Peritoneovenous (LeVeen) Shunt: Control of Renin-Aldosterone System in Cirrhotic Ascites

Marlys H. Witte, Charles L. Witte, Shannon Jacobs, Robin Kut

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because of the unusual clinical course of a patient with hepatic cirrhosis, refractory ascites, and hepatorenal syndrome, we were able to examine the complex interrelationships between massive ascites, renin-aldosterone activity, and renal and hepatic function before and after placement of a peritoneojugular vein (LeVeen) shunt. Measurements indicated that when the shunt was functioning, renin-aldosterone production was suppressed, the hepatorenal syndrome was reversed, and ascites remitted. These data suggest that hyperreninemia, hyperaldosteronism, and functional renal abnormalities of this disorder are potentially reversible and arise primarily from the imbalance between formation and drainage of hepatosplanchnic lymph rather than from hepatocellular dysfunction, lowered plasma oncotic pressure, or portal hypertension.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31-33
Number of pages3
JournalJAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume239
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 1978

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Peritoneovenous (LeVeen) Shunt: Control of Renin-Aldosterone System in Cirrhotic Ascites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this