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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Ascites, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Diet, Sodium-Restricted, Disease Progression, Diuretics, Female, Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products, Humans, Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Neoplasms, Male, Middle Aged, Paracentesis.
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Are high circulating D-dimers associated with ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis? Context: To measure plasma D-dimer levels in cirrhotic patients with and without ascites, assessing the effect of ascites resolution in D-dimer concentration. Seventy consecutive cirrhotic patients (M = 44, F = 26, mean age 65 years, SD +/- 13), observed from October 2005 to March 2006 were enrolled. Circulating D-dimer levels were measured using a latex-enhanced, immunoturbidimetric test. In patients with ascites (n = 42) the test was repeated after ascites resolution. Ascites was present in 42 patients (group A) and absent in 28 (group B). Group A patients had more advanced liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 14 patients and was more frequent in group B. Above normal range D-dimers were found in 45/70 patients. High D-dimers were more frequent in group A than in group B (P = 0.001). High D-dimers were associated with presence of HCC (P = 0.048) only in group B. After ascites resolution, obtained in all patients, mean D-dimer values decreased in those 34 patients with high basal levels (P = 0.007), returning to normal in 17.
assistant
In patients with liver cirrhosis, ascites and HCC are the main factors associated with increased fibrinolytic activity. Final Decision: yes