Pathogenesis of ascites in hepatosplenic shistosomiasis

Twenty two cases with hepatosplenic bilharzial affection in different stages, and 10 normal subjects were studied clinically, biochemically and by radio immunoassay methods. It was found that, Hypoalbuminaemia was very marked in terminal ascitic cases, but in premature ascites it w.as insignificant when compared to non ascitic hepatosplenic schistosmiasis. Hyperaldosteronism was significant in cases of ascites, premature or terminal, not related to plasmarenin activity, and even present in bilharzial cases without ascites. Thus, the use of aldosterone antagonists in the treatment of premature and terminal ascites is encouraged even its use in non ascitic cases may be considered to delay or prevent the development of ascites