Abstract

GASTROENTEROLOGYVol. 94,No.6 hemodynamics and renal and hepatic function.These findings have been confirmed in a subsequent randomized study by Salerno et al. (3).In this paper we report the results of a randomized trial aimed at comparing paracentesis plus i.v.albumin infusion versus paracentesis without i.v.albumin infusion in the management of cirrhotic patients with tense ascites.The aim of the study was to investigate whether iv.albumin infusion, which is a relatively expensive measure, is necessary in cirrhotic patients treated with repeated large-volume paracentesis.The investigation was performed considering the results of Kao et al. (4) and Reynolds (5) showing that 5-L paracentesis without plasma volume expansion did not produce a significant change in plasma volume, serum creatinine, or serum sodium concentration in cirrhotics with tense ascites with and without peripheral edema.