Résumé
Background: the objective of this study was to determine the etiological diagnosis in patients presenting with ascites and to study various modes of clinical presentations as well as the frequency of Hepatitis Band C in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is a descriptive study. The study was performed in the medical department at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from 1st December, 2006 to 31st May, 2007 for six months
Subjects and methods: all the patients admitted in the medical wards with confirmed ascites were sorted out for different etiologies. The patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, intestinal obstruction and perforation, appendicitis and pregnancy were excluded. A detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations were documented. Ascetic fluid drawn with proper aseptic technique was examined for biochemistry, microscopy, culture and sensitivity as well as cytology. Data was analyzed using SPSS 10.0
Result: a total of 50 patients with ascites [37 males and 13 females, mean age 58.8 +/- 15.9 years] were studied. Liver cirrhosis accounted for 84% of cases [hepatitis B cirrhosis 38% , hepatitis C cirrhosis 42% and both 4%] followed by tuberculous peritonitis 6% , malignancy 6% , and congestive heart failure 2% , and nephrotic syndrome 2% . Other presentations were gastrointestinal bleed 50% , fever 40% , Jaundice 14% , breath less ness 8% and 2% were asymptomatic
Conclusion: the results conclude liver cirrhosis's as the most common cause of ascites. Hepatitis B and C infections are playing this havoc role. The other common clinical presentations were gastrointestinal bleeding, fever, and jaundice