[Management of ascites due to portal hypertension]

Rev Med Suisse. 2012 Sep 5;8(352):1665-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Portal hypertension is regularly encountered by the general practitioner. It is defined by an elevation of the porto-systemic pressure gradient, with complications such as ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, variceal bleeding, hypersplenism, hepatopulmonary syndrome or hepatic encephalopathy occuring when a significant elevation of this gradient is reached. Cirrhosis is the primary cause of portal hypertension in industrialized countries. Symptomatic portal hypertension carries a poor prognosis. Management should be initiated rapidly, including the identification and correction of any reversible underlying condition. Liver transplantation should be considered in advanced cases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / classification
  • Ascites / etiology
  • Ascites / therapy*
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / complications*
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Paracentesis
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists