[Nephrogenic ascites. A case report]

Abstract

Nephrogenic ascites is a clinical diagnosis defined as a refractory ascites in patients with end-stage renal disease. The exact cause of ascites formation is unknown. Patients frequently present with moderate to massive ascites and cachexia. The ascitic fluid is an exudate. The diagnosis is one established only by exclusion of the others causes of exudative ascites. Only continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation appear to be effective in controlling ascites formation. The prognosis is dismal. We described here one patient case with nephrogenic ascites and review of the literature.