Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Adult and Pediatric Porcine Model of Acute Volume Overload
06:09

Adult and Pediatric Porcine Model of Acute Volume Overload

Published on: January 12, 2024

Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric ascites

Matthew J Giefer1, Karen F Murray, Richard B Colletti

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle Children's Hospital, and University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|April 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This review covers pediatric ascites, detailing causes, diagnosis, and management in children. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial for reducing complications and improving outcomes in pediatric ascites.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Ascites in children presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic ascites is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological mechanisms of pediatric ascites.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of ascites etiologies in children, stratified by age.
  • To discuss diagnostic findings and management strategies unique to the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric ascites.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Stratification of etiologies by patient age.

Main Results:

  • Detailed summary of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic ascites mechanisms.
  • Comprehensive list of pediatric ascites causes.
  • Emphasis on age-specific findings in physical examination, imaging, and paracentesis.
  • Overview of medical and surgical treatment options.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric ascites requires specialized diagnostic and management approaches.
  • Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are critical for minimizing morbidity and mortality in children with ascites.

More Related Videos

Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis03:57

Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis

Published on: July 8, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Ascites01:19

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...