Abstract

STUDY OF CORRELATION OF UREA, CREATININE, SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION BETWEEN ASCITIC FLUID AND VENOUS BLOOD IN ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

Dr. Sunanda Amonkar*, Dr. Sagar Badachi, Dr. Chitra Y. Dhume and Dr. Mitchelle Menezes

Abstract

Treatment of ascitic cirrhosis requires monitoring of blood biochemistry. Regular blood sampling can become difficult in these patients due to their limited venous access. A direct measure of ascites could simplify the medical procedure. This strategy depends on an excellent correlation between venous blood and ascitic fluid levels of the various biochemical parameters monitored. Hence we have studied the correlation of urea, creatinine and electrolytes between ascitic fluid and venous blood in cirrhosis, both before diuretics and after initiating diuretics. The study was conducted in over a period of 24 months in Goa Medical College and Hospital. Diagnosis and classification of cirrhosis was made based on Childpugh Classification and signs and symptoms like swelling of abdomen, asterixis, gynaecomastia, spider angioma, palmar, erythema, duputryen contracture, pedal edema, jaundice, parotid swelling, inversion of sleep rhythm, past history of melena, past history of hematemesis, anorexia, weakness and pallor. Two hundred concomitant ascitic fluid and blood samples were obtained from 100 patients, at first visit (before diuretic therapy) and after initiating diuretic therapy. In ascetic fluid and blood of cirrhotic patients at first visit the results were respectively 28.41±6.943 and 29.43±6.958 for Urea (r=0.984, p

Keywords: Cirrhosis, Acites, Diuretic, Paracentesis.