Is chylous ascites fatal?

Chylous ascites is unrelenting and can be fatal; death results from malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, dehydration, and sepsis. Treatment consists of a low-fat or medium-chain triglyceride, high-protein enteral diet; repeated paracentesis; and total parenteral nutrition.

At what stage of cirrhosis does ascites occur?

Ascites is the main complication of cirrhosis,3 and the mean time period to its development is approximately 10 years. Ascites is a landmark in the progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life; mortality is estimated to be 50% in 2 years.

How long can you live with ascites due to cirrhosis?

Most cases have a mean survival time between 20 to 58 weeks, depending on the type of malignancy as shown by a group of investigators. Ascites due to cirrhosis usually is a sign of advanced liver disease and it usually has a fair prognosis.

How do you treat chylous ascites?

How Is Chylous Ascites Treated?

1. removing fluid from the belly with a needle.
2. placing a drain in the belly so the fluid can flow out.
3. helping the body make less chyle with medicine, a low-fat diet, or IV nutrition (total parenteral nutrition, or TPN)
4. interventional radiology to fix the lymph vessel.

Is ascites the end-stage?

Patients with abnormal liver function who develop ascites, variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, or renal impairment are considered to have end-stage liver disease (ESLD).

What is chylous ascites?

Chylous ascites (CA) is an uncommon form of ascites, defined as the leakage of the lipid-rich lymph into the peritoneal cavity [1]. Damage or obstruction to the lymphatic system or one of its tributaries produces ascites with a turbid or milky appearance from the high triglyceride content [1].

What causes ascites with a milky appearance?

Damage or obstruction to the lymphatic system or one of its tributaries produces ascites with a turbid or milky appearance from the high triglyceride content [ 1

What is milky ascitic fluid in cirrhosis?

The presence of a milky, creamy appearing ascitic fluid with triglyceride content above 200 mg/dL is diagnostic, and, in the majority of cases, unless there is a strong suspicion of malignancy, further investigations are not required in patients with cirrhosis.

Where does the cisterna chyli receive lymph?

The cisterna chyli receives lymph from the right and left lumbar trunks and from the intestinal trunk. Chylous effusions develop when these are injured or obstructed [ 6 ]. Routes for drainage of lymph from lymph trunks into the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts. The green arrows indicate the direction of lymph flow.