Correlation between Persistent Post Liver Transplantation Ascites and Lymphatic Molecular Dysfunction: A Pilot study.

Ascites is the most common sign of decompensated cirrhosis, developing in about 5–10% of patients with compensated cirrhosis each year. Liver transplantation (LT) remains the most effective treatment for such patients, as it corrects the underlying circulatory and kidney dysfunction, leading to resolution of ascites in most cases. However, it is common to see small to moderate ascites during the early postoperative period after LT, typically resolving within 2 to 4 weeks. When ascites persists beyond 4 weeks after transplantation—referred to as persistent ascites (PA)—it occurs in up to 7% of patients. Although relatively uncommon, PA is linked with worse clinical outcomes, including increased complications and reduced 1-year survival. Animal studies, particularly in mice, have suggested that lymphatic system dysfunction may contribute to the formation of ascites. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether there is a correlation between lymphatic dysfunction and persistent ascites following liver transplantation.