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Evidence Base: Liver & Ascites
Laoratory Tests
How helpful is laboratory data in increasing the predictive value of physical exam?
In a study of 29 patient with prolonged prothrombin times (PT) not receiving anticoagulation therapy, 21 (72%) had ascites. Of the 59 patients with normal PT, 9 (15%) had ascites. Half of these patients had alcohol as the etiology of their liver disease.
|
+ Shifting Dullness |
- Shifting Dullness |
+ Fluid Wave |
- Fluid Wave |
Prolonged PT |
.82 (.70-.93) |
.29 (.18-.41) |
.96 (.87-.99) |
.48 (.26-.69) |
Normal PT |
.43 (.17-.69) |
.02 (0-.05) |
.57 (.41-.47) |
.08 (.03-.14) |
Adapted from Cummings. |
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