Quality of Life and Muscle Loss in Adults With Refractory Ascites from Liver Disease or Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying quality of life changes and sarcopenia in patients with refractory ascites caused by cirrhosis or malignancy. This prospective observational study aims to use newer quality of life survey tools specific to ascites and to understand how muscle loss progresses in these patients over time. The goal is to gather detailed patient-reported outcomes and muscle measurements to inform future interventions. Participants will complete quality of life questionnaires including the PROMIS-10, Ascites Q, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Ascites Modification at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. Sarcopenia will be assessed through muscle area measurements from a single CT image at the L4 vertebral level at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. The study focuses on patients who require more than one paracentesis within a 6-week period. During the study, participants will undergo repeated questionnaires and CT scans to monitor changes in health-related quality of life and muscle mass over 6 months. Researchers will analyze patient-reported outcomes and muscle area changes as primary measures. This careful monitoring will help understand the progression of sarcopenia and quality of life deterioration, with safety and participation lasting up to 6 months.

QOL and Sarcopenia in Patients With Ascites