Correction and Prevention of Hyponatremia in Patients With Cirrhosis and Ascites: Post Hoc Analysis of the ANSWER Study Database

Abstract

Introduction: We assessed the impact of long-term albumin administration to hyponatremic patients with ascites enrolled in the ANSWER trial.

Methods: The normalization rate of baseline hyponatremia and the 18-month incidence rate of at least moderate hyponatremia were evaluated.

Results: The hyponatremia normalization rate was higher with albumin than with standard medical treatment (45% vs 28%, P = 0.042 at 1 month). Long-term albumin ensured a lower incidence of at least moderate hyponatremia than standard medical treatment (incidence rate ratio: 0.245 [CI 0.167-0.359], P < 0.001).

Discussion: Long-term albumin administration improves hyponatremia and reduces episodes of at least moderate hyponatremia in outpatients with cirrhosis and ascites.