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Review
. 2020 Feb:40 Suppl 1:128-135.
doi: 10.1111/liv.14361.

Optimal management of ascites

Marika Rudler  1 , Maxime Mallet  1 , Philippe Sultanik  1 , Charlotte Bouzbib  1   2 , Dominique Thabut  1   2
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Optimal management of ascites

Marika Rudler et al. Liver Int. 2020 Feb.
Free article

Erratum in

  • ERRATUM.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Liver Int. 2020 May;40(5):1247. doi: 10.1111/liv.14454. Liver Int. 2020. PMID: 32352236 No abstract available.

Abstract

Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, which develops in 5%-10% of patients per year. Its management is based on symptomatic measures including restriction of sodium intake, diuretics and paracentesis. Underlying liver disease must always be treated and may improve ascites. In some patients, ascites is not controlled by medical therapies and has a major impact on quality of life and survival. TIPS placement and liver transplantation must therefore be discussed. More recently, repeated albumin infusions and Alfapump® have emerged as new therapies in ascites. In this review, the current data on these different options are analysed and an algorithm to help the physician make clinical decisions is suggested.

Keywords: ascites; cirrhosis; portal hypertension.

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References

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