原发性胆汁性胆管炎-自身免疫性肝炎重叠综合征的诊治

自身免疫性肝病(AILD)包括原发性胆汁性胆管炎(PBC)、自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)、原发性硬化性胆管炎(PSC)。患者可在初诊时或随访的过程中出现2种AILD的特征,通常将这种情况称为“重叠综合征”,其中以PBC重叠AIH最为常见。与单纯PBC或AIH相比,PBC-AIH重叠综合征门静脉高压、消化道出血、腹水、死亡及肝移植发生率明显升高,病情进展也更迅速,因此,其早诊早治显得尤为重要。对近年PBC-AIH重叠综合征的诊治进展进行综述。     

164例自身免疫性肝病临床分析

目的 分析比较自身免疫性肝炎（autoimmune hepatitis，AIH）、原发性胆汁性肝硬化（primary biliary cirrhosis，PBC）、原发性硬化性胆管炎（primary sclerosing cholangltis）及其重叠综合征的临床特点、生化特征和治疗反应，提高对自身免疫性肝病的认识。方法对77例AIH患者、46例PBC患者、11例PSC患者和30例PBC-AIH重叠综合征患者的临床及实验室检查资料进行回顾性分析。结果除PSC外，大多数自身免疫性肝病多发于中年女性，从出现症状到明确诊断平均需要2．5年。AIH、PBC-AIH重叠患者具有较高的转氨酶，PBC、PSC具有较明显的GGT、ALP升高。临床表现上AIH、PBC、PSC、AIH-PBC黄疸发生率分别为84％、78％、90％和67％，皮肤瘙痒的发生率分别为43％、56％、81％和60％。PSC和AIH-PBC具有较高的AIH评分，27％的PSC患者和33％AIH-PBC的评分达到可能的AIH。合理应用UDCA和免疫抑制剂可使90％的PBC和AIH患者症状在六个月内得到缓解、肝功能恢复明显改善。结论 AIH、PBC-AIH的肝功能异常以转氨酶升高为主，PBC、PSC以胆汁淤积为主。应用AIH评分系统诊断可能的AIH时应注意鉴别PSC及其它自身免疫性肝病。UDCA和免疫抑制剂可改善绝大多数患者的症状和肝功能异常。     

熊去氧胆酸治疗无重叠和有重叠特征原发性胆汁性肝硬化的疗效及生存分析

目的观察熊去氧胆酸（ursodeoxyeholicacid,UDCA）对具有自身免疫性肝炎（autoimmunehepatitis,AIH）重叠特征的原发性胆汁性肝硬化（Drimarybiliarycirrhosis．PBC）和单纯PBC患者的疗效以及对生存期的影响。方法回顾性分析20例因PBC死亡的患者,以患者死亡为研究终点,采用简化评分标准进行分组。其中12例诊断可能为AIH,将此12例具重叠特征和8例无重叠特征的PBC患者分别进行研究,分析2组在UDCA初治及研究终点时的临床特征、UDCA治疗的生化学应答及生存期情况。结果2组在UDCA治疗基线的PLT、ALP、GGT、ALT、AST、ALB、TBIL、TBA、CRE、PT、INR水平及梅奥风险评分差异均无统计学意义,而抗核抗体或抗平滑肌抗体≥1：80的阳性率、血清球蛋白或IgG／〉1．1倍正常值上限的百分比及AIH治疗前的简化评分差异均有统计学意义。UDCA治疗后有重叠特征组的生存时间为（24．4＋16．5）个月,中位生存时间为22．0个月;无重叠特征组生存时间为（60．6＋43-3）个月,中位生存时间为50．5个月。采用Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,重叠特征组经过UDCA治疗后预后较差,Log-rank检验结果显示2组生存时间差异有统计学意义。在导致死亡的原因中,2组发病率差异均无统计学意义,但数据显示上消化道出血仍为主要死亡原因。结论对于巴黎标准不能确诊而简化评分标准可确诊的AIH—PBC患者,单纯UDCA治疗预后差,生存时间较无重叠特征的PBC患者短。     

