Title of article :
Albumin improves the response to diuretics in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: results of a randomized, controlled trial
Author/Authors :
Paolo Gentilini، نويسنده , , Vincenzo Casini-Raggi، نويسنده , , Giuseppe Di Fiore، نويسنده , , Roberto Giulio Romanelli، نويسنده , , Giampiero Buzzelli، نويسنده , , Massimo Pinzani، نويسنده , , Giorgio La Villa، نويسنده , , Giacomo Laffi، نويسنده ,
Issue Information :
روزنامه با شماره پیاپی سال 1999
Pages :
7
From page :
639
To page :
645
Abstract :
Background/Aims: Diuretic treatment of ascites could result in intravascular volume depletion, electrolyte imbalance and renal impairment. We investigated whether intravascular volume expansion with albumin exert beneficial effects in cirrhosis with ascites. Methods: In protocol 1, 126 cirrhotic inpatients in whom ascites was not relieved following bed rest and a low-sodium diet, were randomly assigned to receive diuretics (group A) or diuretics plus allbumin, 12.5 g/day (group B). In protocol 2, group A patients continued to receive diuretics and group B diuretics plus albumin (25 g/week) as outpatients and were followed up for 3 years. End points were: disappearance of ascites, duration of hospital stay (protocol 1), recurrence of ascites, hospital readmission and survival (protocol 2). 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.
Keywords :
Albumin , ascites , diuretics , liver cirrhosis.
Journal title :
Journal of Hepatology
Serial Year :
1999
Journal title :
Journal of Hepatology
Record number :
584483
Link To Document :
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