Chylous Ascites and Dialysis Peritoneal: A Literature Review

Author(s): M. Moreno-Ramírez, F. Fernández Girón, E. Tarrio Herva, I. Gonzalez Gómez

Abstract

Chylous ascites (CA) is an uncommon form of ascites characterized by a milky white appearance of the dialysiate due to triglycerides and chylomicrons accumulation in the peritoneal dialysate. It can be a rare complication or finding in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Although the milky-looking fluid may suggest peritonitis on a first inspection, the presence of triglycerides in the fluid and the absence of other symptoms are decisive. CA can be secondary to multiple processes, highlighting neoplasms, traumatic causes, and some infections such as tuberculosis. It should be noted that some secondary to treatment with calcium blockers have been described in patients on PD. However, in some cases it is not associated with any etiology, and it is deemed as idiopathic.