NON-MACHINERY-BASED SYSTEM FOR CELL-FREE, CONCENTRATED AUTOGENOUS ASCITIC FLUID REINFUSION

A non-machinery-based system for the reinfusion of ascitic fluid was d eveloped and assessed. In fundamental studies utilizing bovine serum, this procedure proved economical, quick and useful. The most suitable filter was PS-R (#405-2). Bovine serum with a protein concentration be low 3.0 g/dl was treated using this system. Samples containing blood ( prepared to 0.5% hematocrit) were also treated, but the treatment time required was double that of serum with the same protein concentration . In both cases the protein recovery ratios were about 90%. We conduct ed clinical studies on 62 occasions (machinery-based system, 31 times, non-machinery-based system; 31 times) on 19 cases of ascites refracto ry to treatment with various drugs including diuretics. Clarification of the differences between the non-machinery and the machinery-based s ystem, indicated the former to be superior. This new procedure is easi er because of its use of no machinery, and the high protein recovery r atio proved its usefulness.