ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of a single 5-L paracentesis without albumin replacement on the systemic and portal hemodynamics. Thirty patients with liver cirrhosis and tense, diuretic resistant ascites were studied before and 24 hr after a single 5-L paracentesis without albumin infusion. An abdominal duplex Doppler examination and echocardiographic study were carried out for all patients. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured. The mean arterial pressure was calculated. Serum sodium, potassium, blood urea and creatinine were also measured. There were no significant changes from the baseline values for heart rate, mean arterial pressure and cardiac output. As regards portal hemodynamics, there were no significant changes in portal vein diameter, portal flow velocity and portal blood flow before and 24 hr after large volume paracentesis. The study concluded that single large volume paracentesis without albumin replacement is safe and satisfactory short-term option for the management of patients with cirrhosis and tense, diuretic resistant ascites