Continuous terlipressin infusion is associated with improved diet intake and muscle strength in patients awaiting liver transplant.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Portal hypertension contributes to the pathogenesis of malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis via multiple mechanisms. Terlipressin is a vasopressin analogue that we administer via continuous outpatient infusion, as a bridge to transplantation in patients with hepatorenal syndrome or refractory ascites. We describe, for the first time, the impact of outpatient terlipressin on nutritional and muscle parameters.

Methods

Nutrition (subjective global assessment), handgrip strength, dietary intake (energy, protein), frequency of paracentesis and severity of liver disease (model for end-stage liver disease score) were prospectively recorded at terlipressin commencement and follow-up (transplantation, cessation or census date).

Results

Nineteen patients w

SUBMITTER: Chapman B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7001556 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature