The clinical spectrum of ascites associated with maintenance dialysis

Among 197 patients being treated with maintenance dialysis, six were found to have ascites. Unlike previous reported series, the cause of ascites and the clinical course were variable. Two patients responded to definitive therapy directed against the specific cause. No consistent association was found with the etiology of renal disease or therapy of uremia including the duration of hemodialysis or prior peritoneal dialysis. Nonspecific therapy attempting to alleviate ascites was unsatisfactory. Severe hypertension was not characteristic and bilateral nephrectomy did not influence the course. An extensive diagnostic evaluation is recommended along with skepticism before declaring that idiopathic, refractory ascites exists signaling progressive deterioration.