What Is Ascites?
9. Complications
Ascites can cause many complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a bacterial infection of the ascitic fluid in the peritoneum), thrombosis, and hepatorenal syndrome (deterioration of the renal function and liver failure). In spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 30% of patients go on to develop deterioration of the kidneys. Patients often experience fever, nausea, vomiting, altered mental state, abdominal pain, and tenderness.
Thrombosis can affect the splenic vein or portal vein. Clotting occurs and can result in portal hypertension, which causes a reduction in blood flow. These complications have a high mortality rate. Hepatorenal syndrome is usually fatal unless a liver transplant is performed. Progression of hepatorenal syndrome can be prevented with dialysis.
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