Management of Ascites in Patients with Cirrhosis: An Update

Ascites represents a critical event in the natural history of liver cirrhosis. From a prognostic perspective, its occurrence marks the transition from the compensated to the decompensated stage of the disease, leading to an abrupt worsening of patients’ life expectancy. Moreover, ascites heralds a turbulent clinical course, characterized by acute events and further complications, frequent hospitalizations, and eventually death. The pathophysiology of ascites classically relies on hemodynamic mechanisms, with effective hypovolemia as the pivotal event. Recent discoveries, however, integrated this hypothesis, proposing systemic inflammation and immune system dysregulation as key mechanisms. The mainstays of ascites treatment are represented by anti-mineralocorticoids and loop diuretics, and large volume paracentesis. When ascites reaches the stage of refractoriness, however, diuretics administration should be cautious due to the high risk of adverse events, and patients should be treated with periodic execution of paracentesis or with the placement of a trans-jugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). TIPS reduces portal hypertension, eases ascites control, and potentially modify the clinical course of the disease. Further studies are required to expand its indications and improve the management of complications. Long-term human albumin administration has been studied in two RCTs, with contradictory results, and remains a debated issue worldwide, despite a potential effectiveness both in ascites control and long-term survival. Other treatments (vaptans, vasoconstrictors, or implantable drainage systems) present some promising aspects but cannot be currently recommended outside clinical protocols or a case-by-case evaluation.

Indwelling Peritoneal Catheter for Ascites Management in a UK District General Hospital: A Cohort Study

Background: There is no national or local guidance for management of malignancy-related ascites (MRA). Modalities can include large volume paracentesis (LVP) and indwelling peritoneal catheter (IPeC) insertion. Objectives: We set up a local IPeC service and performed a retrospective review with local ethical (Caldicott) approval. We hypothesized that an IPeC service would reduce inpatient stay related to MRA management, would be acceptable to patients, and have minimal complications. Methods: Notes of all patients requiring IPeC insertion were reviewed. Descriptive statistical methodology was applied with continuous data presented as mean (standard deviation (SD); range) and categorical variables as frequencies or percentages. Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) scores were collected for IPeC patients. Results: Thirty-four patients were identified. They were predominantly female, with a mean age of 66.6 years and a wide range of cancer diagnoses. Twenty-nine were inserted as day case procedures, and 31 had preceding paracenteses (mean 2). Main complications were leakage (6(17%)), peritonitis (2(5.8%)), and skin infection (1(3%)). IPOS scores showed consistent improvement in symptoms. Conclusions: An IPeC service for malignant-related ascites is acceptable to patients and is associated with manageable complication rates. We present the development of our service and hope for widespread application.

Clinical implications of prompt ascitic drain removal among cirrhosis with refractory ascites

Introduction: Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) is the first-line treatment for decompensated cirrhosis with refractory ascites. While ascitic drain removal (ADR) within 72 hours was once considered safe, it was uncertain if ADR within 24 hours could further reduce the risk of ascitic drain-related bacterial peritonitis (AdBP). This study aimed to investigate the association between the timing of ADR and the presence of AdBP. Methods: All cirrhotics with refractory ascites who underwent LVP in our institution from 2014 to 2017 were studied. AdBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid neutrophil count ≥ 250 cells/mm3 or positive ascitic fluid culture following recent paracentesis within two weeks. Results: A total of 131 patients who underwent LVP were followed up for 1,806 patient-months. Their mean age was 68.3 ± 11.6 years, and 65.6% were male. Their mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 15.2. The overall incidence of AdBP was 5.3%. ADR beyond 24 hours was significantly associated with longer median length of stay (five days vs. three days, p < 0.001), higher risk of AdBP (0% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.042) and AKI following LVP (odds ratio 20.0, 95% confidence interval 2.4–164.2, p = 0.021). Overall survival was similar in patients with ADR within and beyond 24 hours. Conclusion: ADR within 24 hours is associated with reduced risk of AdBP and AKI. As AdBP is associated with resistant organism and AKI, we recommend prompt ADR within 24 hours, especially among patients who have Child-Pugh C with alcoholic cirrhosis.

A227 UMBILICAL HERNIA INCARCERATION IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS: A RARE COMPLICATION OF PARACENTESIS

Background Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis with ascites frequently have umbilical hernias with a prevalence of 20% and are managed with large volume paracentesis (LVP). Common complications of LVP include hemorrhage, infection, and bowel perforation that occur infrequently with a frequency of less than 1%. However, incarceration of umbilical hernias has been reported as a rare complication of LVP and is speculated to be from ascitic fluid decompression that reduces the umbilical hernia ring diameter resulting in entrapment of the hernia sac. It is unclear whether the quantity or the fluid removal rate increases the herniation risk. Based on case series, this rare complication occurs within 48 hours of the LVP and requires emergent surgical repair and involves a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to potential infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing. Aims We describe a case report of an incarcerated umbilical hernia following a bedside large-volume paracentesis. Methods Case report Results A 59-year-old Caucasian male presented to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of acute abdominal pain following his outpatient LVP. His medical history included Child-Pugh class C alcoholic liver cirrhosis with refractory ascites managed with biweekly outpatient LVP and a reducible umbilical hernia. He reported the onset of his abdominal pain 2-hours after his LVP with an inability to reduce his umbilical hernia. Seven liters of clear, straw-coloured asitic fluid was drained. Laboratory values at presentation revealed a hemoglobin of 139 g/L, leukocyte count of 4.9 x109 /L, platelet count of 110 xo 109 /L, and a lactate of 2.7 mmol/L His physical exam demonstrated an irreducible 4 cm umbilical hernia and bulging flanks with a positive fluid wave test. Abdominal computed tomography showed a small bowel obstruction due to herniation of a proximal ileal loop into the anterior abdominal wall hernia, with afferent loop dilation measuring up to 3.4 cm. He was evaluated by the General Surgery consultation service and underwent an emergent laparoscopic hernia repair. There was 5 cm of small bowel noted to be ecchymotic but viable, with no devitalized tissue. He tolerated the surgical intervention with no post-operative complications and was discharged home. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided bedside paracentesis is a common procedure used in the management of refractory ascites and abdominal wall hernia incarceration should be recognized as a potential rare complication. To prevent hernia incarceration, patients with liver cirrhosis should be examined closely for hernias and an attempt should be made for external reduction prior to LVP. A high index of suspicion for this potential life-threatening condition should be had in patients who present with symptoms of bowel obstruction following a LVP. Funding Agencies None

Rare case of rapidly reaccumulating ascites

Eosinophilic ascites is a rare type of exudative ascites most commonly caused by eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Here, a 57-year-old man presents with sudden-onset abdominal distension associated with nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite for 10 days. Physical examination revealed significant abdominal distention and fluid wave. Initial labs showed leucocytosis and mild peripheral eosinophilia. Imaging of his abdomen revealed severe ascites, no features of cirrhosis and diffuse inflammatory changes involving the jejunum and ileum. Diagnostic paracentesis showed exudative, ascitic fluid with predominant eosinophilia. Cytology of the ascitic fluid and blind biopsies taken during oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and enteroscopy were both negative for malignancy. The ascites reaccumulated rapidly, requiring five rounds of large-volume paracentesis during hospitalisation. Empiric treatment for suspected eosinophilic gastroenteritis with intravenous steroids improved and stabilised the patient’s ascites for discharge. Parasitic workup resulted positively for Toxocara antibodies on ELISA. On 2-week outpatient follow-up, a course of albendazole resolved all gastrointestinal symptoms.