The factors related to the beneficial effects of tolvaptan treatment for hepatic ascites remain unclear. In this retrospective study, 35 cirrhotic patients with ascites who did not respond sufficiently to conventional diuretics (furosemide used in 77% of patients and spironolactone in 86%) were given tolvaptan (initial dose of 7.5 mg/day in 46% of patients) as add-on therapy to conventional diuretics. The assessment of treatment response was based on the physician's comprehensive clinical evaluation. Twenty-three patients (66%) had a favorable response. Concurrent furosemide administration was identified as a factor associated with poor response to tolvaptan treatment (
P=0.020). In addition, the average serum sodium concentrations on days 3 and 4 increased significantly (median, 132 to 136 mEq/L,
P=0.002) after the initiation of treatment in patients with a favorable response, which was not observed in patients who lacked a response. This study suggests a possibility that the diuretic effect of tolvaptan may be enhanced when conventional loop diuretics are not used concomitantly.
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