Abstract

Abstract Background/Aim: Ornipressin, a vasopressin analog with potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor action, has been shown to reverse hepatorenal syndrome. However, its usefulness in clinical practice is limited by frequent ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of terlipressin, an analog of vasopressin with a low profile of side effects, plus albumin in this condition. Methods: Nine consecutive patients with cirrhosis and hepatorenal syndrome were included in a pilot study of terlipressin (0.5–2 mg/4 h iv) therapy associated with iv albumin. Results: Treatment (9 days, range 5–15) was associated with a marked reduction of serum creatinine (3.9±0.7 to 1.3±0.1 mg/dl, ppp<0;0.01 for both). No patient developed signs of intestinal, myocardial or distal ischemia. Conclusions: Terlipressin associated with albumin appears to be a safe and effective treatment of hepatorenal syndrome.