Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIMS: METHODS: RESULTS: The cumulative rate of response to diuretic treatment of ascites was higher (p < 0.05) and hospital stay was shorter (20 +/- 1 versus 24 +/- 2 days, p < 0.05) in group B than in group A patients. After discharge, group B patients had a lower cumulative probability of developing ascites (19%, 56%, 69% versus 30%, 79% and 82% at 12, 24 and 36 months, p < 0.02) and a lower probability of readmission to the hospital (15%, 56%, 69% versus 27%, 74% and 79%, respectively, p < 0.02). Survival was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
Albumin is effective in improving the rate of response and preventing recurrence of ascites in cirrhotic patients with ascites receiving diuretics. However, the cost/benefit ratio was favorable to albumin in protocol 1 but not in protocol 2.
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Authors | P Gentilini, V Casini-Raggi, G Di Fiore, R G Romanelli, G Buzzelli, M Pinzani, G La Villa, G Laffi |
Journal | Journal of hepatology
(J Hepatol)
Vol. 30
Issue 4
Pg. 639-45
(Apr 1999)
ISSN: 0168-8278 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 10207805
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Diuretics
- Electrolytes
- Serum Albumin
- Furosemide
- Canrenoic Acid
- Bilirubin
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Ascites
(etiology, therapy)
- Bed Rest
- Bilirubin
(blood)
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Canrenoic Acid
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease-Free Survival
- Diuretics
(therapeutic use)
- Electrolytes
(blood)
- Female
- Furosemide
(therapeutic use)
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human
(complications)
- Humans
- Liver Cirrhosis
(complications, physiopathology)
- Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic
(complications, physiopathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Probability
- Recurrence
- Serum Albumin
(metabolism, therapeutic use)
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