Overlap of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis: Characteristics,therapy, and long term outcomes

Background: Coexistence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is referred to as PBC‐AIH overlap. Pathogenesis of PBC‐AIH is not well understood and its diagnosis is challenging. We previously reported the clinical characteristics of 10 patients diagnosed with PBC‐AIH overlap. Aims: The aim of the study was extend the earlier series and evaluate the diagnostic criteria, biological characteristics, potential therapy, and long‐term outcomes of patients with PBC‐AIH overlap. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of 144 patients diagnosed with PBC and 73 diagnosed with AIH. We identified 16 cases of PBC‐AIH overlap, according to criteria established by Chazouillères et al. and other studies. PBC preceded AIH in 6 patients and both diseases occurred simultaneously in the remaining 10 patients. PBC‐AIH overlap has clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of both PBC and AIH. Thirteen patients treated with both ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and immunosuppressive therapy responded well, with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. The remaining three patients treated with either prednisolone (PSL) or UDCA alone developed cirrhosis, varices, ascites, encephalopathy, or died of liver‐related causes at the 5, 12, and 14‐year follow up. Conclusions: PBC‐AIH overlap is not a rare entity; it was observed in 11% of PBC patients in this study. Further studies will be required to investigate whether PBC‐AIH overlap is distinct from the two individual diseases in terms of long‐term outcomes and therapeutic implications.     

PBC-AIH重叠综合征临床与病理特征:一项回顾性研究

目的 通过回顾性分析研究比较原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)-自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)重叠综合征与单纯的PBC患者的临床、生化和免疫学指标以及组织学特征.方法 经我院诊断的PBC患者按目前的PBC诊断标准再评估,共计48例入选.同时用修订的国际自身免疫性肝炎协作组(International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group,IAIH-G)积分系统进行评估积分,对于AMA阳性且治疗前积分至少达到10分者,定义为PBC-AIH重叠综合征.对两组病人的临床表现、生化和免疫学指标以及组织学特征进行分析.结果 17例患者(女性占16例)为PBC-AIH重叠综合征,31例(女性占30例)不具有重叠AIH的特点为单纯PBC.PBC-AIH重叠综合征最常见的临床表现为乏力或疲劳(58.8%)、纳差(23.5%)及黄疸(23.5%).与PBC患者相比,重叠综合征患者在确诊时的平均年龄、免疫球蛋白IgM、血清ALP和GGT水平无统计学差异;而血清转氨酶水平(ALT和AST分别为:165.0±25.9 vs 87.1±8.7、177.5±32.3 vs 86.3±10.9,P均<0.01)、球蛋白和IgG水平显著升高.组织学分析提示,所有的重叠综合征患者存在中-重度界面性肝炎或碎屑样坏死,82.4%的患者存在肝细胞玫瑰花环样改变,64.7%的患者同时存在胆管病变.结论 PBC-AIH重叠综合征患者血清转氨酶水平和IgG水平明显高于单纯PBC患者,组织学主要特征为中.重度界面性肝炎、肝细胞玫瑰花环样改变以及同时伴有胆管病变.     

Development of autoimmune hepatitis in patients with typical primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by the occurrence of both conditions at the same time in the same patient. In addition to PBC-AIH overlap syndrome, transitions from one autoimmune disease to another have been reported, but no systematic series have been published. We report a series of 12 patients with consecutive occurrence of PBC and AIH (i.e., PBC followed by AIH). Among 282 PBC patients, 39 were identified who fulfilled criteria for probable or definitive AIH. AIH developed in 12 patients (4.3%). The baseline characteristics of the patients were similar to those of patients with classical PBC. Time elapsed between the diagnosis of PBC and the diagnosis of AIH varied from 6 months to 13 years. Patients with multiple flares of hepatitis at the time of diagnosis of AIH had cirrhosis on liver biopsy. Ten patients were given prednisone +/- azathioprine; short-term as well as sustained remissions were obtained in 8 of these, while two had multiple relapses and eventually died 8 and 7 years after diagnosis of AIH. In conclusion, the development of superimposed AIH could not be predicted from baseline characteristics and initial response to UDCA therapy. If not detected early, superimposed AIH can result in rapid progression toward cirrhosis and liver failure in PBC patients.     

Primary biliary cirrhosis: Pathophysiology,clinical presentation and therapy

Primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC) is an autoimmune, slowly progressive, cholestatic, liver disease characterized by a triad of chronic cholestasis, circulating anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA), and characteristic liver biopsy findings of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis and interlobular bile duct destruction. About 10% of PBC patients, however, lack AMA. A variant, called PBC-autoimmune hepatitis(AIH) overlap, is characterized by the above findings of PBC together with findings of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, elevated serum immunoglobulin G, and circulating anti-smooth muscle antibodies, with liver biopsy demonstrating periportal or periseptal, lymphocytic, piecemeal necrosis. PBC is hypothesized to be related to environmental exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals. It typically occurs in middle-aged females. Prominent clinical features include fatigue, pruritis, jaundice, xanthomas, osteoporosis, and dyslipidemia. The Mayo Risk score is the most widely used and best prognostic system. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the primary therapy. It works partly by reducing the concentration and injury from relatively toxic bile acids. PBC-AIH overlap syndrome is treated with ursodeoxycholic acid and corticosteroids, especially budesonide. Obeticholic acid and fibrate are promising new, but incompletely tested, therapies. Liver transplantation is the definitive therapy for advanced disease, with about 70% 10-year survival after transplantation. Management of pruritis includes local skin care, dermatologist referral, avoiding potential pruritogens, cholestyramine, and possibly opioid antagonists, sertraline, or rifaximin. Management of osteoporosis includes life-style modifications, administration of calcium and vitamin D, and alendronate. Statins are relatively safe to treat the osteopenia associated with PBC. Associated Sjogren's syndrome is treated by artificial tears, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion to stimulate tear production; and saliva substitutes, cholinergic agents, and scrupulous oral and dental care. Complications of cirrhosis from advanced PBC include esophageal varices, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatoma formation.     

Slowly progressive insulin-dependent diabetes in a patient with primary biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension-type progression

A 73-year-old woman had previously been diagnosed with CREST syndrome, PBC and diabetes. Hepatic fibrosis was not evident, in spite of the transudative ascites and active esophageal varices. ACA were positive, whereas AMA and anti-gp210 antibodies were negative. She showed low urinary excretion of C-peptide and was weakly positive for anti-GAD antibody. She was diagnosed with a form of PBC that progresses via portal hypertension rather than liver failure and with SPIDDM. Her HLA type did not contain risk allele for IDDM or PBC. SPIDDM should be considered when patients with PBC with portal hypertension-type progression develop diabetes.     

Indications for portal pressure measurement in chronic liver disease

Abstract Portal hypertension leads to development of serious complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. The importance of the degree of portal hypertension has been substantiated within recent years. Measurement of the portal pressure is simple and safe and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) independently predicts survival and development of complications such as ascites, HCC and bleeding from esophageal varices. Moreover, measurements of HVPG can be used to guide pharmacotherapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. Assessment of HVPG should therefore be considered as a part of the general characterization of patients with portal hypertension in departments assessing and treating this condition.     

