Ascites: medical therapy and paracentesis.
An overview is given of diagnostic determinations to be carried out on ascites fluid, and on the medical therapy as based on our knowledge of the pathophysiology. Paracentesis has become more frequently used. It is slightly more effective than therapy with high doses of diuretics and carries less side effects. Longterm studies are needed to investigate whether albumin can be safely substituted by dextran-70 or haemaccel.
Fevery
J
J
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Van Roey
G
G
Van Steenbergen
W
W
D001201:Ascites / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019152:Paracentesis
D004232:Diuretics