Ascites following renal transplantation.

Idiopathic ascites has been described in patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. The mechanism responsible for ascites formation in these patients is unknown, and therapy has been generaly unsuccessful. However, renal transplantation has been associated with resolution of this form of ascites. We describe a patient who was free of ascites during maintenance dialysis, in whom ascites developed following renal transplantation associated with transient impairment of renal function. No specific cause of the ascites was found. Resolution of ascited occurred as renal function improved. This experience extends the spectrum of idiopathic ascites in uremic patients to the transplant recipient.