The influence of a peritoneovenous shunt for cirrhotic and malignant intractable ascites on renal function

Background Peritoneovenous shunts (PVS) are widely used for palliation of intractable ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) or liver cirrhosis (LC). Some patients who need PVS have renal dysfunction. However, renal dysfunction is considered a relative contraindication. Therefore, it is important to assess renal function before PVS placement. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between PVS and renal function. Material and Methods Between October 2007 and July 2015, 60 patients (PC = 47; LC = 10; others = 3) underwent PVS placement for intractable ascites. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively analyzed. Results Changes in eGFR before, one day after, and one week after PVS placement could be evaluated in 46 patients. The median eGFR before, one day after, and one week after was 56.5, 59.1, and 64.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P < 0.05). These values were 61.6, 72, and 67.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, in PC patients (n = 34; P < 0.05) and 28.5, 27, and 37.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, in LC patients (n = 10; P < 0.05). In 17 patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction (eGFR < 45), these values were 23.4, 23.7, and 30.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The most frequent AE was PVS catheter obstruction, which occurred in 12 patients (20.7%). Clinical disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred in six patients (10.3%) and caused death in three patients (5.2%). Conclusion PVS placement for intractable ascites is associated with various AEs. However, PVS appeared to promote renal function, especially in patients with renal impairment.