Terlipressin-Induced Hyponatremic Seizures in a Patient With Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis

Authors

Luca Gauci, Mater Dei Hospital, MaltaFollow
Jorge Gafa, Mater Dei Hospital, MaltaFollow
Suzanne Cauchi, Mater Dei Hospital, MaltaFollow
Jurgen Gerada, Mater Dei Hospital, MaltaFollow

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