title: Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal changes after a single, large-volume paracentesis in cirrhosis with ascites.
abstract: The use of paracentesis has recently been reproposed as a safe and effective alternative to diuretics for management of ascites. We have investigated the clinical and biochemical effects of large-volume paracentesis in 19 cirrhotics with tense ascites, and the relative changes in the hormones involved in sodium and water renal handling. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (PA), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels and conventional liver and renal function tests were measured before and after 1, 2, and 7 days after the paracentesis. No complications were observed, but patients regained 37% of the weight lost after 1 wk. Percent weight regained was significantly and directly correlated with PA concentration measured before the paracentesis. No changes were recorded after paracentesis in biochemical and clinical data, except for a significant drop in diastolic blood pressure. No changes in AVP levels were observed. A significant increase in PA occurred after paracentesis, with a maximum peak after 48 h. The increase in PA was not accompanied by changes in PRA, but was associated with a reduction of urinary sodium excretion. A relevant fraction of body aldosterone was confined to the ascitic fluid. We conclude that the clinical results of a large-volume paracentesis can be predicted in part on the basis of PA measurement, and that removal of ascites is followed by an increase of PA of uncertain origin and effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Angelico
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bologna
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Capocaccia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D001201:Ascites / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012083:Renin / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D000450:Aldosterone; D012083:Renin