Current treatment options of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Refractory ascites is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis and treatment options consist in large volume paracentesis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, alfapump®, peritoneovenous shunt and permanent indwelling peritoneal catheter.

AIM: Our aim was to assess the efficacy, mortality and complications of each treatment.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review using Pubmed and Embase. Frequencies were summarized with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven studies were included. In patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, 1-year mortality was 33% (95% CI 0.29-0.39, I2=82.1; τ2 = 0.37; p<0.001) with lower mortality in newer studies (26% vs. 44%). At 6 months, mortality in patients with alfapump® was 24% (95% CI 0.16-0.33, I2=0.00; τ2 = 0.00; p = 0.83), 31% developed acute kidney injury (95% CI 0.18-0.48, I2=44.0; τ2 = 0.22; p = 0.15). Mortality at 12 months was 44% (95% CI 32%-58%, I2=76.7, τ2 = 0.44, p<0.001) in peritoneovenous shunts and 45% (95% CI 38%-53%, I2=61.4, τ2 = 0.18, p = 0.003) in large volume paracentesis, respectively. Overall mortality in patients with permanent indwelling catheters was 66% (95% CI 33%-89%, I2=82.5, τ2 = 1.57, p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION: Mortality in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was lower in newer studies, probably due to a better patient selection. Acute kidney injury was frequent in patients with alfapump®. Permanent indwelling catheters seemed to be a good option in a palliative setting.