Serious hemorrhage complicating diagnostic abdominal paracentesis.
We describe two patients awaiting orthoptic liver transplantation in whom diagnostic paracentesis for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis led to major hemorrhage. Accordingly, we advise caution in patients such as ours, particularly if the prothrombin time or partial thromboplastin time is more than twice the control value.
Thomson
A
A
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Cain
P
P
Kerlin
P
P
Strong
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis