[Paracentesis and cirrhotic patients: should we fear hemorrhages ?]

Paracentesis is a frequent procedure, especially in patients with cirrhosis. In these patients, given the fears of severe bleeding associated with coagulation disorders as well as thrombocytopenia, we were interested to review the literature on this subject. Few studies are available and, for the moment, recommendations are of a low level of evidence. Paracentesis seems to be a safe procedure without severe haemorrhagic complications (< 1%), regardless of coagulation disorders and platelet count. Renal insufficiency, Child-Pugh C cirrhosis, thrombocytes < 50 G/L and cirrhosis of alcoholic origin may however increase the risk of bleeding. Caution should be observed in these patients.