Use Of Terlipressin Research Articles

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: PRO.

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: PRO.

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: CON.

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: CON.

Early Versus Standard Initiation of Terlipressin for Acute Kidney Injury in ACLF: A Randomized Controlled Trial (eTerli Study).

Terlipressin infusion is effective in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI). However, its efficacy for HRS-AKI resolution in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients has been suboptimal. Progression of AKI is rapid in ACLF. We investigated whether early initiation of terlipressin(eTerli) can improve response rates. Consecutive ACLF patients with stage II/III AKI despite albumin resuscitation (40g) were randomized to receive terlipressin at 2mg/24h plus albumin at 12h (ET, n = 35) or at 48h as standard therapy (ST, n = 35). (June 22, 2020 to June 10, 2022). The primary end-point was AKI reversal by day7. Baseline parameters including AKI stage and ACLF-AARC scores in two arms were comparable. Full AKI response at day 7 was higher in ET [24/35 (68.6%)] than ST arm [11/35 (31.4%; P 0.03]. Day3 AKI response was also higher in ET arm [11/35 (31.4%) vs. 4/35 (11.4%), P 0.04]. Using ST compared to ET [HR 4.3; P 0.026] and day 3 serum creatinine > 1.6mg/dl [HR 9.1; AUROC-0.866; P < 0.001] predicted HRS-AKI non-response at day 7. ET patients showed greater improvement in ACLF grade, mean arterial pressure, and urine output at day 3, and required lower albumin within 7days than ET arm (149.1 ± 41.8g vs. 177.5 ± 40.3g, P 0.006) and had lower 28-day mortality: 40% vs. 65.7%, P 0.031]. Early use of terlipressin than ST [HR 2.079; P 0.038], baseline HE [HR 2.929; P 0.018], and AKI persistence at day 3 [HR 1.369; P 0.011] predicted 28-day mortality. Fifteen (21.4%) patients had treatment related adverse effects, none was life threatening. In ACLF patients, early initiation of terlipressin for AKI persisting after 12h of volume expansion with albumin helps in reduced short-term mortality and early AKI reversal with regression of ACLF stage. These results indicate need for change in current practice for terlipressin usage in HRS-AKI.

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: COMMENTARY.

Use of Terlipressin in AKI Associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome: COMMENTARY.

From past to present to future: Terlipressin and hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury.

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a rare and highly morbid form of kidney injury unique to patients with decompensated cirrhosis. HRS is a physiologic consequence of portal hypertension, leading to a functional kidney injury that can be reversed by restoring effective circulating volume and renal perfusion. While liver transplantation is the only definitive "cure" for HRS, medical management with vasoconstrictors and i.v. albumin is a cornerstone of supportive care. Terlipressin, a V1a receptor agonist that acts on the splanchnic circulation, has been used for many years outside the United States for the treatment of HRS. However, its recent Food and Drug Administration approval has generated new interest in this population, as a new base of prescribers now work to incorporate the drug into clinical practice. In this article, we review HRS pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria, the clinical use of terlipressin and alternative therapies, and identify areas of future research in the space of HRS and kidney injury in cirrhosis.

Liver-HERO: hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) treatment with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis—a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with cirrhosis and ascites (and portal hypertension) are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). Although many etiologies exist, hepatorenal AKI (HRS-AKI) remains a frequent and difficult-to-treat cause, with a very high mortality when left untreated. The standard of care is the use of terlipressin and albumin. This can lead to reversal of AKI, which is associated to survival. Nevertheless, only approximately half of the patients achieve this reversal and even after reversal patients remains at risk for new episodes of HRS-AKI. TIPS is accepted for use in patients with variceal bleeding and refractory ascites, which leads to a reduction in portal pressure. Although preliminary data suggest it may be useful in HRS-AKI, its use in this setting is controversial and caution is recommended given the fact that HRS-AKI is associated to cardiac alterations and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) which represent relative contraindications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). In the last decades, with the new definition of renal failure in patients with cirrhosis, patients are identified at an earlier stage. These patients are less sick and therefore more likely to not have contraindications for TIPS. We hypothesize that TIPS could be superior to the standard of care in patients with HRS-AKI.MethodsThis study is a prospective, multicenter, open, 1:1-randomized, controlled parallel-group trial. The main end-point is to compare the 12-month liver transplant-free survival in patients assigned to TIPS compared to the standard of care (terlipressin and albumin). Secondary end-point include reversal of HRS-AKI, health-related Quality of Life (HrQoL), and incidence of further decompensation among others. Once patients are diagnosed with HRS-AKI, they will be randomized to TIPS or Standard of Care (SOC). TIPS should be placed within 72 h. Until TIPS placement, TIPS patients will be treated with terlipressin and albumin. Once TIPS is placed, terlipressin and albumin should be weaned off according to the attending physician.DiscussionIf the trial were to show a survival advantage for patients who undergo TIPS placement, this could be incorporated in routine clinical practice in the management of patients with HRS-AKI.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT05346393. Released to the public on 01 April 2022.

Terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome: opportunities and challenges

The approval of terlipressin in September, 2022, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with hepatorenal syndrome is a huge advance in the management of patients with this complication of cirrhosis, which accounts for substantial rates of morbidity and mortality. It is important to note that outside of the USA, terlipressin has been used for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome for many decades, and there is a wealth of experience with its use. This Comment highlights clinical perspectives on the enormous opportunities that this approval provides and indicates potential challenges and pitfalls in the widespread use of terlipressin for such patients.

