Keywords
acute variceal bleeding; congenital hepatic fibrosis; hyponatremia; portal hypertension; seizures; terlipressin
Disciplines
Chemicals and Drugs | Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Digestive System Diseases
Abstract
Introduction
Acute variceal bleeding from portal hypertension is one of the most serious complications with a mortality rate of 15% to 25%. Terlipressin is a vasopressor that controls variceal bleeding by lowering the portal pressure and reducing blood flow to the varices.
Case Presentation
We report a case of a patient with acute variceal bleeding, treated endoscopically and with terlipressin, who developed severe hyponatremia and seizures requiring admission to intensive care. Clinical and biochemical improvements were noticeable upon the cessation of terlipressin, with an eventual discharge from the hospital.
Conclusion
Prompt management of acute variceal bleeding with both endoscopic and medical interventions is required. Regular biochemical monitoring is necessary while a patient is on terlipressin treatment. The duration of treatment with terlipressin should not be prolonged unnecessarily.
Recommended Citation
Gauci, Luca; Gafa, Jorge; Cauchi, Suzanne; and Gerada, Jurgen
(2025)
"Terlipressin-Induced Hyponatremic Seizures in a Patient With Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis,"
HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 14.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1806
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol6/iss1/14
Included in
Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Commons, Digestive System Diseases Commons