty-five patients underwent TIPS creation for refractory ascites. Subjects underwent creation of 8 mm TIPS followed by proximal splenic artery embolization (group A, n=8), or of 8 mm (group B, n=6) or 10 mm TIPS (group C, n=41) without splenic embolization. Data were retrospectively reviewed. In group A, median portosystemic gradient decreased from 19 mmHg to 9 mmHg after TIPS, and 8 mmHg after subsequent splenic artery embolization. In groups B and C, gradient decreased from 15 mmHg to 8 mmHg and 16 mmHg to 6 mmHg. All patients except for one in group A and two in C had greater than 50% reduction in the number of paracenteses in 3 months. Any postprocedural encephalopathy incidence was 62%, 50%, 83% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Overall, 20% of subjects with 10 mm TIPS required TIPS reduction/closure compared to 7% of subjects with 8 mm TIPS. We found that 8 mm diameter TIPS provided similar ascites control compared to 10 mm TIPS regardless of splenic embolization. While more patients with 10 mm TIPS required reduction/closure for severe encephalopathy, the study was underpowered for definitive assessment. Splenic embolization might have the potential to further decrease portosystemic gradient and ascites as an alternative to dilation of TIPS to 10 mm minimizing the risk of encephalopathy, but larger studies are warranted.

Umbilical Hernia Repair in Cirrhotic Patients With Ascites: A Systemic Review of Literature.

Umbilical hernia is a common abdominal complication in cirrhotic patients. The incidence of umbilical hernias can be up to 20% in the presence of ascites. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study is to review the management of umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients with ascites. A search of the available literature in English since 1980 was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and a search of relevant journals and reference lists. The search terms included "umbilical hernia," "ascites," "cirrhosis," and any derivatives of these terms, and the literature search identified all the relevant publications. Thirty-three relevant articles published in the language of English were identified. Fourteen studies involved the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients. Twenty-four studies included cirrhotic patients receiving elective or emergency surgery. Because of much lower morbidity and mortality in elective surgery than in emergency surgery, many authors advocated early elective repair of uncomplicated umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients. Of these, 2 studies described laparoscopic umbilical hernioplasty, with a significant lower morbidity and hernia recurrence than open repair. Fifteen studies described the use of prosthetic mesh umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients, which was associated with minimal wound-related morbidity and markedly lower recurrences. Our results indicate that early elective repair of uncomplicated umbilical hernias is recommended in cirrhotic patients with tolerable hepatic functional reserve or when the expected time for liver transplantation is >3 months. Umbilical hernias are supposed to be corrected in the process of liver transplantation, provided that patients could have a better prospect to be transplanted within 3 months. Control of ascites is a crucial part to successful outcomes of umbilical hernia repair. Large volume paracentesis, concomitant peritoneovenous shunting with herniorrhaphy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting can be applied to control refractory ascites. Emergency repair of umbilical hernias is indicated in cirrhotic patients with ascites when complications develop.

03:45 PM Abstract No. 253 Small-diameter TIPS combined with splenic artery embolization in the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients

03:45 PM Abstract No. 253 Small-diameter TIPS combined with splenic artery embolization in the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients

3:00 PM Abstract No. 282 Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting reduces paracentesis rates in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: a population-based analysis

Ascites is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) has been shown to improve refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients based on a series of clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to conduct a population-level analysis of the utilization and impact of TIPS in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Using administrative data from all inpatient and outpatient hospital encounters in California (2009-2011), patients with cirrhosis complicated by ascites were identified. The utilization of TIPS and its influence on ascites management was evaluated in this patient population. A total of 180,286 patients with cirrhosis were identified, of whom 36,751 patients (20.3%) were noted to have non-malignant/non-cardiogenic ascites. Within this population of cirrhotic patients with ascites, 1,166 TIPS were performed in 1,150 patients (3.1%). There was a greater baseline rate of paracenteses for the TIPS vs non-TIPS patients (mean 1.44 vs 1.05 procedures/month, P < 0.001). There was a significance decrease in the frequency of paracenteses for patients following TIPS (0.4 procedures per month, P < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in hospital visits for peritonitis following TIPS (P = 0.02). There was a non-significant trend towards increased hepatic encephalopathy following TIPS (P = 0.08). TIPS is associated with reduced frequency and complications of paracenteses for the management of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. TIPS has a low utilization rate in this population, but the benefits of the procedure should be weighed with the risks of hepatic encephalopathy.Tabled 1TIPSNo TIPSP ValuePatients (n)115035601Gender (% female)5657< 0.001Comorbidities (%) Coagulopathy86.363.3< 0.001 Obesity30.518.5< 0.001 Renal failure46.735.3< 0.001 CHF15.721.3< 0.001 Viral hepatitis53.950.0< 0.001History of malignancy (%)0.35.7< 0.001Baseline history of hepatic encephalopathy (%)62.232.1< 0.001Baseline history of peritonitis (%)70.215.9< 0.001Baseline paracentesis rate (procedure/month)1.441.05< 0.001 Open table in a new tab

