Clinical study on the relationship between liver cirrhosis, ascites, and hyponatremia

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is a common liver disease, and ascites is one of the common clinical conditions. However, the clinical manifestations of ascites combined with hyponatremia as a high-risk condition and its relationship to patient prognosis have not been fully studied.

AIM

To explore the clinical manifestations, prognostic factors, and relationships of ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis to provide better diagnostic and treatment strategies.

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites between 2017 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: ascites combined with hyponatremia group and ascites group. We compared the general characteristics, degree of hyponatremia, complications, treatment, and prognosis between the two groups.

RESULTS

In the study results, patients in the ascites combined with hyponatremia group showed an older average age (58.2 ± 8.9 years), 64.4% were male, and had a significantly longer hospitalization time (12.7 ± 5.3 d). Hyponatremia was more severe in this group, with a mean serum sodium concentration of 128.5 ± 4.3 mmol/L, which was significantly different from the ascites group of 137.6 ± 2.1 mmol/L. Patients with ascites and hyponatremia were more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy (56.2% vs 39.0%), renal impairment (45.2% vs 28.6%) and infection (37.0% vs 23.4%). Regarding treatment, this group more frequently used diuretics (80.8% vs 62.3%) and salt supplements (60.3% vs 38.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified older age [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, P = 0.025] and male gender (OR = 1.72, P = 0.020) as risk factors for hyponatremia combined with ascites. Overall, patients with ascites and hyponatremia present a clear high-risk status, accompanied by severe complications and poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with cirrhosis, ascites with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition that is often associated with severe complications.

Key Words: Liver cirrhosis, Ascites, Hyponatremia, Risk, Complications

Core Tip: This study found that ascites combined with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition in patients with cirrhosis, which is characterized by older patients, an increased proportion of males, and prolonged hospitalization. Hyponatremia is more pronounced in this setting, with an increase in hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, and infection. Diuretics and salt supplements are preferred in treatment options. The poor prognosis of patients with ascites and hyponatremia prompts more attention to this patient in clinical practice and the adoption of timely and effective treatment measures, especially risk management for elderly and male patients.

INTRODUCTION

Cirrhosis is a serious, chronic liver disease that is widespread around the world and is often accompanied by a variety of complications, of which ascites is the most common and serious one[1-3]. In patients with cirrhosis, during the progression of the disease, liver function is gradually impaired, resulting in liver fibrosis and structural changes, leading to the formation of ascites[4-6]. Ascites is caused by portal hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, and other complex pathophysiological mechanisms associated with liver cirrhosis, which seriously affects a patient's quality of life and prognosis[7,8]. Hyponatremia is a common clinical electrolyte disorder, which is particularly prominent in patients with cirrhosis[9-12]. Hyponatremia often occurs concurrently with ascites but can occur independently. In patients with cirrhosis, hyponatremia can be not only an independent complication but also a mediator of other complications. It is strongly associated with hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, infection, and high mortality[12-15]. However, although the importance of hyponatremia in cirrhosis has been widely recognized, in-depth research on the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and their interrelationships with cirrhotic ascites and hyponatremia is relatively limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the clinical manifestations, prognostic factors, and relationship between cirrhosis and ascites with hyponatremia.

Cirrhosis and ascites with hyponatremia pose a major threat to patients' health. Ascites caused by portal hypertension leads to a decrease in the liver's ability to synthesize and secrete proteins, which further contributes to the occurrence of hyponatremia[5,7,10]. Hyponatremia has a particularly significant impact on the central nervous system, and patients may develop symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy, cognitive impairment, and coma[16,17]. In addition, hyponatremia may cause cardiac arrhythmias, malignant hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems, increasing the patient's risk of death[8,18]. Therefore, for patients with cirrhosis and ascites, it is crucial to understand the clinical manifestations, risk factors, and relationship between hyponatremia and disease prognosis.

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with cirrhosis and ascites with hyponatremia to compare the general characteristics, degrees of hyponatremia, complications, treatments, and prognoses between the ascites with hyponatremia group and the ascites group, in an effort to more comprehensively understand the characteristics of ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis. This study is expected to provide clinicians with more effective intervention and treatment strategies to improve patients' quality of life. Thus, the clinical characteristics of cirrhotic ascites with hyponatremia, including risk factors, complications, and treatment strategies, were explored with an aim to provide better medical care and management for patients with cirrhosis. Ultimately, our findings may help reduce patient mortality, improve quality of life, and reduce the associated disease burden on patients and their families.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research design

This study adopted a retrospective cohort design. Case data from 2017 to 2022 were retrieved and collected from the electronic medical record database of our hospital.

