Management of cirrhotic ascites

The pathogenesis and diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites are reviewed, and the treatment options are described, focusing on pharmacologic management. The major theories on the pathogenesis of cirrhotic ascites are the underfill and overflow theories. The underfill theory states that ascites formation results in decreased plasma volume leading to renal sodium and water retention. The overflow theory states that the initial event in ascites formation is renal sodium retention. Evidence suggests that the formation of ascites is a continuum involving both overflow (early) and underfill (late) mechanisms. Although the most frequent cause of ascites is hepatic cirrhosis, analysis of the ascitic fluid is important to exclude other causes (e.g., neoplasm, peritonitis, pancreatitis). Patients who do not respond to treatment with sodium restriction and bed rest require diuretic therapy. Spironolactone is the agent of choice for treatment of the nonazotemic patient with cirrhotic ascites. Combination therapy with spironolactone and furosemide or spironolactone and metolazone may be used in those patients who do not respond to spironolactone. Patients with impaired renal function should not be treated with spironolactone because of the risk of hyperkalemia. Paracentesis with albumin replacement has been used successfully for treatment of patients with tense cirrhotic ascites. Initial management of cirrhotic ascites is conservative, with sodium restriction and bed rest. Spironolactone is a good first-choice drug for treatment of ascites. Daily weight, serum electrolytes, and renal function should be monitored to assess the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of diuretic therapy.