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[Skill Modules >> Liver & Ascites >> Evidence Base ]

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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