Background: Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis and about 5-10% of all cases develop
refractory ascites, 50% of such patients die within 6 months of its development. Aim of the Work: to assess the usefulness of
adding midodrine beside the standard medical treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites. Patients and
Methods: This study included 78 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites or recurrent ascites, Group A: (n=37)
patients on standard medical treatment (SMT) [low sodium diet + diuretic therapy (loop diuretic in a dose 40-160 mg/day and
distal acting diuretic in a dose 100-400 mg/day + large volume paracentesis as needed] Group B: (n=41) patients with standard
medical treatment (SMT) and midodrine tolerable dose. Results: Statistical significant difference between the SMT group and
midodrine group as regard reduction in body weight and increase in mean arterial blood pressure and 24 h-urinary volume
where P value was < 0.05. Conclusion, midodrine is a safe treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis and its addition to
standard medical treatment is associated with better control of ascites.
Research Department
Research Journal
American Journal of Internal Medicine
Research Member
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Vol. 5 - No. 1
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2017
Research_Pages
NULL
Research Abstract