Paracentesis versus diuretics in the treatment of cirrhotics with tense ascites

72 cirrhotics with tense ascites were randomly assigned to treatment with either paracentesis plus intravenous albumin infusion (38 patients) or diuretics (34 patients). Paracentesis was not associated with significant changes in renal function. The clinical course of the disease was similar in the two groups of patients, both during their hospital stay and during follow-up.