Prognosis of patients with ascites after PleurX insertion: an observational study

Objective: To evaluate the safety of PleurX in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.Methods: We prospectively registered patients who received a PleurX catheter cirrhosis-associated refractory ascites at our department from July 2015 to November 2016. Our control group consisted of matched cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites treated with large volume paracentesis (LVP) and patients with malignant ascites treated with PleurX during the same period.Results: We included 25 patients with cirrhosis-related ascites (7 in PleurX group) and 17 with malignant ascites (14 in PleurX group). Of these, six patients had hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis (5 in PleurX group). None were eligible for insertion of a TIPS or liver transplantation. The maximum duration of follow-up was (480 days) in the PleurX group and 366 days in the LVP group (median 84 and 173 days, respectively). There was no difference in mortality when comparing PleurX with LVP treatment (hazard ratios: 3.0 and 1.0, p = .23 and .96, respectively). Mortality was higher in patients with malignant ascites (p= .01). We found no significant differences in adverse events (incl. spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) or in P-albumin, P-creatinine and P-sodium between the groups.Conclusion: PleurX insertion for the treatment of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients appears to be safe. Prospective randomized trials are necessary in order to confirm these findings.

Post-hepatectomy Refractory Ascites in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Risk Factor Analysis to Overcome this Problematic Complication.

Refractory ascites is a serious post-hepatectomy complication in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In order to avoid this complication, surgeons should preserve as much liver parenchyma as possible in performing hepatectomy in such patients. However, we still occasionally encounter refractory ascites even after limited or small hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for post-hepatectomy refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients, focusing on limited or small hepatectomy. The data of 73 cirrhotic patients with HCC who underwent limited or small hepatectomy were analyzed. Limited or small hepatectomy was defined as hepatectomy equal to or of less than subsegmentectomy. We compared the clinicopathological factors between patients with and without postoperative refractory ascites. Fourteen cirrhotic patients suffered postoperative refractory ascites. Total cholesterol, duration of operation, duration of Pringle maneuver, resection of segment VII, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion were found to be significant risk factors for postoperative refractory ascites in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis revealed that resection of segment VII was an independent risk factor. Resection of segment VII necessitates extensive dissection of the right triangular or coronary ligaments, which could explain that it was an independent risk factor for post-hepatectomy refractory ascites. Surgeons should avoid extensive dissection of these ligaments in order to avoid this detrimental complication.

The Role of Midodrine for Hypotension Outside of the Intensive Care Unit.

Midodrine is an oral, peripherally acting alpha-adrenergic agonist. After gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1996 for orthostatic hypotension, its use has evolved to target vasoplegic conditions such as intradialytic hypotension in the end-stage renal disease population, refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients to support diuresis, and in hepatorenal syndrome. Upon oral ingestion, the drug undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to an active metabolite, desglymidodrine. Its use has been well tolerated at 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg oral doses. The most frequently occurring side effects relate directly to its sympathomimetic profile and include piloerection, scalp pruritis, generalized paresthesias, and urinary retention. The vasoplegic profile of sepsis would be a potential target for midodrine therapy. While its use to mediate recovery from septic shock has been suggested, there is a paucity of clinical data supporting its use. Such therapy may be uniquely appropriate in septic patients who are not candidates for intensive care unit (ICU) level of care.

Peritoneovenous Shunt Scintigraphy to Assess Shunt Patency in Patients with Refractory Ascites

Peritoneovenous shunt scintigraphy is an infrequently performed study to non-invasively assess shunt patency in patients with recurrent or refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients. We describe two patients of chronic liver disease in whom (99m)Tc-macroaggregated albumin scintigraphy was performed to assess the patency of peritoneovenous shunt. Visualization of lung activity was interpreted as indicative of shunt patency. While both lungs were visualized almost immediately in the first patient, they were visualized by 30min in the second patient. Visualization of radiolabeled peritoneal fluid in the entire length of the shunt tubing may be variable, and was seen in only one patient. Scintigraphy also helped in excluding communication between the ascites and right groin collection in the second patient.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement for refractory ascites: a single-centre experience

