CLINICAL PROFILE OF ASCITES

Purna Chandra Karua*, Aman Kedia and Gouri Oram

ABSTRACT

Background: Ascites is defined as the accumulation of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Fluid accumulates when it enters the peritoneal cavity from the mesenteries, the peritoneum and hepatic surface at a rate greater than can be returned to the circulation via the capillaries and lymphatics. Objective: To determine the causes of Ascites and the characteristics of adult patients with Ascites in our hospital and the rate of complications like Hepatic Encephalopathy, Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed in our settings. Methods: Blood sugar estimated by Glucose oxidase- peroxidase method. Blood urea estimated by Bertheld method. Serum creatinine estimated by Jaffe’s kinetic method. Serum Na+ and serum K+ estimated by flame photometer. ALT estimated by kinetic method- IFCC. Ascitic fluid Glucose estimated by GOD POD method. Ascitic fluid protein estimated by Sulpho-salicylic acid method. 24 hrs Urine protein estimated by sulpho-salicylic acid method.

Keywords: capillaries and lymphatics.