Intraperitoneal infusion of a nonabsorbable steroid in hemodialysis-associated ascites

Ascites occurring in long-term hemodialysis patients continues to be a difficult management problem. Several modalities have been employed with varying success. Because of the similarities between uremic pericardial effusion and hemodialysis-associated ascites, infusion of the nonabsorbable steroid, triamcinolone hexacetonide, was attempted in five patients with the latter ailment which had become intractable. None of the patients responded and in two there were adverse effects. We conclude that for the management of this variety of ascites, intraperitoneal administration of a nonabsorbable steroid is ineffective and may be accompanied by undesirable reactions.