Background. The presence of refractory ascites is a common indication for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Different models have been proposed for the prediction of survival after TIPS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors associated with patients' survival after TIPS placement for refractory ascites. Methods. Data from all consecutive patients undergoing TIPS placement in our center for refractory ascites between February 2003 and January 2008 were prospectively recorded. Results. Seventy-three patients (52M/21F; 57 ± 10 years) met the inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 17 ± 2 months. Mean MELD value, before TIPS placement, was 15.7 ± 5.3. TIPS placement led to an effective resolution of refractory ascites in 54% of patients (n = 40) with no significant increase in severe portosystemic encephalopathy. The 1-year survival rate observed was 65.7%, while the overall mortality was 23.3% (n = 17) with a mean survival of 17 ± 14 months. MELD score (B = 0.161, p = 0.042), basal AST (B = 0.020, p = 0.090), and pre-TIPS HVPG (B = 0.016, p = 0.093) were independent predictors of overall mortality, while MELD (B = 0.419, p = 0.018) and HVPG (B = 0.223, p = 0.060) independently predicted 1-year survival. ROC curves identified MELD ≥ 19 and HVPG ≥ 25 mmHg as the best cut-off points for the prediction of 1-year mortality. Conclusions. TIPS is an effective treatment for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients, leading to an effective ascites control in more than half patients. Improvement in patients' selection criteria could lead to better outcome and survival after this procedure. Liver function (MELD), presence of active necroinflammation (AST), and portal hypertension (HVPG) are independent predictors of patients' outcome after TIPS.

The use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and normal renal function: A multicentric study

Ascites is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, occurring in more than 50–60% of the patients within 10 years of the diagnosis. In 5–10% of patients, ascites cannot be mobilized, or its early recurrence cannot be prevented by medical treatment. This condition is known as “refractory ascites”. The use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and normal renal function has not been evaluated. This prospective study was aimed at evaluating whether terlipressin in addition to standard therapy (diuretics plus albumin) might improve the outcome of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients without HRS. Patients 26 cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites were prospectively enrolled in this study. All the patients had tense (grade 3) ascites, and 10/26 showed also massive peripheral edema. Patients received maximum diuretic treatment plus albumin and terlipressin. Results Complete response was seen in 16/26 patients. The higher response to therapy was seen during the 2nd week of treatment. 6 patients showed a decrease of at least two points in the ascites score. No differences in clinical response to treatment were seen according to the etiology of the disease. Conclusions In conclusion, our study shows a synergistic effect of terlipressin vs treatment with albumin plus diuretics in patients with refractory ascites. One could speculate that albumin might enhance the vasoconstrictive response to terlipressin, thus contributing to counterbalance the negative effects of systemic vasodilation, which characterizes the hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhotic patients.

The reference diagnostic procedure for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients: guidelines of the International Ascites Club

The reference diagnostic procedure for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients: guidelines of the International Ascites Club

Long‐term clinical outcome of large volume paracentesis with intravenous albumin in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: A randomized prospective study

Large volume paracentesis (LVP) with plasma volume expansion has been used for tense or refractory ascites. However, still in question is whether it is safe and effective for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We addressed this issue and conducted a study to assess safety and long-term outcome of LVP in cirrhotic patients with SBP. Forty-two randomly assigned cirrhotic patients with SBP were classified into two groups; Group 1 included 21 patients who were treated with LVP and intravenous albumin; and Group 2 included 21 patients who were treated with diuretics and intravenous albumin. The overall cumulative survival rate was poor in patients with SBP (42.5% and 22.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively). At 7 days after treatment, the blood tests were similar between the two groups. In the ascitic fluid, the white blood cell counts decreased significantly and the protein concentrations tended to increase in both groups. In-hospital days, resolution rate of SBP, and in-hospital mortality rate were similar between the two groups. Although complication rates tended to be slightly higher in Group 1, long-term cumulative survivals were similar between Group 1 and Group 2. LVP was effective in removing abdominal discomfort in patients with tense ascites without serious complication. LVP with intravenous albumin was as effective as diuretics with intravenous albumin for the treatment of SBP with similar mortality. LVP with intravenous albumin might be feasible for the treatment of tense or refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

The predictive factors for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients

The predictive factors for refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients

Furosemide-induced natriuresis as a test to identify cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites

The diagnosis of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients carries a poor prognosis and liver transplantation should always be considered in this situation. Identification of patients who will not respond to diuretic therapy usually requires several weeks of observation during which a trial of diuretics is instituted using stepwise increases in dosage in order to classify ascites as refractory. In the present study we evaluated the effect of a single dose of 80 mg intravenous furosemide on urinary sodium excretion over 8 hours in cirrhotic patients with ascites responsive to diuretic treatment (group 1; n = 14) and patients with refractory ascites (group 2; n = 15). The test was performed after 3 days without diuretics and patients were on a 80 mEq sodium/day diet. Refractory ascites was defined by the absence of response after 3 months of high doses of diuretics (spironolactone 200 mg/d + furosemide 80 mg/d + metolazone 2.5 mg/d) and the need for repeated paracentesis. The two groups had similar degrees of liver and renal dysfunction as assessed by the Pugh score and creatinine clearance. The effects of furosemide on 8-hour natriuresis was much higher in patients with responsive ascites as compared with patients with refractory ascites (125 ± 46 vs. 30 ± 16 mEq; mean ± SD; P < .0001). A natriuresis lower than 50 mEq/8 hours was observed in all group-2 patients as compared with none from group 1. The present study shows that patients with refractory ascites can be identified quickly and accurately by using this simple furosemide-induced natriuresis test, which could be very useful to select patients for liver transplantation. (H EPATOLOGY 2001;33:28-31.)

