What can I expect for my brother?

My brother has been in the hospital for 9 days with ascites. In the first few days, he lost 20 lbs of fluid. However, he says that he is still very bloated, and that the doctors have told him he will be in the hospital for "a while." He has also complained of fatigue in recent days, and he was incredibly cranky and a little confused today. I suspect that his condition is very serious, but he is not conveying information from the doctors to me and my sister (completely his choice, which we respect). In the absence of information from him, my sister and I are trying to understand what we all should expect. How long might he be hospitalized? Is there a chance that he might not even survive this hospital stay? If he survives, how long might he live, and what kinds of symptoms will he likely experience from this point forward? I would appreciate any information you can provide.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Cannot say for sure without reviewing the chart not with examination.

Ascites is normally cause by liver failure.  There can be many causes for this - including alcohol, cancer, hepatitis etc.

End-stage liver disease is also associated with mental status changes, like confusion.  

Unless the cause of the liver failure is found and appropriately treated (in some cases, this may need a liver transplant), the ascites will re-accumulate.  

Prognosis regarding survival will depend on the degree of mental status changes, bilirubin level, albumin level, and the presence of concurrent bleeding disorders.

Again, this is just pure speculation - more specific questions should be addressed to your brother's medical team.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Kitty_Kat]

I am so sorry about your brother, hope he does well. Please look up the poem,"The Dash", it has helped me deal with my nephew's end stage cirrohis. May God bless you.