Recurrent ascites due to oral contraceptives and pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Ascites during pregnancy is a rare disorder with wide differential diagnosis.


METHODS
We report on 8 years of follow-up of a patient suffering from recurrent episodes of ascites following oral contraceptive use and during both her pregnancies. Each ascitic event resulted in spontaneous recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
The mechanism underlying our patient's fluid shift remains an enigma. We hypothesize that during her pregnancy and when oral contraceptives were administered, high levels of endogenous or exogenous sex hormones led to increased permeability and fluid displacement.
Reiss
Ari
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. reissap@gmail.com
Lowenstein
Lior
L
Solt
Ido
I
Deutsch
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal