Renaissance of paracentesis in the treatment of ascites.
The dangers of large-volume paracentesis have been overemphasized in the past. Recent data fail to show hypovolemia or any other complications ascribable to 5-L paracentesis when it is accompanied by IV infusion of 40 gm of albumin. Other data question the need for albumin infusion. Large-volume paracentesis is now a therapeutic option for relief of symptomatic, tense ascites, and, in company with sodium restriction, for chronic management of ascites refractory to diuretics.
Reynolds
T B
TB
University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
D001201:Ascites / Q000628:therapy*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010953:Plasma Volume / Q000502:physiology; D011677:Punctures
D004232:Diuretics