Terlipressin-induced hyponatremic seizure

Jong Jin Hyun, Yeon Seok Seo, Kwang Gyun Lee, Bora Keum, Hyung Joon Yim, Yoon Tae Jeen, Hoon Jai Chun, Soon Ho Um, Chang Duck Kim, Ho Sang Ryu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)501-504
Number of pages4
JournalScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010 Apr 14
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cirrhosis
  • Hyponatremia
  • Seizure
  • Terlipressin
  • Varix

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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