Paracentesis exceeding three liters increases risks of acute kidney injury even in cirrhotic patients with albumin infused refractory ascites

Abstract

Background

Cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites exhibit severe portal hypertension and hemodynamic disturbances. The risks associated modest-volume paracentesis (<5 L) for refractory ascites remains unclear. We aimed to explore the impact of modest-volume paracentesis in refractory ascites.

Methods

Cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites undergoing paracentesis <5 L with albumin infusion were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the volume of paracentesis: ≥3 L and <3 L. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for post-paracentesis complications, while Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess 28-day survival rates.

Results

Among 116 patients, 40 (34.5%) experienced post-paracentesis complications within one week, predominantly acute kidney injury (AKI) (19.8%). Twenty patients had paracentesis ≥3 L and 96 patients had <3 L. Overall complications were comparable between two groups (50% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.109), but ≥3 L group had more AKI (40% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.013). Additionally, paracentesis ≥3 L is an independent risk factor for AKI [Odds ratio (OR) = 4.15, p = 0.012], while higher MELD scores (OR = 1.14, p = 0.001) and older age (OR = 1.03, p = 0.047) are risk factors for overall complications. Furthermore, patients with post-paracentesis complications had significantly poorer 28-day survival.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites face a high risk of complications from modest-volume paracentesis, even with albumin infusion. Paracentesis ≥3 L increases AKI risks, while higher MELD scores are linked to greater overall complications, leading to poor short-term survival.