Terlipressin effect on hepatorenal syndrome: Updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Internal Medicine Department SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis St. Louis Missouri USA. Hospital Medicine Department, School of Medicine University of Missouri Colombia Missouri USA. Department of Cardiology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute Oregon Health & Science University Portland Oregon USA. Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary and Endoscopy SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis St. Louis Missouri USA.

JGH open : an open access journal of gastroenterology and hepatology. 2021;5(8):896-901
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a fatal complication of liver cirrhosis with a limited pharmacological option. Terlipressin is a vasoconstrictor that is approved in many countries but not yet in the United States. This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to review terlipressin effect on HRS and the safety profile. METHODS We searched electronic databases for RCTs comparing terlipressin versus placebo in addition to albumin in patients with type 1 or 2 HRS. Primary outcome was HRS reversal. Secondary outcomes were change in serum creatinine (Cr), requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) at 30 days of randomization, and 90-day survival. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. RESULTS We identified eight RCTs with a total of 974 patients, and median follow up of 100 days. Mean age was 55 ± 10 years, 61% were males. Alcoholic liver disease represented 56%. Compared with placebo, terlipressin was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of HRS reversal (RR 2.08; 95% CI [1.51, 2.86], P < 0.001), significantly lower serum Cr (MD -0.64; 95% CI (-1.02, -0.27), P < 0.001], and a trend toward less RRT requirements (RR 0.61; 95% CI [0.36, 1.02], P = 0.06). There was no difference in survival at 90 days between groups (RR 1.09; 95% CI (0.84, 1.43), P = 0.52). Major adverse effects (AEs) were gastrointestinal cramps, discomfort, and respiratory distress. CONCLUSION In patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by HRS, terlipressin was associated with significant HRS reversal and decrease in serum Cr. No survival benefit was detected at 90 days.
Study details
Study Design : Systematic Review
Language : eng
Credits : Bibliographic data from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine