A systematic review 1 including 5 studies with a total of 330 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Control of ascites was significantly more common with TIPS than with large volume paracentesis (LVP) at 4 months (66% versus 23.8%, RD 41.4%, 95% CI: 29.5 to 53.2, P<0.001; NNT 3) and at 12 months (54.8% versus 18.9%, mean difference 35%, 95% CI: 24.9 to 45.1, P<0.001). Encephalopathy was significantly more common with TIPS than with LVP (54.9% versus 38.1%, RD 17%, 95% CI: 7.3 to 26.6, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between TIPS and LVP groups for survival at 1 year (61.7% versus 56.5%, RD 3.2%, 95% CI: -14.7 to 21.9) and 2 years (50% versus 42.8%, RD 6.8%, 95% CI: -10 to 23.6).
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by the lack of detail on the review methods.
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