[Furosemide-amiloride combination in the treatment of ascitic-edema in patients with hepatic cirrhosis].

The combination of furosemide-amiloride was used in the management of fluid retention in 16 cirrhotic patients. The study lasted 60 days. In 15 out of the 16 patients a clinical response was observed, namely increased urinary volumen and reduction of abdominal girth. The body weight was reduced by a mean of 7.7 Kg. Serum potassium rose, within normal limits, in 14 patients and a reduction of urinary potassium elimination was observed. Mild hepatic encephalopathy was noticeable in 3 cases, rapidly responding to treatment reduction or withdrawal. The combination of furosemide-amiloride seems to be of value in the management of fluid retention in liver cirrhosis and is uncommonly associated to side effects.