Large-volume paracentesis in the treatment of cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. The role of postparacentesis plasma volume expansion

Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis and has a major clinical impact on the patient's general well-being. Approximately 10% of patients with cirrhosis can develop diuretic-resistant, tense ascites that requires other therapeutic interventions. In recent years, there has been a renewed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of clinical gastroenterology Vol. 22; no. 3; p. 207
Main Authors Forouzandeh, B, Konicek, F, Sheagren, J N
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1996
Subjects
Ascites - etiology
Ascites - surgery
Drainage - adverse effects
Drainage - methods
Humans
Liver Cirrhosis - complications
Plasma Substitutes - pharmacology
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Summary:Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis and has a major clinical impact on the patient's general well-being. Approximately 10% of patients with cirrhosis can develop diuretic-resistant, tense ascites that requires other therapeutic interventions. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in large-volume paracentesis (LVP) as a safe, simple, and inexpensive method to substitute for other more complicated and costly therapeutic interventions for refractory ascites. In this article, we review the latest literature supporting the use of LVP for the treatment of refractory, tense ascites. We also address the role of intravascular volume expansion after LVP, note that usually no postparacentesis volume expansion is necessary, and compare, when used, the different plasma volume expanders in terms of efficacy, safety, and cost.
ISSN:0192-0790
1539-2031
DOI:10.1097/00004836-199604000-00011