Management of medically refractory ascites

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Portal Hypertension

Cirrhosis is a heterogeneous disease that cannot be studied as a single entity and is classified in two main prognostic stages: compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Portal hypertension, characterized by a pathological increase of the portal pressure and by the formation of portal-systemic collaterals that bypass the liver, is the initial and main consequence of cirrhosis and is responsible for the majority of its complications. A myriad of treatment options exists for appropriately managing the most common complications of portal hypertension, including acute variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shut vs total paracentesis for treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic (TIPS) vs total paracentesis (TP) in the treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science Medline, EMBASE, CNKI, WanFang Database, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database were searched to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared TIPS vs TP in the treatment of refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. The quality assessment of RCTs and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.2 software.

RESULTS

Six studies involving 390 patients (192 cases of TIPS and 198 cases of TP) were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with TP, TIPS significantly improved liver transplantation-free (LTF) survival (HR = 0.61, P = 0.0009); reduced recurrent ascites (RR = 0.61, P < 0.0001); decreased the levels of renin [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -5.41, P < 0.00001] and aldosterone (WMD = -23.72, P = 0.02) and provided better control of water-sodium retention; and reduced the incidence rate of hepatorenal syndrome (RR = 0.38, P = 0.03). However, TIPS increased the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (RR = 1.81, P = 0.007). No significant differences were found in overall mortality, hospitalization days, the rates of gastrointestinal bleeding and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or the effects of treatment on renal and liver function between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with traditional paracentesis therapy, TIPS increased the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. However, TIPS significantly improved LTF survival, decreased the risk of recurrent ascites, provided better control of water-sodium retention, and prevented the occurrence of hepatorenal syndrome.

Prognostic factors in patients with refractory ascites treated by transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt: From the liver to the kidney

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic value of different scores (including Child-Pugh and Model for End Stage Liver Diseases) in cirrhotic patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt for refractory ascites.

METHODS

Overall, 111 patients with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt insertion between January 1998 and July 2012 were included.

RESULTS

Survival rates (without transplantation) were 82.0% at 3 months, and 59.4% at 1 year. In addition to standard parameters, a new simple classification based on platelet count and glomerular filtration rate showed strong prognostic ability and could distinguish 3 groups of patients (Log-rank test, p<0.001): a "good-prognosis" group with platelet counts above 125×10(9)L(-1) and a glomerular filtration rate above 90 mL/min (1-year survival rate 92%), a "poor-prognosis" group with platelet counts below 125×10(9)L(-1) and a glomerular filtration rate below 90 mL/min (1-year survival rate 34.8%), and an "intermediate-prognosis" group (1-year survival rate 58.2%). Multivariate analysis showed a hazard ratio of 6.34 for the intermediate class and of 12.623 for the high class.

CONCLUSIONS

A new and simple classification including platelet count and glomerular filtration rate is highly predictive of survival in patients with refractory ascites treated with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt and could be used to select patients for this procedure.

Persistent ascites due to sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis mimicking ovarian carcinoma: A case report

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, also known as 'Cocoon Syndrome', is a rare cause of bowel obstruction. The condition might be congenital or acquired and has non-specific symptomatology. Abdominal pain occurs due to the limitation of intestinal motility or segment obstruction by a thick homogenous fibrotic mantle covering the intra-peritoneal organs. Altered peritoneal fluid dynamics result in persistent ascites. Leading pathogenic theories are not well defined, but genetic factors, retrograde trans-tubal flow of causative agents, peritoneal infections, medications and peritoneal invasive procedures are all thought to play a role. There are no specific diagnostic criteria and exact diagnosis is only confirmed during surgery when the investing thick fibrous folds covering the bowel loops are visualised. We present here a case that had been suspected to have an ovarian malignancy due to a huge abdominal heterogeneous mass and ascites on preoperative diagnostic workup, but had a final diagnosis of abdominal Cocoon Syndrome made during surgery.

Percutaneous placement and management of the Denver shunt for portal hypertensive ascites

OBJECTIVE

Many patients with cirrhotic effusions in the peritoneal and pleural spaces lead a difficult existence. In addition to their decreased mobility and physical discomfort, they spend hours in the hospital or an outpatient facility undergoing peritoneal and pleural drainage. Liver transplantation is the ultimate solution for those with cirrhotic effusions refractory to medical management; however, most are on a long waiting list, forcing them to undergo a year or more of percutaneous centesis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts offer relief to those with cirrhotic ascites but at the cost of accelerated hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy. This article will review the development of the peritoneovenous and pleurovenous shunt, discuss reasons for its loss of favor, and suggest its current role in the armamentarium of the interventional radiologist.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneovenous and pleurovenous shunt creation is a procedure that has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of the patient by controlling the fluid collections, reducing dependence on frequent drainage procedures, improving renal function, and reducing protein loss.

