Burst Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Management Strategies for Refractory Ascites

Target Audience

This educational activity is directed toward health care providers serving patients with cirrhosis, including hepatologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, critical care specialists, physician assistants, and nurses. Other health care professionals will also be invited to participate.

Program Overview

Cirrhosis is a result of longstanding fibrosis, and can result in various negative sequelae including ascites. Ascites is the most common complication related to cirrhosis and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Refractory ascites occurs in approximately 5%-10% of all patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with survival of only 50% at 6 months.

This online educational activity is designed to provide expert commentary on the pathophysiology and treatment of refractory ascites. These will be presented in a multimedia format, including audio interviews with an expert thought leader and animated videos integrated into text-based elements.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Explain various factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of refractory ascites
Formulate a treatment plan for patients with refractory ascites based on current evidence