Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure. We systematically reviewed the benefits and harms of using terlipressin, a novel vasoconstricting agent in patients with HRS. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and conference proceedings for relevant trials of terlipressin. Results were summarized using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight trials (320 participants) were included. When compared with placebo, terlipressin-treated patients had higher HRS reversal (odds ratio [OR] 7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.17-17.59), mean arterial pressure (weighted mean difference [WMD] 11.26 mmHg, 95% CI 1.52-21), and urine output. There was a significant increase in ischemic adverse events with terlipressin when compared to placebo. There was mild-to-moderate heterogeneity in these analyses. There was no significant difference between terlipressin and noradrenaline in HRS reversal (OR 1.23, 95% CI, 0.43-3.54), mean arterial pressure, and urine output. Side-effect profile did not differ between terlipressin and noradrenaline. CONCLUSION: Terlipressin improves HRS reversal and other surrogate outcome measures compared with placebo, but no significant differences for these outcomes were noted when comparing terlipressin and noradrenaline. Terlipressin is a potential therapeutic option for HRS, but larger trials comparing terlipressin to other widely used vasoconstrictors are warranted.