Neonatal ascites

Ascites is defined as an abnormal accumulation of intraper-

itoneal fluid in the peritoneal cavity, that consists of

transudate (low protein count and low specific gravity) or

exudate (high protein count and high specific gravity. The

relatively rare condition of ascites in the newborn may occur

due to a wide range of medical and surgical causes. The

surgical conditions that most likely result in neonatal ascites

are obstructive uropathy, spontaneous perforation of the

extrahepatic biliary tree, and chylous ascites.