Management of refractory ascites

Ascites that does not respond or recurs after high-dose diuresis and sodium restriction should be considered refractory ascites. As cirrhosis advances, the escaping fluid overwhelms the lymphatic return. Decrease in renal plasma flow leads to increased sodium reabsorption at the proximal tubule leading to decreased responsiveness to loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid antagonists, which work distally. These complex hemodynamic alterations lead to refractory ascites. In refractory ascites, high-dose diuresis (400 mg of spironolactone and 160 mg of furosemide) and sodium restriction (<90 mmol/d) result in inadequate weight loss and sub optimal sodium excretion (<78 mmol/d). Further use of diuretics is limited by complications such as encephalopathy, azotemia, renal insufficiency, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia. Therapy for refractory ascites is limited. The available therapies are repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, peritoneovenous shunts, investigational medical therapies, and liver transplantation. LVP with concomitant volume expanders is the initial treatment of choice. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic seems to be superior to LVP in reducing the need for repeated paracentesis and improves the quality of life. Several treatments that act at different steps in the pathogenesis of ascites are investigational, and some show promising results. Splanchnic and peripheral vasoconstrictors (Octreotide, Midodrine, and Terlipressin) increase effective arterial volume and decrease activation of the renin-angiotensin system with resultant increase in renal sodium excretion. Clonidine when given with spironolactone has been shown to cause rapid mobilization of ascites by significantly decreasing the sympathetic activity and renin-aldosterone levels. Natural aquaretics and synthetic V2 receptor antagonists (satavaptan) are being evaluated for mobilization of ascites by increasing the excretion of solute-free water. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy for refractory ascites. Because refractory ascites is a poor prognostic sign, liver transplantation should be considered and incorporated early in the treatment plan.

Denver peritoneovenous shunts for the management of malignant ascites: a review of the literature in the post LeVeen Era

Most case series describing peritoneovenous (PV) shunts for malignant ascites include both LeVeen and Denver shunts. Conclusions based on these studies are no longer clinically relevant since the LeVeen shunt has been discontinued. The purpose of this study was to identify outcomes specific to Denver shunts to establish expected results in the modern era. Case series describing PV shunts for malignant ascites between 1980 and 2008 were identified through a keyword PUBMED search. Whenever possible, results attributable to Denver shunts were abstracted and analyzed. Nineteen series describing 341 patients undergoing 353 Denver PV shunts for malignant ascites were identified. The primary indications for PV shunts were unspecified or cancers of unknown origin (40%), ovarian cancer (16%), and pancreatic cancer (8%). Primary patency averaged 87 ± 57 days. Seventy-four per cent of patients died with functioning shunts. Complications occurred in 38% of patients including occlusion (24%) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (9%). Average survival of all patients was 3.0 ± 1.7 months and shunts provided effective palliation in 75.3%. One and a half per cent of 133 patients who had autopsies were reported to have hematologic dissemination. These results are not statistically different than overall results reported for both shunts combined or LeVeen shunts alone. Studies that report combined outcomes with Denver and LeVeen shunts for malignant ascites are neither negatively, nor positively influenced by one specific shunt. Expectations following PV shunting for malignant ascites do not have to be revised because LeVeen shunts are no longer available.

Evaluation and management of patients with refractory ascites

Some patients with ascites due to liver cirrhosis become no longer responsive to diuretics. Once other causes of ascites such as portal vein thrombosis, malignancy or infection and non-compliance with medications and low sodium diet have been excluded, the diagnosis of refractory ascites can be made based on strict criteria. Patients with refractory ascites have very poor prognosis and therefore referral for consideration for liver transplantation should be initiated. Search for reversible components of the underlying liver pathology should be undertaken and targeted therapy, when available, should be considered. Currently, serial large volume paracentesis (LVP) and transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) are the two mainstay treatment options for refractory ascites. Other treatment options are available but not widely used either because they carry high morbidity and mortality (most surgical options) rates, or are new interventions that have shown promise but still need further evaluation. In this comprehensive review, we describe the evaluation and management of patients with refractory ascites from the prospective of the practicing physician.

Peritoneovenous shunting for intractable chylous ascites complicated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis

A 38-year-old woman was admitted due to lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)-associated massive chylous ascites and progressive cachexia. She was incidentally diagnosed to have ascites during her regular physical check-up two years previously and LAM was revealed as its underlying cause. Periodic paracentesis was required to ameliorate ascites-associated symptoms, but resulted in lymphocytopenia, malnutrition, and deterioration of general status. Ascites was refractory to diuretics and fat-restricted diet. Peritoneovenous shunt (Denver shunt) was placed and thereafter ascites has been managed successfully without any complications for one year after the placement. Peritoneovenous shunt should be considered in LAM patients whose chylous ascites can not be managed with conservative treatments.