原发性胆汁性肝硬化／自身免疫性肝炎重叠综合征28例临床和病理学分析

目的总结原发性胆汁性肝硬化（PBC）-自身免疫性肝炎（AIH）重叠综合征患者临床及组织病理学特点。方法采用2009年美国肝病学会修订的PBC诊断标准和2008年简化的AIH诊断标准,对28例PBC—AIH重叠综合征患者的临床及病理学资料进行回顾性分析。结果28例PBC—AIH重叠综合征患者ALT为154．93±28．68U／L,AST为185．21±39．25U／L,ALP为283．86±30．99U／L,γ-GT为352．36±71．15U／L,TBIL为34．15±7．79μmol／L,DBIL为11．15±0．86μmol／L,均显著高于正常人（ALT为17．8±1．60U／L,AST为20．29±1．02U／L,ALP为67．89±3．31U／L,γ-GT为20．51±3．33U／L,TBII,为11．15±0．86μmol／L,DBIL为3．35±0．28μmol／L,P〈0．05）;血清IgG和IgM升高,自身抗体中ANA（78．6％）和AMA—M2（71．4％）阳性率较高;肝穿组织可见界面性肝炎和小胆管损伤。结论PBC—AIH重叠综合征多见于女性,在临床及组织病理学上兼有PBC和AIH的双重特点。     

Indications for portal pressure measurement in chronic liver disease

Abstract

Portal hypertension leads to development of serious complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. The importance of the degree of portal hypertension has been substantiated within recent years. Measurement of the portal pressure is simple and safe and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) independently predicts survival and development of complications such as ascites, HCC and bleeding from esophageal varices. Moreover, measurements of HVPG can be used to guide pharmacotherapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. Assessment of HVPG should therefore be considered as a part of the general characterization of patients with portal hypertension in departments assessing and treating this condition.     

Overlap syndromes

In hepatology, the term overlap syndrome describes variant forms of the major hepatobiliary autoimmune diseases, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Patients with overlap syndromes present with both hepatitic and cholestatic biochemical and histological features of AIH, PBC, and/or PSC, and usually show a progressive course toward liver cirrhosis and liver failure without adequate treatment. AIH-PBC overlap syndromes have been reported in almost 10% of adults with AIH or PBC, whereas AIH-PSC overlap syndromes were found in 6 to 8% of children, adolescents, and young adults with AIH or PSC. A minority of patients may also show transition from stable PBC to AIH, AIH to PBC, or AIH to PSC, as documented by single case reports and small case series. Single cases of AIH and autoimmune cholangitis (antimitochondrial antibody-negative PBC) overlap have also been reported. Empiric medical treatment of AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC overlap syndromes includes anticholestatic therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and azathioprine. In end-stage disease, liver transplantation is the treatment of choice.     

Overlap syndromes among autoimmune liver diseases

The three major immune disorders of the liver are autoimmune hepatitis（AIH）,primary biliary cirrhosis（PBC） and primary sclerosing cholangitis（PSC）.Variant forms of these diseases are generally called overlap syndromes,although there has been no standardised definition.Patients with overlap syndromes present with both hepatitic and cholestatic serum liver tests and have histological features of AIH and PBC or PSC.The AIH-PBC overlap syndrome is the most common form,affecting almost 10% of adults with AIH or PBC.Single cases of AIH and autoimmune cholangitis（AMA-negative PBC） overlap syndrome have also been reported.The AIH-PSC overlap syndrome is predominantly found in children,adolescents and young adults with AIH or PSC.Interestingly,transitions from one autoimmune to another have also been reported in a minority of patients,especially transitions from PBC to AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.Overlap syndromes show a progressive course towards liver cirrhosis and liver failure without treatment.Therapy for overlap syndromes is empiric,since controlled trials are not available in these rare disorders.Anticholestatic therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid is usually combined with immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine in both AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC overlap syndromes.In end-stage disease,liver transplantation is the treatment of choice.     

Isolated gastric varices: splenic vein obstruction or portal hypertension?

The presence of isolated gastric varices without esophageal varices is thought to be highly suggestive of splenic vein obstruction. A review of our radiologic files revealed 14 patients with isolated gastric varices on barium studies performed during the past 10 years. Eight of the 14 patients had adequate clinical and/or radiologic follow-up to suggest the pathophysiology of the varices. Seven had evidence of portal hypertension, and the remaining patient had evidence of splenic vein obstruction. Six patients had signs of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Double-contrast upper GI examinations revealed thickened, tortuous fundal folds in 6 patients and a lobulated fundal mass in 2. Thus, most patients with isolated gastric varices have portal hypertension rather than splenic vein obstruction as the underlying cause.     