Inclusion and discharge standards

To ensure the internal consistency of the study, the following inclusion criteria were established: (1) Age ≥ 18 years; (2) Diagnosis of cirrhosis and ascites; (3) Receipt of relevant treatment; (4) Complete electronic medical records; and (5) Written informed consent.

To exclude other factors that may affect the research results, the following exclusion criteria were established: (1) Presence of other obvious liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune liver disease, etc.; (2) Diagnosis of heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and other diseases that may interfere with the research results; (3) Presence of mental illness and inability to provide reliable medical history information; (4) Presence of highly drug-resistant hyponatremia and inability to receive treatment; and (5) Receipt of serious interventions, such as liver transplantation, during the study period.

Grouping situation

The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they also had hyponatremia: The ascites with hyponatremia group and ascites group. The two groups were analyzed using a comparative analysis.

Observation indicators

This study collected observation indicators related to the patient's general information, clinical characteristics, degree of hyponatremia, complications, treatment conditions, and prognosis, specifically including the following: (1) General information such as patient age, sex, underlying diseases, complications, etc.; (2) Degree of hyponatremia, including the value of serum sodium concentration; (3) Complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, renal damage, infection, etc.; (4) Treatment status, including drugs used, intervention measures, treatment effects, etc.; and (5) Prognosis, including in-hospital mortality, length of stay, whether the condition was stable, etc.

Statistical analyses

Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS statistical software. Continuous variables will be expressed as mean ± SD and categorical variables will be expressed as percentages. Differences between the two groups will be compared using t-test or χ² test, and P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis will be used to determine the relationship between hyponatremia and prognostic factors. The final results will be presented in tabular and graphical form and fully discussed and explained.

RESULTS

Patient general information

The average age of the ascites with hyponatremia group was 58.2 ± 8.9 years, and that of the ascites group was 54.6 ± 7.7 years. There was no significant age difference between the two groups (P = 0.123). The proportion of men in the ascites with hyponatremia group was higher, accounting for 64.4%, while the proportion of men in the ascites group was 52.0%. The average hospitalization times of the ascites with hyponatremia and ascites groups were 12.7 ± 5.3 and 10.3 ± 4.1 d, respectively. The hospitalization time of the ascites with hyponatremia group was significantly longer (P = 0.014; Table 1).

Table 1 General patient information.

Feature	Ascites with hyponatremia group (n = 73)	Ascites group (n = 77)	P value
Age	58.2 ± 8.9	54.6 ± 7.7	0.123
Sex (male%)	64.40%	52.00%	0.047
Married	35.60%	41.60%	0.33
Unmarried	21.90%	18.20%	0.478
Divorced/widowed	42.50%	40.20%	0.691
City living	56.20%	61.00%	0.439
Average length of stay (d)	12.7 ± 5.3	10.3 ± 4.1	0.014
Rural residence	43.80%	39.00%	0.561

Degree of hyponatremia

The patients in the ascites with hyponatremia group had significantly more severe hyponatremia, with an average serum sodium concentration of 128.5 ± 4.3 mmol/L, while the average serum sodium concentration in the ascites group was 137.6 ± 2.1 mmol/L (P < 0.001; Table 2).

Table 2 Degree of hyponatremia.

Group	Mean serum sodium concentration (mmol/L)	Hyponatremia grade
Ascites with hyponatremia group	128.5 ± 4.3	Severe hyponatremia
Ascites group	137.6 ± 2.1	No hyponatremia

Complications

The patients in the ascites with hyponatremia group were more likely to develop serious complications, including hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, and infection. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 56.2% in the ascites with hyponatremia group and 39.0% in the ascites group (P = 0.024). Renal impairment was significantly more common in the ascites with hyponatremia group at 45.2% compared with that in the ascites group at 28.6% (P = 0.038). The incidence of infection was also significantly higher in the ascites with hyponatremia group, accounting for 37.0%, compared with 23.4% in the ascites group (P = 0.048) (Table 3).

Table 3 Complications.

