transudative ascites

Last reviewed 01/2018

Transudative ascites is defined as having less than 3 g of protein per 100 ml of fluid.

It is, as its name would suggest, a transudate - a result of raised hydrostatic pressure forcing fluid out of blood vessels.

Causes include:

  • cardiac failure
  • nephrotic syndrome and other causes of hypoproteinaemia, e.g. hepatic failure
  • constrictive pericarditis
  • ovarian tumours, e.g. Meig's syndrome.