Graph showing the effect of rapid diuretic therapy on plasma volume in cirrhotic patients with ascites

Effect of rapid diuretic therapy on the plasma volume in patients with cirrhosis and ascites with or without peripheral edema. Compared with those with edema (column 1) or untreated patients (column 2), the patients without peripheral edema (including edematous patients in column 1 studied after peripheral edema, but not ascites, had resolved) developed significant plasma volume depletion due to an inability to adequately mobilize the ascitic fluid.