Treatment of ascites and its complications

Duodecim. 2016;132(18):1719-25.

Abstract

The underlying cause of ascites should always be treated if possible. Adhering to a low-salt diet is most important in the treatment of ascites. Diuretics are used in the treatment of clinically established and abundant ascites. The first-line drug in diuretic therapy is spironolactone, when necessary in combination with furosemide. The most important complications of ascites are hepatorenal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The development of ascites lowers the quality of life, and is associated with significant mortality. Although new groundbreaking therapies are not available, prognosis of the patients is expected to be improved through optimization of current therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / complications*
  • Ascites / mortality
  • Ascites / therapy*
  • Diet, Sodium-Restricted
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Furosemide / therapeutic use
  • Hepatorenal Syndrome / etiology
  • Humans
  • Peritonitis / etiology
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life
  • Spironolactone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Spironolactone
  • Furosemide