CONCENTRATED ASCITIC FLUID REINFUSION IN CIRRHOTIC-PATIENTS - A SIMPLIFIED METHOD

A new method for ascites filtration and reinfusion, which uses a singl e Cuprophan filter and is performed in the dialysis unit, is reported, Thirty-one procedures were performed in 17 patients with cirrhosis an d massive ascites, A mean volume of 8.6 L of ascitic fluid was removed ; from this volume, 5 L were ultrafiltered and a concentrated ascitic fluid was reinfused ((x) over bar = 359.8 mt). The whole procedure was completed in a mean time of 248 minutes. No relevant method-related c omplications were detected. Moreover, no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, plasma and urinary electrolytes, or p latelet count were found, even in the case of repeated procedures (two to nine times), The reinfused fluid contained a mean value of albumin of 4.7 g/dL and significant amounts of globulins and complement. The overall cost of the materials used in the procedure ($49.46) offered c ompetitive advantages with respect to other types of frequently used m ethods, In conclusion, we present a safe, effective, and time- and cos t-saving technique for ascites reinfusion that represents an advantage ous alternative to more complicated and expensive methods or to the cu rrently used medical therapy. (C) 1997 by the National Kidney Foundati on, Inc.