What are the complications of advanced cirrhosis with ascites?

Generally, complications that may arise in the late stages of cirrhosis with ascites include electrolyte disturbances, infections, hepatorenal syndrome, bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow medical instructions for treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Electrolyte disturbances: In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, significant accumulation of ascitic fluid may alter the distribution of electrolytes in the body. Common electrolyte disturbances include hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Appropriate medications such as furosemide tablets, bismuth potassium citrate tablets, and potassium chloride oral solution should be used timely as directed by a physician.

2. Infections: Patients with cirrhosis and ascites have weakened immune systems, and the presence of ascites provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth, making bacterial infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis more likely. Infections can worsen liver function and potentially lead to multiple organ failure. Patients should use medications such as ornidazole dispersible tablets, minocycline hydrochloride capsules, and ibuprofen tablets as advised by their physicians to aid recovery.

3. Hepatorenal syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. It mainly presents with renal dysfunction, such as oliguria, anuria, and azotemia. Patients are advised to use medications such as cyclosporine soft capsules, mycophenolate mofetil capsules, and compound cyclophosphamide tablets under medical supervision to alleviate the condition.

4. Ruptured bleeding of esophageal varices: Patients with cirrhosis and ascites often develop esophageal varices due to portal hypertension. If the varices rupture, it can cause severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which poses a life-threatening risk. Patients should promptly use medications such as venoruton tablets, diosmin tablets, and warfarin sodium tablets as directed by their physicians.

5. Hepatic encephalopathy: Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, mainly characterized by impaired consciousness, behavioral abnormalities, and coma. Toxins in the ascites can cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain, affecting nervous system function and leading to hepatic encephalopathy. Patients should promptly use medications such as hepatoprotective tablets, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and entecavir capsules as instructed by their physicians. In some cases, hospitalization and liver transplantation might be necessary to alleviate the condition and reduce the occurrence of complications.

In daily life, patients should also pay attention to dietary management and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the burden on the liver.