The role of splanchnic vasoconstrictor in decreasing peripheral vasodilatation to reduce ascites formation of liver cirrhosis

Abstract

The peripheral vasodilatation causes relative underfilling of the vascular compartment, which lead to ascites formation. A synthetic analogue of somatostatin has been shown to reduce splanchnic blood flow. The role of splanchnic vasoconstrictor in reducing peripheral vasodilatation is not yet elucidated. The aims of the study is to asses the role of splanchnic vasoconstriction on peripheral vasodilatation to decrease ascites formation. This study was a prospective, controlled, randomized on liver cirrhosis cases with ascites. Group A consisted of 7 cases were treated with spironolactone two times 100 mg a day, Group B consisted of 10 cases were treated with spironolactone two times 100 mg a day plus 0,1 mg somatostatin synthetic analogue once a day and Group C consisted of 9 patients treated with spironolactone two times 100 mg a day plus 0,1 mg somatostatin synthetic analogue three times a day. At the entry of the study and at the end, body weight, diuresis, biochemical test, blood electrolytes and portal blood flow were measured. The body weight and diuresis were measured every day. The decrease of body weight was significant among Group C compared to Group B and Group A (p = 0.006, p = 0.523, and p = 0.079, respectively). The diuresis effect was increased significantly among Group C compared to Group B and Group A (p = 0.028, p = 0.339, and p = 0.063, respectively). There were no increased of portal blood flow. This study proved the role of peripheral vasodilatation in water retention and ascites formation in cirrhosis cases.