Microcirculatory changes in the liver of patients with refractory ascites and their relationship with diabetes and alcohol

Abstract

Objectives: The determinants of refractory ascites have not been fully characterized. The aims of this study were to assess liver histopathological alterations associated with refractory ascites and their relationship with comorbidities.

Methods: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation were retrospectively included. Patients' characteristics at the time of listing were analysed. The native livers were reviewed and lesions associated with refractory ascites were examined.

Results: Out of the 89 patients included, 30 had refractory ascites and 59 did not (including 35 without ascites and 24 with diuretic-sensitive ascites). Patients with and without refractory ascites had a similar amount of fibrous tissue and features of fatty liver disease. By contrast, microvascular changes, namely sinusoidal dilatation (P < 0.001), diffuse perisinusoidal fibrosis (P = 0.001), hepatic venous thromboses (P = 0.004) and vascular proliferation (P = 0.01) were more frequently observed in the livers of patients with refractory ascites. Diabetes (57% vs. 31%, P = 0.02) and alcohol as a causal factor for cirrhosis (80% vs. 42%, P = 0.001) were more frequent in patients with refractory ascites than in those without. By multivariate analysis, refractory ascites was independently associated with diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) 6.15 (1.47-25.71); P = 0.01], alcohol as a causal factor for cirrhosis [OR (95% CI) 4.63 (1.07-20.02); P = 0.04], higher Model For End Stage Liver Diseases [OR (95% CI) 1.21 (1.05-1.38); P = 0.008] and lower serum sodium [OR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.78-0.98); P = 0.03].

Conclusion: Liver microcirculatory changes are associated with refractory ascites. Diabetes and alcohol may explain refractory ascites by causing microangiopathy.