Such and Runyon listed indications for performing a paracentesis in a patient with ascites. This can help detect spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and other complications. The authors are from Loma Linda University Medical Center and Jospital General Universitario in Alicante, Spain.
Indications for when to perform a paracentesis in a patient with ascites:
(1) at the onset of ascites
(2) upon each admission to the hospital
(3) when there is clinical deterioration
(4) when there is deterioration in laboratory values
(5) with the onset of hepatic encephalopathy
(6) with the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding
where:
• Rimola et al included rapid deterioration in renal function without apparent cause.
Contraindications for performing a paracentesis:
(1) clinical DIC or fibrinolysis
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