Ultrafiltration for intractable ascites after liver transplantation

Abstract

A 5.7 year old boy with α1-antitrypsin deficiency developed intractable ascites after liver transplantation. Conservative treatment was unsuccessful and after 18 days concentrated ascitic fluid was reinfused intravenously using a Gambro haemofilter. The ascitic loss resolved rapidly. This new method of ultrafiltration proved simple and effective.