Hyponatraemia induced by terlipressin: a case report and literature review.

Y Huang, M Wang, J Wang

Journal: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics 2016;40(6):626-8

PMID: 26573870

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Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Terlipressin is widely used to treat variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome. We report one case of stubborn hyponatraemia induced by long-term (up to 21 days) therapy with terlipressin and review the side effects of this agent.

CASE SUMMARY

A 41-year-old man with variceal rebleeding experienced a course of stubborn hyponatraemia during a long-term (up to 21 days) therapy with terlipressin. The hyponatraemia could not be corrected until withdrawal of terlipressin. The adverse event is likely due to the stimulation of V1 receptors in the splanchnic area and V2 receptors in the collecting duct.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Given that this reaction has rarely been reported, we discuss the present case with a review of other similar cases. Serum sodium should be monitored intensively to avoid misdiagnosis whenever terlipressin treatment is employed for either gastrointestinal haemorrhage or hepatorenal syndrome.

Address: Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.; Department of Ultrasonic, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.; Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12335

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MeSH Terms: Adult, Esophageal and Gastric Varices, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Humans, Hyponatremia, Lypressin, Male, Terlipressin