Implantation of a skin graft tube to create a saphenoperitoneal shunt for refractory ascites

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effectiveness of placing a skin tube in the subcutaneous plane to manage refractory ascites by draining the ascitic fluid from the peritoneal cavity into the long saphenous vein.

METHODS

Twenty patients with refractory ascites underwent this technique which was performed in two stages. In the first stage, a thin piece of partial thickness skin graft was rolled into a tube and implanted in the subcutaneous plane of the lower abdomen and the upper thigh near and parallel to the upper segment of the long saphenous vein. In the second stage, which was done 3 months later, we anastomosed the upper end of the skin tube to the peritoneal cavity and the lower end of the skin tube to the long saphenous vein. The follow-up period was 4 years.

RESULTS

There was no mortality. The complications consisted of hematoma formation in two patients, wound infection in three, and ascitic fluid leakage from the upper anastomosis in three. All these complications were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that creating a saphenoperitoneal shunt with a skin graft tube interposition is a novel, safe, and cost-effective technique of resolving the problem of refractory ascites.

Peritoneovenous shunt as a bridge to liver transplantation

Intractable ascites carries great morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) in patients listed for liver transplantation (LT). Between January 1999 and January 2004, PVS was inserted in 36 (30 males and 6 females) cirrhotic patients, 50.3 years of median age (range: 30-66), who failed multiple large-volume paracenteses and diuretic therapy, when listed for LT. Data were collected until LT or the present time, and were compared to an historical cohort (1997-1998) as control. No operative death occurred. Four patients died before LT in a median delay of 9 months after PVS insertion. PVS provided palliation for intractable ascites in 30 patients (83%). Renal function significantly improved (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) improved from 0.642 to 0.987 mL/s, p<0.05). Eighteen patients were transplanted in a median delay of 6 months (range: 3-12 months) after PVS insertion. When compared to the historical cohort of 18 patients, the occurrence of post-LT acute renal failure was significantly lower in the PVS group (3/18 vs. 13/18, p<0.05). Our results suggest that PVS might be beneficial in patients with refractory ascites waiting for LT and could prevent postoperative acute renal failure.

Role of different techniques for the placement of Denver peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) in malignant ascites

The aim of the study is to evaluate 3 different techniques of Denver peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) placement. Fifty-three patients with malignant ascites underwent placement of 55 Denver PVS by a surgical (33 cases) or percutaneous (18) or laparoscopically assisted (4) procedure. There were 2 cases of postoperative mortality due to cardiac failure, and 7 cases of shunt obstruction (2 of them required replacement). Twenty patients underwent subsequent palliative treatment with chemotherapy or surgery. Complication and control of ascites rates are similar for the 3 techniques. Placement of Denver PVS for the treatment of malignant ascites appears to be a safe and useful procedure. Surgical dissection of the jugular vein is not mandatory. The percutaneous technique is the easiest, fastest, and least invasive procedure. Laparoscopic-assisted positioning is recommended if a peritoneal biopsy and/or abdominal exploration is required for a definitive diagnosis.

TIPS versus peritoneovenous shunt in the treatment of medically intractable ascites: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

We undertook a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing TIPS to peritoneovenous (PV) shunts in the treatment of medically intractable ascites to establish relative efficacy and morbidity, and thereby superiority, between these shunts.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients were prospectively randomized to undergo TIPS or peritoneovenous (Denver) shunts. All patients had failed medical therapy.

RESULTS

After TIPS versus peritoneovenous shunts, median (mean +/- SD) duration of shunt patency was similar: 4.4 months (6 +/- 6.6 months) versus 4.0 months (5 +/- 4.6 months). Assisted shunt patency was longer after TIPS: 31.1 months (41 +/- 25.9 months) versus 13.1 months (19 +/- 17.3 months) (P < 0.01, Wilcoxon test). Ultimately, after TIPS 19% of patients had irreversible shunt occlusion versus 38% of patients after peritoneovenous shunts. Survival after TIPS was 28.7 months (41 +/- 28.7 months) versus 16.1 months (28 +/- 29.7 months) after peritoneovenous shunts. Control of ascites was achieved sooner after peritoneovenous shunts than after TIPS (73% vs. 46% after 1 month), but longer-term efficacy favored TIPS (eg, 85% vs. 40% at 3 years).

CONCLUSION

TIPS and peritoneovenous shunts treat medically intractable ascites. Absence of ascites after either is uncommon. PV shunts control ascites sooner, although TIPS provides better long-term efficacy. After either shunt, numerous interventions are required to assist patency. Assisted shunt patency is better after TIPS. Treating medically refractory ascites with TIPS risks early shunt-related mortality for prospects of longer survival with ascites control. This study promotes the application of TIPS for medically intractable ascites if patients undergoing TIPS have prospects beyond short-term survival.