ASCITIC FLUID Meaning and
Definition
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Ascitic fluid refers to the fluid that accumulates within the peritoneal cavity, a space between the abdominal organs and abdominal wall. This fluid is typically clear, pale yellow in color, and it is composed of a mixture of substances, including plasma, electrolytes, proteins, and cellular debris. It is formed due to various pathological conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, malignancies, heart failure, and peritonitis.
The accumulation of ascitic fluid is called ascites, and it is a clinical sign of an underlying disease. The fluid buildup increases abdominal girth and causes discomfort, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced mobility. Ascitic fluid can be detected through physical examination, ultrasound, or by performing paracentesis, which involves the insertion of a needle into the peritoneal cavity to extract fluid for diagnostic purposes.
Laboratory analysis of ascitic fluid can provide valuable information for diagnosing the underlying cause of ascites. It includes measurements of fluid protein concentration, cell count, and culture to identify the presence of infection. The fluid can also be evaluated for the levels of albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, and amylase, as these tests can aid in assessing the severity and origin of ascites.
Treatment for ascites aims to manage the underlying condition that caused its development. Therapeutic approaches may include diuretic medications, paracentesis to remove excessive fluid, or the use of a peritoneovenous shunt to help drain the fluid. In severe cases, surgical approaches like a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or liver transplantation may be considered.
Common Misspellings for ASCITIC FLUID
- zscitic fluid
- sscitic fluid
- wscitic fluid
- qscitic fluid
- aacitic fluid
- azcitic fluid
- axcitic fluid
- adcitic fluid
- aecitic fluid
- awcitic fluid
- asxitic fluid
- asvitic fluid
- asfitic fluid
- asditic fluid
- ascutic fluid
- ascjtic fluid
- ascktic fluid
- ascotic fluid
- asc9tic fluid
- asc8tic fluid
Etymology of ASCITIC FLUID
The word "ascitic" is derived from the medical term "ascites", which comes from the Latin word "ascites" and the Greek word "askítes". Both these terms refer to the condition of accumulate fluids in the peritoneal cavity, which is the space between the abdominal organs and the abdominal wall.
The term "ascites" itself originates from the Greek word "askos", meaning "bag" or "wineskin", referring to the swollen and distended appearance of the abdomen when fluid accumulates. The suffix "-ic" is often added to medical terms to indicate a condition or pertaining to a specific body fluid.
Therefore, "ascitic fluid" refers to the fluid that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity in cases of ascites.
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