The natural history of portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients with liver cirrhosis and mild portal hypertension

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertensive gastropathy is a potential cause of bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. Studies on its natural history have often included patients submitted to endoscopic or pharmacological treatment for portal hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 222 cirrhotic patients with mild degree of portal hypertension (i.e., with no or small varices at entry, without previous gastrointestinal bleeding and medical, endoscopic, or angiographic treatment) were followed up with upper endoscopy every 12 months for 47 +/- 28 months. RESULTS: Upon enrollment 48 patients presented portal hypertensive gastropathy (43 mild and 5 severe) and the presence of esophageal varices was the only independent predictor of the presence of this gastric lesion at multivariate analysis. The incidence of portal hypertensive gastropathy was 3.0% (1.1-4.9%) at 1 yr and 24% (18.1-29.9%) at 3 yr, while the progression was 3% (1-6.9%) at 1 yr and 14% (4.2-23.8%) at 3 yr. The presence of esophageal varices and the Child-Pugh class B or C at enrollment were predictive of the incidence of portal hypertensive gastropathy, while only Child-Pugh class B or C was correlated with the progression from mild to severe, at multivariate analysis. During follow-up 16 patients bled from portal hypertensive gastropathy (9 acutely and 7 chronically) and one patient died of exsanguination from this lesion. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of portal hypertensive gastropathy is significantly influenced by the severity of liver disease and severity of portal hypertension. Acute bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy is infrequent but may be severe.     

Endoscopic Sclerotherapy for Control of Bleeding Varices in Children

Thirty-three children with esophageal varices due to portal hypertension underwent injection sclerotherapy over a period of 6 yr. Thirty-one completed the sclerotherapy course, and the varices were eradicated in all. In nine, the procedure was performed as an emergency because of continued bleeding and, in each case, a gastric fundal varix was the source of the blood loss. Sclerotherapy successfully controlled the bleeding in four of these, whereas five required surgical underrunning of the fundal varix. After surgery, these five continued sclerotherapy until the esophageal varices were eradicated. Complications included transient pyrexia (39%), retrosternal discomfort (30%), esophageal ulceration (18%), and esophageal stricture (12%). Rebleeding before initial eradication of the varices occurred in 12 patients but, thereafter, was very uncommon and always small in amount. Esophageal varices recurred after initial eradication in 33% of cases but were easily sclerosed with further injections. This study demonstrates that sclerotherapy is effective in reducing bleeding frequency in children with portal hypertension, but emphasizes the need for regular follow-up endoscopy after initial eradication of esophageal varices.     

内镜下聚桂醇治疗食管静脉曲张对门脉高压性胃病的影响

[目的]探讨内镜下聚桂醇治疗食管静脉曲张对门脉高压性胃病(PHG)的影响.[方法]对连续100例门脉高压食管静脉曲张出血后接受内镜下硬化剂聚桂醇治疗的患者开展临床随访研究,评估聚桂醇治疗后对PHG的影响.[结果]注射聚桂醇前33例患者存有PHG(33％);初次注射聚桂醇治疗后PHG患者为74例,其中新增轻度PHG患者41例;2次及以上注射聚桂醇治疗后PHG患者达88例,经注射聚桂醇后PHG发生率明显增高(P＜0.01).注射聚桂醇的次数与PHG的发生相关(P＜0.01).[结论]内镜下硬化剂聚桂醇治疗术(EIS)治疗食管静脉曲张,在控制出血和消退曲张静脉的同时,具有产生和加重PHG的可能,但大多为轻度PHG.患者经硬化剂治疗后控制出血,全身状况好转后应择期手术治疗或长期应用降门脉压药物,控制和改善PHG,预防食管静脉曲张和PHG出血.     