Predictors of clinical response to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites

OBJECTIVE: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used increasingly as a treatment for refractory ascites. The aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic value of different parameters in predicting a favorable evolution following TIPS in a cohort of 53 cirrhotic patients without organic renal disease and with refractory ascites. METHODS: Patients were classified as good responders if they survived more than 6 months, without severe chronic hepatic encephalopathy and with good control of ascites. The prognostic value for a good outcome was evaluated using age, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, and Pugh score. RESULTS: Good control of ascites was obtained in 90%. The cumulative survival rate was 54% at 6 months, 48% at 1 yr, and 39% at 2 yr. The vast majority of patients died of complications of hepatic insufficiency. Severe chronic hepatic encephalopathy developed in 26%. Overall, a good clinical response was observed in 47%. Creatinine clearance was identified as the only pre-TIPS factor to be significantly and independently associated with a good clinical response to TIPS for refractory ascites. A good clinical response was observed in 57% of patients with a creatinine clearance >36 ml/min compared to 9% of those with a clearance <36 ml/min ( p < 0.01). This cutoff point in creatinine clearance had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 36%; positive predictive and negative predictive values were 57% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TIPS might be useful for the treatment of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients without severe renal function impairment. However, the TIPS usefulness still has to be demonstrated compared to large volume paracentesis or Leveen shunt. In patients with poor renal function or with liver failure after TIPS, liver transplantation should be considered.

Predictors of clinical response to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used increasingly as a treatment for refractory ascites. The aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic value of different parameters in predicting a favorable evolution following TIPS in a cohort of 53 cirrhotic patients without organic renal disease and with refractory ascites. Patients were classified as good responders if they survived more than 6 months, without severe chronic hepatic encephalopathy and with good control of ascites. The prognostic value for a good outcome was evaluated using age, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, and Pugh score. Good control of ascites was obtained in 90%. The cumulative survival rate was 54% at 6 months, 48% at 1 yr, and 39% at 2 yr. The vast majority of patients died of complications of hepatic insufficiency. Severe chronic hepatic encephalopathy developed in 26%. Overall, a good clinical response was observed in 47%. Creatinine clearance was identified as the only pre-TIPS factor to be significantly and independently associated with a good clinical response to TIPS for refractory ascites. A good clinical response was observed in 57% of patients with a creatinine clearance >36 ml/min compared to 9% of those with a clearance <36 ml/min (p < 0.01). This cutoff point in creatinine clearance had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 36%; positive predictive and negative predictive values were 57% and 90%, respectively. TIPS might be useful for the treatment of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients without severe renal function impairment. However, the TIPS usefulness still has to be demonstrated compared to large volume paracentesis or Leveen shunt. In patients with poor renal function or with liver failure after TIPS, liver transplantation should be considered.

Treatment of refractory ascites: Is dialytic ultrafiltration better than paracentesis?

We compared the clinical efficacy and safety of large-volume paracentesis and dialytic ultrafiltration in the treatment of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients. A group of cirrhotic subjects (age 49-80 years) were randomly allocated to either continuous paracentesis (1-1.5 l/hour) or dialytic ultrafiltration until disappearance of ascites. Each patient was maintained on bed rest, fluid restriction (1 l/day) and a low (25 mmol/day) sodium diet for 14 days. Five patients (three in the paracentesis group and two in dialytic ultrafiltration group) developed massive ascites 3-5 months later, and received the crossover treatment. The average volume of fluid removed was similar in the two groups (4.70 ± 1.47 l for dialytic ultrafiltration versus 4.69 ± 1.84 l for paracentesis), but the treatment period was significantly shorter with dialytic ultrafiltration. The plasma creatinine significantly increased three days after paracentesis but did not increase in patients treated with dialytic ultrafiltration. There was an initial fall in mean arterial pressure during the first two hours of either treatment; a further fall in blood pressure was observed with paracentesis but not with dialytic ultrafiltration. Pretreatment plasma renin activity was elevated, but was not altered by either treatment. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels were in the high-normal range before treatment. Paracentesis was associated with a delayed fall in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, while dialytic ultrafiltration induced a modest but significant rise. No complication was experienced with dialytic ultrafiltration in the two weeks following treatment, but four of the eight patients who underwent paracentesis had developed severe complications. Dialytic ultrafiltration of ascitic fluid is a safe procedure in cirrhotic patients. Large-volume paracentesis without intravenous colloid reinfusion causes complications and carries the potential risk of reducing the effective intravascular volume.