NEPHROTIC ASCITES: ANOTHER CLINICAL SIGN OF HYPERVOLEMIA

Nephrogenic ascites, generally found with hypertension and edema in patients with end- stage renal disease, is a specific entity. Lots of factor such as hypervolemia may be the cause of nephrogenic ascites. In this study, treatment with daily and slow ultrafiltration sessions was evaluated in patients with nephrogenic ascites. Daily and long ultrafiltration sessions were performed in five patients diagnosed nephrogenic ascites. In all patients, the ascites are cured by ultrafiltration. Mean body weights of the patients were decreased by 24±9%. A marked improvement of mean arterial blood pressure, cardiothoracic index on chest X-ray and left atrial diameter was observed. Increase of mean serum albumin concentration and ejection fraction was observed. Nephrogenic ascites is a finding of hypervolemia in end-stage renal disease and ultrafiltration is essential for its treatment.