ROLE OF PERITONEAL ABSORPTION IN ASCITES

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 141  (5) , 693-698
Abstract
The movement of water, electrolytes and protein across the peritoneum was studied experimentally and clinically in ascites. In the experimental studies, large amounts of solutions of various osmolar and colloid osmolar concentrations were infused rapidly into the peritoneal cavities of 32 dogs. In 26 dogs, the ureters were ligated before the experiment was begun; the other 6 dogs served as controls; clinical studies were done in 5 patients with ascites. Tritium, 35S and RISA (iodinated 131I serum albumin) dilution techniques were used to study the kinetics of the different components of periotoneal fluid. The rate of fluid movement across the peritoneal membrane was influenced by the composition of the i.p. fluid, as well as by the properties of the membrane itself. An asymmetric pattern of peritoneal absorption rate of the different compositional elements of ascitic fluid was observed; this seems to interrelate with dynamic equilibrium which develops between ascites and physiologic body fluid compartments. No cessation of peritoneal fluid absorption of a maximal reabsorption rate was observed but variations in the rate of peritoneal absorption due to miscellaneous influences are possible.

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