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The Significance of the Furosemide Test for Predicting Ascites Control by Diuretics in Cirrhotics: A Comparison with Volume Expansion and Octreotide Infusion

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Abstract

To verify prospectively the usefulness of the furosemide-induced natriuresis test in predicting ascites control by medical treatment, 15 stable cirrhotics (9 male) with ascites were studied. Sodium excretion was measured after this test and after volume expansion with saline associated with intravenous infusion of octreotide; 6 months later, response to medical treatment was rated as good (N=9) or poor (N=6). Patients with poor ascites control had lower sodium excretion with the furosemide-induced natriuresis test (median, 88 vs 201 mmol; P < 0.01). Poor control was observed in four of four patients with sodium excretion ≤125 mmol, and good control in six of six patients with sodium excretion >175 mmol (P < 0.002). Volume expansion was followed by limited natriuresis (median, 20 mmol), in inverse relationship with plasma active renin concentration (P < 0.001). In conclusion, long-term ascites control is well predicted by the furosemide-induced natriuresis test.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Pathology—Medicine (DPMSC), University of Udine, Udine, Italy

    Pierluigi Toniutto, Carlo Fabris & Luca Apollonio

  2. Department of Medical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, Novara, Italy

    Mario Pirisi, Kalliopi Sereti & Ettore G. Bartoli

  3. Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara (NO), Italy

    Mario Pirisi

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  1. Pierluigi Toniutto
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  2. Mario Pirisi
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  3. Carlo Fabris
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  4. Luca Apollonio
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  5. Kalliopi Sereti
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  6. Ettore G. Bartoli
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Correspondence to Mario Pirisi.

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Toniutto, P., Pirisi, M., Fabris, C. et al. The Significance of the Furosemide Test for Predicting Ascites Control by Diuretics in Cirrhotics: A Comparison with Volume Expansion and Octreotide Infusion. Dig Dis Sci 51, 1992–1997 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-005-9072-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-005-9072-2

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