The Liver Meeting 2019-Pathophysiology of Sodium Retention and Kidney Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Ascites

Pathophysiology of Sodium Retention and Kidney Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Ascites

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video transcript discusses the pathophysiology of sodium retention and kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic ascites. It details how sodium retention occurs in the natural history of cirrhosis, leading to difficult-to-treat ascites and eventually refractory ascites with avid sodium retention. The liver's distortion increases resistance to portal flow, contributing to portal hypertension and vasodilatation. This results in decreased effective arterial blood volume and activation of vasoconstrictor systems, leading to renal dysfunction. The role of bacterial translocation, inflammation, and extracellular vesicles in mediating renal damage is also explored. Strategies like immersion in water and albumin infusion to counteract sodium retention and inflammation are discussed as potential treatments. The complexities of renal dysfunction in cirrhosis extend beyond hemodynamics and highlight the multifaceted nature of the condition.

Asset Caption

Presenter: Florence Wong

Keywords

pathophysiology

sodium retention

kidney dysfunction

cirrhotic ascites

portal hypertension

renal dysfunction