Abstract
Terlipressin is a splanchnic constrictor that is used to control variceal bleeding and is considered to have a very good safety profile compared to vasopressin. However, side effects such as hyponatremia and seizure, although very rare, can occur. Recently, the authors have experienced a case of hyponatremia induced by infusion of terlipressin which resulted in generalized seizure. On admission, the patient's sodium level was 141 mmol/l but, 4 days after the initiation of terlipressin, it plummeted to 114 mmol/l, with serum osmolality also having fallen to 243 mOsm/kg. Hyponatremia could not be corrected despite correction with hypertonic saline but, after withdrawal of terlipressin, the serum sodium level showed a dramatic increase almost to the normal range the following day. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor patients' electrolyte levels during the course of terlipressin therapy.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 501-504 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 Apr 14 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cirrhosis
- Hyponatremia
- Seizure
- Terlipressin
- Varix
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology