European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Jan 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialRandomized comparative multicenter study of hydroxyethyl starch versus albumin as a plasma expander in cirrhotic patients with tense ascites treated with paracentesis.
Large-volume paracentesis associated with plasma volume expansion with albumin is an effective, safe, but costly therapy for ascites in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to compare the use of a synthetic plasma expander, hydroxyethyl starch (HES), with that of albumin. ⋯ HES is well tolerated in patients with cirrhosis. There is no difference between HES and albumin in the prevention of complications related to large-volume paracentesis. The lesser degree of weight loss observed with HES needs further study.