Ascites Next Step, Follow Up, Prevention and Outlook

Next Step

     Body weight is used as a measurement of ascites control. The goal for diuretic therapy is to lose between one to two pounds of weight per day depending upon the underlying medical conditions. Once most of the ascites fluid is gone, medication dosing will be individualized to the patient's needs.

Prevention

     Though there are many causes of ascites, the most preventable cause is alcohol abuse. Patients who drink alcohol to excess are at risk for developing liver failure and subsequent ascites.

Outlook

     Alcohol abuse is the most easily treated cause of ascites and has the best outcome. Still, for those patients who develop ascites from cirrhosis, 50% will die within three years. If refractory ascites occurs, the mortality rate at one year is 50%.