Pharmacologic therapy for gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension and esophageal varices

Cirrhosis results in portal hypertension in many patients. The major complications of portal hypertension include development of ascites and esophageal or gastric varices. Varices lead to hemorrhage and death in a significant proportion of patients. This review focuses on the pharmacologic approach to management of portal hypertension in patients at risk of variceal hemorrhage, or those who have already had variceal bleeding. Pharmacologic therapy is used for 1) primary prevention of bleeding, 2) management of acute bleeding, and 3) prevention of recurrent bleeding (secondary prophylaxis). For acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage, a variety of pharmacologic agents are used, including somatostatin, octreotide, vapreotide, lanreotide, terlipressin, and vasopressin (with nitrates). For primary and secondary prevention of esophageal variceal hemorrhage, a-blockers remain the mainstay therapy.     

非肝硬化门脉高压患者临床特点分析

目的 总结非肝硬化门脉高压症(NCPH)患者的临床特点和肝静脉压力梯度(HVPG)的变化。方法 2017年1月～2019年12月南京市第二医院住院的28例NCPH患者,采用Seldinger法穿刺右侧颈内静脉,使用一次性球囊导管测定肝静脉压力,计算 HVPG,接受肝活检检查。结果 在本组28例NCPH患者中,诊断特发性门脉高压(IPH)11例,非特发性门脉高压(NIPH)17例;IPH组平均年龄为(40.6±15.8)岁,显著小于NIPH组【(53.0±12.9)岁,P＜0.05】;IPH组HVPG水平为(9.9±5.2)mmHg,显著低于NIPH组【(14.3±5.1)mmHg,P＜0.05】;IPH组血清白蛋白和胆碱酯酶水平分别为(41.4±4.9)g/L和(6411.7±1839.3)U/L,显著高于NIPH组【分别为(33.9±6.1)g/L和(4438.5±1854.0)U/L,P＜0.05】;IPH组腹水发生率显著低于NIPH组(27.3%对94.1%,P＜0.01);腹水与HVPG高度相关(r=0.66,P＜0.01),而消化道出血和食管胃底静脉曲张的发生与HVPG无显著性相关(r=0.193,P=0.324;r=-0.197,P=0.315);本组病例肝组织病理学共同特征为均无纤维化改变,但不同疾病有其独特的病理学表现。结论 在NCPH患者中,现有的技术手段可以区分IPH与NIPH,了解每种疾病的临床特征有助于正确处理,改善预后。     

Portal hypertension: a permissive factor only in the development of ascites and variceal bleeding

It is controversial whether the occurrence of ascites and gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis is related to the severity of portal hypertension. Portal pressure was examined in 124 unselected patients with portal hypertension due to chronic liver disease to evaluate this issue. Portal pressure was less in patients without complications of chronic liver disease (11.7 +/- 3.0 mmHg, n = 16) as compared to patients who had bled from varices or erosive gastritis (16.6 +/- 3.4 mmHg, p less than 0.001, n = 49), who had ascites (16.2 +/- 3.0 mmHg, p less than 0.001, n = 78) or both (16.5 +/- 3.0 mmHg, p less than 0.001, n = 19). Portal pressure was similar in patients bleeding from varices and erosive gastritis (16.7 +/- 3.4 mmHg, n = 43; vs 16.2 +/- 4.0 mmHg, n = 6, respectively) and in patients with refractory and nonrefractory ascites (16.2 +/- 3.5, n = 21; vs 16.2 +/- 3.5 mmHg, n = 57). The lowest portal pressure recorded in a patient with variceal bleeding was 9.0 mmHg. The lowest portal pressure recorded in a patient with ascites was 8.0 mmHg. Esophageal varices (graded 0-4 at endoscopy) were larger in patients with a history of bleeding from esophageal varices as compared to patients without such a history (3.2 +/- 0.7 vs 2.0 +/- 0.9, p less than 0.001). Serum albumin concentration was greater in patients without ascites as compared to patients with ascites (33 +/- 5 vs 26 +/- 5 g/l p less than 0.001) but was similar in patients with refractory and nonrefractory ascites (25 +/- 7 vs 26 +/- 5 g/l, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)