Journal of hepatology
-
Journal of hepatology · Apr 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialTherapeutic effects of diuretics and paracentesis on lung function in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and tense ascites.
Ascites may cause or aggravate pulmonary dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis. Diuretics and paracentesis are the main therapies for ascites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of diuretics and large-volume paracentesis on lung function in 26 male patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and tense ascites. ⋯ Both diuretic therapy and large-volume paracentesis significantly improved the ventilatory function in patients with tense cirrhotic ascites. In terms of oxygenation improvement as evaluated by AaPO2, diuretic treatment may be superior to large-volume paracentesis.