[A new paracentesis needle for ascites and pleural effusion compared with the venous indwelling catheter. A prospective, randomized study]

Establishing an indwelling peritoneal catheter as a standard procedure for hospitalized patients with ascites: Retrospective data on feasibility, effectiveness and safety

Background

The use of an indwelling peritoneal catheter system in hospitalized patients with ascites could facilitate patient management by the prevention of repetitive abdominal paracentesis. Despite these possible benefits, the use of indwelling catheters is not widely established.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of the use of an indwelling catheter for ascites drainage in the clinical routine.

Methods

This retrospective study included all indwelling peritoneal catheter placements in our department in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis between 2014 and 2017.

Results

A total of 324 indwelling catheter placements for ascites in 192 hospitalized patients with cirrhosis were included. The catheter (7F, 8 cm) was placed ultrasound-assisted bed-side on the hospital ward. The technical success rate of the catheter placement was 99.7% (323/324). In 17.5% (64/324) the catheter was placed to optimize ascitic drainage prior to an abdominal intervention (e.g. transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt). The median time of catheter retention was 48 hours (8-168 hours) and the median cumulative amount of drained ascites 8000 ml (550-28,000). The most common adverse event was acute kidney injury (49/324, 15.1%); the risk was particularly higher in patients with a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥ 16 (p = 0.028; odds ratio 2.039). Ascitic fistula after catheter removal was observed in 9.6% (31/324). Catheter-related infections occurred in 4.3% (14/324), and bleeding was documented in three cases (0.8%) with one major bleeding (0.3%).

Conclusion

The placement of an indwelling catheter for repetitive ascitic drainage in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis can be established in the clinical routine, facilitating patient management. High-MELD patients especially have to be monitored for acute kidney injury.

Clinical Profile and Complications of Paracentesis in Refractory Ascites Patients With Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Large volume paracentesis is found to be safer and more effective for the treatment of tense ascites compared with larger-than-usual doses of diuretics according to studies. The objectives of the study was to evaluate patients with refractory ascites regarding clinical profile, technique of paracentesis, complications, amount of ascites drained, prognosis and co-morbid conditions associated with it.

METHODS

Retrospective study was performed including patients between January 2011 and December 2013 with data pooled from total of five hospitals. A total of 4,389 paracenteses were performed on the 1,218 patients with a mean volume of 4,900 ± 2,795 mL ascitic fluid drained. Blind technique, ultrasound-guided technique of paracentesis and pig tail catheter drainage were evaluated. Diabetes mellitus data from available patients and data regarding co-morbidities were analyzed. Coagulation abnormalities in patients were studied.

RESULTS

Study group age ranged from 34 to 79 years, and alcohol is the main cause of cirrhosis. Dyslipidemia was observed in 1,080 patients (88.66%). At the time of inclusion in the study, 40% of the patients had ≥ 2 other cirrhosis-related complications and 20% of the study population had ≥ 3 complications. Early complications occurred in 27.5% (337) of patients and late complications constituted 16.83% (205 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Even with abnormal coagulation, paracentesis is a safe procedure. But significant co-morbidities should be addressed with care in cirrhosis patients. Ultrasound guidance during the procedure whenever required should be encouraged.