[Paracentesis combined with albumin infusion in the treatment of tense ascites in cirrhotic patients].

We randomized 31 cirrhotic patients with tense ascites to a Group A receiving only diuretic therapy (spironolactone, furosemide, n = 14) or a Group B treated with paracentesis and intravenous albumin infusion (n = 17). Ascites was eliminated in 88% of patients in Group B compared to 57% of patients in Group A (p < 0.05). Complications developed in 4 patients in Group A and 2 patients in Group B. Paracentesis was associated to a mild and transient reduction in mean arterial pressure and a significant rise in urinary output. Duration of hospital stay was 5 +/- 3 days in Group B and 22 +/- 6 in Group A (p < 0.001). Survival and likelihood of readmission for ascites was similar in both groups. Our results suggest that paracentesis plus intravenous albumin infusion is a fast, safe and effective therapy for tense ascites in cirrhotic patients.