Ascites reinfusion dialysis (ARD) for renal failure with refractory ascites

Dialysis is difficult for patients who have simultaneous liver and kidney failure. Effective mobilization of ascites is rare, and hypotension is common. Combining repeated paracentesis with continuous renal replacement therapy can achieve effective volume removal with hemodynamic stability, but requires intensive care unit resources. Large amounts of albumin are lost from the body in the drained ascites. Combining ascites reinfusion with hemodialysis is a potential alternative therapy.

Eight treatments were undertaken in 3 patients with refractory ascites in the setting of acute onset renal failure. Hemodialysis was unsuccessful due to hypotension in each case. Two patients were treated twice, and 1 patient was treated 4 times. Each patient underwent hemodialysis with reinfusion of ascites directly into the blood inlet of the dialysis machine. Weight, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and platelet counts were measured before and after treatment. Hemodynamic tolerance was assessed, and patients were observed for the development ofencephalopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, infection and hemodynamic decompensation.

All patients survived. There was 1 episode of transient hemoperitoneum, but no encephalopathy, GI bleeding or infection. One patient recovered renal function, and the other 2 were discharged ambulatory to chronic hemodialysis programs. Blood pressure was supported easily during therapy, despite removal of 3-8 kg of fluid. Platelet counts decreased by 27,000 +/- 13,000, and albumin increased by 0.5 +/- 0.2 g/dl. All values returned to baseline over the next 1-4 days.

Ascites recirculation with dialysis is a safe and effective therapy for patients with refractory ascites and severe renal failure, which can be carried out in routine inpatient and outpatient settings. Hemodynamic tolerance was good and thrombocytopenia was modest.