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  • Title: Prevention of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction in cirrhosis: standard vs half albumin doses. A prospective, randomized, unblinded pilot study.
    Author: Alessandria C, Elia C, Mezzabotta L, Risso A, Andrealli A, Spandre M, Morgando A, Marzano A, Rizzetto M.
    Journal: Dig Liver Dis; 2011 Nov; 43(11):881-6. PubMed ID: 21741331.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction is a well-known complication of large volume paracentesis. Albumin infusion (8g of albumin/L of ascites removed) is effective in preventing it, but high costs and scant availability limit its use. AIM: To compare standard vs half albumin doses. METHODS: Seventy cirrhotic patients treated with large volume paracentesis were randomized to receive intravenous albumin as prevention of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction: group 1 (35 patients) received 4g/L of ascites removed, group 2 (35 patients) received 8g/L of ascites removed. RESULTS: The incidence of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (14% vs 20% in group 1 and group 2, respectively; p=ns), hyponatremia (9% vs 6%, p=ns) and renal impairment (0% in both groups) on the 6th day from paracentesis was similar between the two groups. After 6 months of follow-up, rates of survival and of recurrence of ascites requiring large volume paracentesis were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This unblinded, randomized, pilot study suggests that treatment with half doses of albumin is effective in the prevention of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction and its related clinical complications in cirrhotic patients with tense ascites treated by large volume paracentesis. If confirmed, these results could support a significant costs reduction in the management of ascites in cirrhotic patients.
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