Although frequent associations of ascites in the patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) have been experienced, studies on ascites are not know:1 to the author except a few case reports. Therefore, a study on ascites was undertaken in 61 patients with PIH during 8 months from Jun. 1, 1983 to Jan. 31, 1984 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Hanyang University Hospital. The incidence, clinical course of ascites, relationship of ascites with severity of the disease and fetal outcome were studied. Possible explanation of the cause of the ascites was discussed.
The results were summerized as follows:
1. The incidence of ascites in 61 patients with PIH(excluding mild preeclampsia) was 54.1% (33).
2. There were a marked increase in the amount of protein in the 24 hour urine (P< 0.05) and a significant decrease in the concentration of serum albumin (P < 0.01) in the group with ascites compared to those in the group without ascites. The nephrotic proteinuria (more than 3.5gm/ 24 hour) was present in 18% of patients with PIH and ascites compared to 7.1% of those with PIH but no ascites. The resulted lowered osmotic pressure in serum might be explained as one of the possible cause of ascites.
3. Among the tests of renal and hepatic functions, the values of G O T and uric acid were significantly elevated in the patients with ascites than those without ascites. These elevated values were found to be normal soon after delivery.
4. Abnormal fundoscopic findings were more frequently observed in patients with ascites than those without ascites (P <0.01)
5. There were no significant difference in pulmonary edema, intrauterine growth retardation and Apgar scores between the ascites group and the non-ascites group.
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