Effectiveness of terlipressin for prevention of complications after major liver resection – A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundElevated portal pressure in response to major liver resection is associated with impaired liver regeneration and increased postoperative complications. Terlipressin, a splanchnic vasoconstrictor used for treatment of hepatorenal syndrome, was tested for reduction of complications and renal protection after liver resection. MethodsA randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial including patients undergoing elective major liver resection was performed. Terlipressin was administered to patients in the intervention group for five days. The primary outcome parameter was the incidence of a clinical composite endpoint of following liver specific complications 6 weeks after surgery: liver failure, ascites, bile leakage, intra-abdominal abscess and operative mortality. Postoperative kidney function was assessed as a secondary endpoint. Results150 patients (mean age 63.4 years, 73.3% male) were included. No difference was found in the composite endpoint between the placebo and intervention group (32.8% versus 30.8%, relative risk 1.066, 95%CI 0.643 to 1.769, p = 0.85). Patients receiving terlipressin showed a significant lower decrease in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to placebo (two way ANOVA, p = 0.005). ConclusionPerioperative administration of terlipressin during major liver surgery did not affect a composite endpoint of liver specific complications, but significantly protected from postoperative deterioration of kidney function compared to placebo. Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT01921985.