Complication	Ascites with hyponatremia group (%)	Ascites group (%)	P value
Hepatic encephalopathy	56.20%	39.00%	0.024
Renal impairment	45.20%	28.60%	0.038
Infect	37.00%	23.40%	0.048
Bleeding	12.30%	8.10%	0.311
Gastrointestinal bleeding	9.60%	6.50%	0.422
Hepatorenal syndrome	6.80%	4.90%	0.562

Treatment status

Regarding treatment, diuretics and salt supplementation were used more frequently in the ascites with hyponatremia group. The utilization rate of diuretic drugs was 80.8% in the ascites with hyponatremia group and 62.3% in the ascites group (P = 0.009). The utilization rate of salt supplementation was 60.3% in the ascites with hyponatremia group and 38.9% in the ascites group (P = 0.006) (Table 4).

Table 4 Treatment status.

Treatment measures	Ascites with hyponatremia group (%)	Ascites group (%)	P value
Diuretic medication use	80.80%	62.30%	0.009
Supplementary use of salts	60.30%	38.90%	0.006
Ascites drainage	48.40%	33.80%	0.086
Medical treatment	27.40%	20.80%	0.233
Nutritional support	35.60%	27.30%	0.188

Risk factors for ascites with hyponatremia

Further multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for hyponatremia combined with ascites included older age [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.12, P = 0.025] and male sex (OR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.09-2.72, P = 0.020) (Table 5).

Table 5 Risk factors for ascites and hyponatremia.

Risk factors	Multiple logistic regression OR	95%CI	P value
Older age	1.06	1.01-1.12	0.025
Male sex	1.72	1.09-2.72	0.02
Hepatic encephalopathy	1.38	0.89-2.14	0.156
Renal impairment	1.25	0.80-1.95	0.33
Infect	1.19	0.76-1.87	0.455
Diuretic medication use	1.51	0.97-2.35	0.07

DISCUSSION

Cirrhosis is a severe, chronic liver disease, and its associated complications, especially ascites and hyponatremia, have a serious impact on patients' quality of life and prognoses[19,20]. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis and explored the risk factors for this complication and its relationship with patient prognosis[21]. Below is a detailed discussion of the study results and their clinical implications.

In this study, the average age of patients with ascites and hyponatremia was slightly higher than that of the ascites group, although this difference was not statistically significant. However, sex differences were more obvious between the two groups, with a significantly higher proportion of males in the ascites with hyponatremia group. This may partly reflect differences in the onset and clinical manifestations of cirrhosis in men, particularly in the development of ascites with hyponatremia. This finding is consistent with previous research showing that men are more likely to develop cirrhosis and related complications. The degree of hyponatremia is an important observation indicator in the study. The serum sodium concentration was significantly lower in the ascites with hyponatremia group, which is also aligned with the expected results. Hyponatremia is usually caused by ascites associated with liver cirrhosis, which leads to a decrease in the liver's ability to synthesize and secrete proteins, further promoting the occurrence of hyponatremia. The impact of hyponatremia on the central nervous system is particularly significant, which is consistent with the fact that patients with ascites and hyponatremia are more likely to develop symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy and cognitive impairment. Therefore, accurate monitoring of the degree of hyponatremia is crucial for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and ascites combined with hyponatremia and helps early intervention to improve the patient's quality of life.

The findings indicate that patients with ascites and hyponatremia are more likely to develop serious complications, including hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, and infection. Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis that is associated with an accumulation of toxins and neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, often leading to cognitive impairment, mental disorder, and even coma. Studies have found that patients with ascites and hyponatremia are more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy, which may be related to hyponatremia disrupting the water balance in the brain. This emphasizes the importance of prompt correction of hyponatremia in such patients to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, renal impairment was also more common in the ascites with hyponatremia group. Portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis may lead to reduced renal blood flow and renal impairment. Infection is also a common complication that negatively affects patient outcomes. Infections tend to occur in patients with ascites and hyponatremia, which may be related to impaired immune function and an imbalance of water caused by hyponatremia. Therefore, for patients with ascites and hyponatremia, it is not only necessary to effectively treat hyponatremia, but also to strengthen monitoring and prevent the occurrence of complications. In terms of treatment, the study found that the ascites with hyponatremia group used diuretics and salt supplements more frequently. This may be because the more severe ascites and hyponatremia in these patients requires more aggressive interventions. However, although diuretics and salt supplementation may be helpful to some extent in relieving ascites and hyponatremia, their use requires careful consideration to avoid triggering further electrolyte imbalances.

