Factors that determine refractoriness of ascites to conventional therapy

We compared the charts of 33 patients who had refractory ascites with those of 33 patients who had responsive ascites to identify factors responsible for resistance to conventional therapy. The results of biochemical tests of liver function were more abnormal in the responsive group than in the refractory group on admission to hospital, whereas the results of kidney function tests were worse in the refractory group. The transhepatic portal pressure was similar in the 7 patients with refractory ascites and the 11 patients with responsive ascites in whom it was measured. The portal vein pressure as calculated from the difference in albumin content between the serum and the ascitic fluid was similar in the two groups, as were the findings at histologic examination of the liver. We conclude that neither the severity of the liver disease nor the portal pressure is a critical factor in the development of refractory ascites. Kidney dysfunction, however, is important, but its mechanism remains unclear.