Ascites in the Newborn

Ascites (Greek: ascos; “baglike”) is a gastroenterological term that describes the accumulation of fluid, which may consist of transudates (low protein count) or exudates (high protein count). The incidence of ascites in paediatric patients is unknown, but the condition is rare. Ascites may be present in the fetus, and there are significant differences in its aetiology between neonates and older children.