Correlation between increased colloid osmotic pressure and the resolution of refractory ascites after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
BACKGROUND
This study compared the changes in serum albumin, globulin, and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or large volume paracentesis (LVP) in patients with ascites.


METHODS
Of 23 patients with refractory ascites, 17 had TIPS and 6 had LVP with infusion of albumin. Colloid osmotic pressure measurements were calculated, using the formula previously proposed by Hoefs: COP = A (1.058G + 0.163A + 3.11) where A = serum albumin and G = serum globulin.


RESULTS
After 1 month, ascites resolved in 9 of the 17 patients who had TIPS and in none of the 6 who had LVP. Colloid osmotic pressure increased significantly in patients whose ascites resolved after TIPS. Colloid osmotic pressure did not change in the patients whose ascites did not resolve after TIPS, and COP decreased significantly in the LVP group. A statistically significant difference was found in the pre-TIPS COP measurements between those patients who had resolution of ascites and those who did not. A pre-TIPS COP of < or =20 mm Hg predicted resolution of ascites with an 88% sensitivity and a 78% specificity.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum COP increased significantly in patients with resolution of ascites but remained unchanged in patients with persistent ascites after TIPS. Serum COP decreased after LVP. A statistically significant difference in the pre-TIPS COP was found between patients whose ascites resolved and patients having persistent ascites.
Schiano
T D
TD
Division of Gastroenterology, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Black
M
M
Hills
C
C
Ter
H
H
Bellary
S
S
Miller
L S
LS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001201:Ascites / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D003102:Colloids; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D019152:Paracentesis; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000032:analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000418:Albumins; D003102:Colloids; D004232:Diuretics; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012712:Serum Globulins