Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
06:45
Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 18, 2010
Low albumin gradient ascites complicating severe pseudomembranous colitis
1Department of Medicine (Hepatology), Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) can cause ascites, a fluid buildup in the abdomen. This study highlights PMC as a potential cause of low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) ascites, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is an antibiotic-associated condition.
- Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
- Ascites is an uncommon but recognized complication of PMC.
Observation:
- This case report details five patients with PMC presenting with ascites.
- These patients exhibited low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and neutrocytic ascites.
- No evidence of infectious, malignant, or inflammatory peritoneal disease was found.
Findings:
- Low SAAG ascites was observed in all five patients with PMC.
- One patient presented with massive low SAAG ascites as the primary manifestation of PMC.
- Sixty percent of the patients had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Implications:
- PMC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of low SAAG ascites.
- This is especially relevant for patients with AIDS or other immunocompromised states.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of PMC-associated ascites is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
01:19Ascites
DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...