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Ascites

Portal hypertension - ascites; Cirrhosis - ascites; Liver failure - ascites; Alcohol use - ascites; End-stage liver disease - ascites; ESLD - ascites

 

Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.

Causes

 

Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low levels of a protein called albumin .

Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include long-term hepatitis C or B infection and alcohol abuse over many years.

People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver.

Other conditions that can cause this problem include:

  • Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Pancreatitis
  • Thickening and scarring of the sac-like covering of the heart

Kidney dialysis may also be linked to ascites.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly depending on the cause of ascites. You may have no symptoms if there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly.

As more fluid collects, you may have abdominal pain and bloating. Large amounts of fluid can cause shortness of breath.

Many other symptoms of liver failure may also be present.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine the amount of swelling in your belly.

You may also have the following tests to assess your liver and kidneys:

  • 24-hour urine collection
  • Electrolyte levels
  • Kidney function tests
  • Liver function tests
  • Tests to measure the risk of bleeding and protein levels in the blood
  • Urinalysis
  • Abdominal ultrasound

Your doctor may also use a thin needle to withdraw ascites fluid from your belly. The fluid is tested to look for the cause of ascites.

 

Treatment

 

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.

Treatments for fluid build-up may include lifestyle changes :

  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Lowering salt in your diet (no more than 1,500 mg/day of sodium)
  • Limiting fluid intake

You may also get medicines from your doctor, including:

  • "Water pills" (diuretics) to get rid of extra fluid
  • Antibiotics for infections

Other things you can do to help take care of your liver disease are:

  • Get vaccinated for diseases such as influenza, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and pneumococcal pneumonia
  • Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including herbs and supplements and over-the-counter medicines

Procedures that you may have are:

  • Inserting a needle into the belly to remove large volumes of fluid (called a paracentesis)
  • Placing a special tube or shunt inside your liver (TIPS) to repair blood flow to the liver

People with end-stage liver disease may need a liver transplant .

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the ascites fluid)
  • Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure)
  • Weight loss and protein malnutrition
  • Mental confusion, change in the level of alertness, or coma (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Other complications of liver cirrhosis

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

If you have ascites, call your health care provider right away if you have:

  • Fever above 100.5°F (38.05°C), or a fever that does not go away
  • Belly pain
  • Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
  • Blood in your vomit
  • Bruising or bleeding that occurs easily
  • Build-up of fluid in your belly
  • Swollen legs or ankles
  • Breathing problems
  • Confusion or problems staying awake
  • Yellow color in your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

 

 

References

Garcia-Tsao G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 153.

Runyon BA. Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 93.

Runyon BA; AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee. Management of adult patients with ascites due to cirrhosis: update 2012. Hepatology . 2009;49(6):2087-2107. PMID: 19475696 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19475696 .

 
  • Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan - illustration

    This CT scan of the lower abdomen shows a massive amount of free abdominal fluid (ascites) in a patient with ovarian cancer.

    Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

    illustration

  • Digestive system organs - illustration

    The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

    Digestive system organs

    illustration

    • Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan - illustration

      This CT scan of the lower abdomen shows a massive amount of free abdominal fluid (ascites) in a patient with ovarian cancer.

      Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

      illustration

    • Digestive system organs - illustration

      The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

      Digestive system organs

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Tests for Ascites

       

         

        Review Date: 8/14/2015

        Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Internal review and update on 09/01/2016 by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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