Ascites associated with end-stage renal disease.

Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms are reviewed in 138 patients reported in the literature to have had ascites associated with end-stage renal disease. Contributing mechanisms may include fluid overload, peritoneal membrane changes (not necessarily related to peritoneal dialysis), hypoproteinemia, and lymphatic drainage disturbances. In 15% of cases, extensive evaluations may reveal an underlying disease. The most effective therapy may be kidney transplantation.