[Reasons for diuretic therapy of cirrhotic ascites]

The first therapeutic response to cirrhotic ascites should be a salt-free diet and bed rest. Only if this fails should anti-aldosterones, furosemide or mannitol be adopted. After an examination of the reasons for using any of these drugs, either alone or in association, it is emphasised that thiazide should never be used to treat cirrhotic ascites. Its use has been common practice for years on the basis of apparently convincing empirical evidence. Finally it is pointed out that any treatment should be approached with caution with more emphasis on the patient than on the ascites itself.