[Paracentesis combined with albumin infusion in the treatment of tense ascites in cirrhotic patients].
We randomized 31 cirrhotic patients with tense ascites to a Group A receiving only diuretic therapy (spironolactone, furosemide, n = 14) or a Group B treated with paracentesis and intravenous albumin infusion (n = 17). Ascites was eliminated in 88% of patients in Group B compared to 57% of patients in Group A (p < 0.05). Complications developed in 4 patients in Group A and 2 patients in Group B. Paracentesis was associated to a mild and transient reduction in mean arterial pressure and a significant rise in urinary output. Duration of hospital stay was 5 +/- 3 days in Group B and 22 +/- 6 in Group A (p < 0.001). Survival and likelihood of readmission for ascites was similar in both groups. Our results suggest that paracentesis plus intravenous albumin infusion is a fast, safe and effective therapy for tense ascites in cirrhotic patients.
Chesta
J
J
Centro de Gastroenterología, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile.
Brahm
J
J
Latorre
R
R
Gidi
J
J
Hurtado
C
C
Antezana
C
C
Novoa
X
X
Velasco
M
M
D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000628:therapy*; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000628:therapy*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000418:Albumins; D004232:Diuretics
Paracentesis con infusión de albumina en el tratamiento de la ascitis a tensión en pacientes cirróticos.