Clinical Profile, Management and Short Term Follow up in Patients with Hepatic Hydrothorax- Case Series from a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Hepatic hydrothorax occurs in approximately 5-15 % of patients with cirrhosis and A/W increased risk mortality. Most present when the effusion is large cause respiratory distress. Only a minority cases resolve after sodium restriction diuretics. Here we describe clinical profile, management 4 weeks follow up 17 who were admitted to our hospital over duration 15 months (Nov 2021- Jan 2023). Methods: retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data consecutive hepatic hydrothorax. Patients had mean age 41 years out ;15 male & 2 female. 14 child class C 3 B. All MELD score > 18 grade ascites. right sided effusion, B/L effusion. having distress underwent early thoracocentesis. Results: managed dietary slow infusion albumin, furosemide terlipressin. developed ischemic complication related terlipressin, so they treated octreotide + midodrine.1 patient empyema succumbed. referred for TIPSS. The improved on their symptoms reduced pleural subsequent imaging studies at time discharge. On discharge put oral spironolactone, midodrine IV albumin (80gm/week) followed weeks. 9 13 resolution persistent Conclusion: Dietary triple therapy (albumin+ terlipressin) effective However large-scale long-term trials are needed firmly establish its firm efficacy.