title: An evidence-based manual for abdominal paracentesis.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to provide evidence-based approaches to detect ascites, perform paracentesis, order tests, and interpret the results. A Medline search was performed to identify relevant articles. Of 731 identified articles, 50 articles were used. The most sensitive findings for ascites detection are ankle edema (93%), increased abdominal girth (87%), flank dullness (84%), and bulging flanks (81%). Paracentesis is safe, with bleeding rates and leakage of <1%. An ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count >or=250 cells/mm(3) is the most sensitive test (86%-100%) to diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The serum-ascites albumin gradient is the most useful test in identifying portal hypertension-related ascites. Large-volume paracentesis is effective in the treatment of refractory ascites. We conclude that paracentesis is a safe and vital procedure in patients with new-onset ascites. Once detected, an algorithmic approach to ordering tests and their interpretation is useful to determine etiology and direct further management.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: McGibbon
authors: Grant I
authors: GI
authors: Chen
authors: Kevork M
authors: KM
authors: Peltekian
authors: Sander Veldhuyzen
authors: SV
authors: van Zanten
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic