FREQUENCY OF CAUSES OF ASCITES IN PATIENTS ADMITTED AT MEDICAL UNIT OF A TERTIARY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY

Authors

  • Mumtaz Ali Shaikh
  • Jehangir Khan
  • Suhail Almani
  • Dur -e- Yakta
  • Dargahi Shaikh

Abstract

Background: Ascites can be defined as accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is themost common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of health, increasedrisks of infections, renal failure and a poor long-term outcome. This descriptive analytical studywas conducted on one hundred and fifty diagnosed patients of ascites consecutively admitted inmedical unit of tertiary care facility attached to Muhammad Medical College, Mirpur Khas, Sindh,from Oct 2006 to Sep 2008. Methods: Special proforma was prepared containing patients’ basicinformation, history, clinical findings and investigations necessary to diagnose the cause ofascites. Patients with ascites due to perforation and intraperitoneal bleeding were excluded fromthe study. Serum-ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) was calculated and patients were grouped intohigh and low SAAG groups. The obtained data was analysed using SPSS-11. Results: In thisstudy 150 patients of ascites were included. Patients were arranged in two groups. High SAAG‘high portal pressure’ group and low SAAG ‘low portal pressure’ group. In high SAAG grouppatients included were 128 (85.33%), and in low SAAG group patients included were 22(14.66%). In high SAAG group, out of 128 (85.33%) patients 122 (81.33%) were of cirrhoticascites, [(viral hepatitis B, C and combined 105 (70%), alcoholic 7 (4.66%), cryptogenic 10(6.66%)], heart failure ascitic patients were 5 (3.33%), and constrictive pericarditis 1 (0.66). Inlow SAAG group out of 22 (14.66%) patients malignant ascites was (primary peritonealcarcinomatosis and metastasis) 11 (7.33%), tuberculous ascites was 10 (6.66%), and ascites due tonephrotic syndrome was 1 (0.66%). Conclusion: As large number of cases of ascites are due tocirrhosis of liver that has little or no cure in developing countries. Media and NGO’s shouldfurther work to increase awareness of this deadly problem.Keywords: Ascites, SAAG, cirrhosis

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Published

2010-04-01

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2010): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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