Clinical experience with the Rhône-Poulenc ascites reinfusion apparatus.

ONLY six patients with cirrhosis and ascites have been treated with the Rh6ne-Poulenc ascites reinfusion apparatus. They were admitted 24 hr before the initiation of the treatment in an intensive care unit for patients with liver diseases. On the previous day, and during the procedure, the following were observed hourly: respiratory rate; heart rate; blood pressure; central venous pressure; portal pressure by catheterization of a para-umbilical vein; urine volume and body temperature. The concentration in urine, plasma and ultrafiltrate of urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium as well as osmolality were determined every six hours during the procedure. The volume of ultrafiltrate was also recorded. All the patients had a normal ECG, chest X-ray and heart on physical examination and none had infection of the ascitic fluid.