[Controlled study of the effect of long-term administration of canrenoate potassium in cirrhotic ascites]

Two groups of patients with water retention due to ascites in cirrhosis of the liver were treated with antialdosterone diuretics (42 cases with K-canrenoate and 48 cases with spironolactone) for prolonged periods of time (an average of more than 5 months). Both substances were seen to be active, re-equilibrating sodium and water balance, bearing in mind a few methodologic limitations described in the text. Investigation of possible side effects showed that the incidence of gynecomastia, which is fairly common with spironolactone, was considerably reduced or practically absent with K-canrenoate.