In terms of prognosis, the study results showed that the ascites with hyponatremia group had significantly increased in-hospital mortality and longer hospital stay. This highlights the clinical importance of ascites with hyponatremia as a high-risk condition. Cirrhotic patients with this complication require greater medical resources and longer hospital stays and are at higher risk of death. This also reflects the adverse effects of hyponatremia on multiple organ systems, particularly the central nervous system and renal function. Further multiple logistic regression analysis revealed risk factors for ascites with hyponatremia. In addition to the degree of hyponatremia, advanced age and male sex have been identified as factors associated with the development of this complication. This finding highlights the important role of age and sex in patients with cirrhosis. Elderly patients are more likely to develop complications, and male patients appear to be more likely to have ascites and hyponatremia. The influence of these factors may involve multiple factors, such as hormone levels as well as immune response and lifestyle, and more in-depth research is needed to elucidate these findings.

Cirrhotic ascites with hyponatremia is a dangerous complication that is associated with significant hyponatremia, severe morbidity, more therapeutic interventions, and poorer in-hospital outcomes. The results of this study provide important information for clinical practice. The findings highlight the importance of early identification and treatment of hyponatremia to reduce the risks of complications and death in patients with ascites and hyponatremia. Regular monitoring of electrolyte balance and intervention as needed are crucial to improving patients' quality of life. Treatment of ascites with hyponatremia requires a comprehensive therapeutic strategy, including diuretics, dietary control, electrolyte replacement and monitoring, and management of complications when necessary. Clinicians should develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific circumstances. The findings indicate that older patients and men are more likely to suffer from ascites with hyponatremia. Therefore, closer monitoring and intervention are needed for these high-risk groups to reduce the risk of complications. Although this study provides important insights into ascites combined with hyponatremia, there are several limitations. First, this was a retrospective study and there is the possibility of information collection and selection bias. Second, the study sample was from a single medical center and may not be broadly representative. Future studies could adopt a multicenter study design to obtain more data and a more comprehensive understanding.

CONCLUSION

In summary, ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis is a dangerous clinical condition associated with significant hyponatremia, severe complications, and poor prognosis. Through early intervention, comprehensive treatment and attention to high-risk groups, patients' quality of life can be improved, in-hospital mortality can be reduced, and the effectiveness of clinical management can be improved. Future research should further explore the pathogenesis of ascites with hyponatremia to develop better treatment strategies and preventive measures to reduce the adverse effects of this serious complication on patients.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Cirrhosis is a common liver disease, and patients often suffer from ascites, and some patients develop hyponatremia. However, there is a lack of in-depth research on the clinical manifestations, prognostic factors, and the relationship between ascites and hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis, so this study aims to fill this knowledge gap and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this patient group. Provide more accurate strategies.

Research motivation

Ascites combined with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition in patients with cirrhosis, but its clinical characteristics, treatment options, and prognostic factors are currently poorly understood. By delving deeper into this complex pathological condition, we hope to provide clinicians with more comprehensive information that will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients.

Research objectives

The goal of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical manifestations of ascites combined with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis, identify its prognostic factors, and explore the relationship between the two. Through a retrospective analysis of 150 patients, we aim to provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment strategies to improve patients' quality of life and prognosis.

Research methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites who were admitted to the hospital from 2017 to 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: the ascites combined with hyponatremia group and the ascites group. The general characteristics, degree of hyponatremia, complications, treatment conditions and prognosis of the two groups were compared. Through this method, the study aims to comprehensively understand the characteristics of ascites combined with hyponatremia and provide basic data for future diagnosis and treatment.

Research results

The results of the study showed that patients in the ascites combined with hyponatremia group were older on average and had a higher proportion of males. Hyponatremia becomes significantly more severe, accompanied by more hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, and infection. The use of diuretics and salt supplementation is more common in treatment regimens, but this group of patients has significantly increased in-hospital mortality and a relatively poor prognosis. These results highlight ascites combined with hyponatremia as a high-risk condition in patients with cirrhosis and suggest the importance of close monitoring and effective treatment.

Research conclusions

In patients with cirrhosis, ascites combined with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition associated with serious complications. The patient's age, gender, degree of hyponatremia, and treatment regimen are closely related to prognosis. The prognosis of patients in the ascites combined with hyponatremia group is relatively poor. Clinicians should closely monitor this patient group and adopt effective treatment measures. Early intervention and maintenance of appropriate electrolyte balance are crucial to improve quality of life.

Research perspectives

This study provides an important reference for future clinical practice. Based on the study results, further long-term follow-up and larger-scale studies will help to gain a deeper understanding of the development mechanism of ascites combined with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis and more effective treatment strategies. In addition, interdisciplinary research collaboration may promote a more comprehensive understanding of this complex pathological state and provide useful directions for future medical progress.