Concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride in ascites , Serum and Urine of Patients with Liver Disease

Abstract

In this study the concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride in the ascites fluid, serum and urine, in eight patients with different etiology Liver conditions are studied. Serum sodium concentrations ranged between 126.0 and 146.2 mEq / L., ascites between 85.0 and 140.0 mEq / L. and urinary excretion ranged between 4.0 and 90.0 mEq / l. in 24 hrs. Potasiio concentrations ranged between 3.20 and 5.0 mEq / L., ascites between 3.10 and 4.50 mEq/L- and urinary excretion ranged between 8.0 and 56.0 mEq / L. in 24 hrs. Chlorine serum varied between 90.0 and 104.0 mEq / L , the ascitic between 99.0 and 117.0 mEq / L. and urinary excretion was between 19.0 and 117.0 mEq / L. in 24 hrs. Extreme levels of sodium, potassium and chlorine are not the same patients. Hyponatremia was found in five cases, hypokalemia in six cases and cloremia was within normal limits. For determination of the oncotic pressure , Bjørneboe formula , being in all decrease in colloid osmotic pressure was applied . The data do not allow conclusions about the value of these determinations in the differential diagnosis of ascites of exudation and transudation .