Practice guidance for the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis-related complications (2021)

Liver cirrhosis is a major global health burden worldwide due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Role of terlipressin for the management of liver cirrhosis related complications has been recognized during recent years. This paper aims to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidance on the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis related complications. Hepatobiliary Study Group of Chinese Society of Gastroenterology of Chinese Medical Association and Hepatology Committee of Chinese Research Hospital Association have invited gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists, surgeons, and clinical pharmacists to formulate the clinical practice guidance based on comprehensive literature review and experts' clinical experiences. Overall, 10 major statements regarding efficacy and safety of terlipressin in liver cirrhosis were proposed. Terlipressin can be beneficial for the management of cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). However, the evidence regarding the use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with ascites, post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, and bacterial infections and in those undergoing hepatic resection and liver transplantation remains insufficient. Terlipressin-related adverse events, mainly including gastrointestinal symptoms, electrolyte disturbance, and cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events, should be closely monitored. The current clinical practice guidance supports the use of terlipressin for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and HRS in liver cirrhosis. High-quality studies are needed to further clarify its potential effects in other liver cirrhosis related complications.

Duodenal Necrosis and Nonvariceal Digestive Bleeding After Terlipressin Administration for Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome: a Case Report of a Novel Side Effect of a Commonly Used Drug

BackgroundTerlipressin is widely used for treatment of hepatorenal syndrome and variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. However, it may be associated with side effects, especially those related to vasoconstriction, such as myocardial infarction or intestinal ischemia. This is a case report of a cirrhotic patient with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding after duodenal necrosis due to the use of terlipressin, a novel side effect not yet described in literature to the best of our knowledge. Case reportA 51-year-old male patient, with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus infection, was admitted presenting oliguria associated with severe ascites and lower limb edema. His Model for End Stage Liver Disease–Sodium score was 19 and his serum creatine level was 2.12 mg/dL. Albumin infusion was performed for 48 hours, but his serum creatinine level reached 3.46 mg/dL. Terlipressin infusion was started in continuous infusion and serum creatinine levels progressively decreased. However, the patient presented hemorrhagic shock secondary to hematemesis after 7 days. Upper digestive endoscopy showed an extensive ulcerated lesion in the duodenal bulb, reaching 70% of its lumen, with hematic residues and necrotic foci. Terlipressin was suspended and proton pump inhibitors were started. Despite intensive care, the patient developed severe encephalopathy and reentrant seizures. He eventually died 10 days after the bleeding event. ConclusionsWe described a case of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to duodenal necrosis, which was caused by visceral ischemia induced by terlipressin. Given its fatality potential, this novel side effect should be remembered when using this medication in cirrhotic patients.

COST EFFECTIVENESS OF USING TERLIPRESSIN TO TREAT HEPATORENAL SYNDROME.

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the most severe form of acute kidney injury in patients with advanced cirrhosis, and it is associated with high mortality. It is usually diagnosed according to criteria defined by the International Ascites Club. Currently, the most frequently indicated pharmacological therapy for the treatment of HRS is a combination of splanchnic vasoconstrictors (terlipressin or norepinephrine) in combination with albumin. With the progressive increase in healthcare spending, it is important to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of pharmacological treatment in patients who are diagnosed with HRS. To perform a cost-effectiveness assessment for the use of terlipressin in combination with albumin to treat HRS in patients with cirrhosis. Economic evaluation of cost-effectiveness based on secondary data from studies showed the efficacy of terlipressin therapy compared with norepinephrine combined with albumin or albumin alone. The cost-effectiveness analysis was calculated using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and a sensitivity analysis was developed by varying the values of therapies and probabilities. The Brazilian real was the currency used in the analysis, and the results were converted to US dollars. After selection, eligibility, and evaluation of the quality of publications, the results demonstrated that administration of terlipressin or norepinephrine in combination with albumin in patients diagnosed with HRS type 1 was efficacious. The cost of treatment with terlipressin in combination with albumin was USD $1,644.06, administration of albumin alone was USD $912.02, and norepinephrine plus albumin was USD $2,310.78. Considering that the combination therapies demonstrated effectiveness, the incremental cost of terlipressin and norepinephrine in combination with albumin was USD $666.73, and an effectiveness of 0.570 was found for terlipressin in combination with albumin and 0.200 for norepinephrine in combination with albumin. The incremental effectiveness was 0.370, and the ICER was USD $1,801.97. Thus, the parameters of increasing cost per therapy and ICER indicated that the combined therapy of terlipressin plus albumin was cost effective compared to albumin alone or norepinephrine plus albumin in a public single-payer healthcare system. A cost-effectiveness analysis showed that terlipressin in combination with albumin when administered concomitantly to patients who were diagnosed with type 1 HRS is cost-effective compared to norepinephrine in combination with albumin administered in a controlled environment.

Practice guidance for the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis-related complications.

Background:Liver cirrhosis is a major global health burden worldwide due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Role of terlipressin for the management of liver cirrhosis–related complications has been recognized during recent years. This article aims to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidance on the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis–related complications.Methods:Hepatobiliary Study Group of the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology of the Chinese Medical Association and Hepatology Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association have invited gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists, surgeons, and clinical pharmacists to formulate the clinical practice guidance based on comprehensive literature review and experts’ clinical experiences.Results:Overall, 10 major guidance statements regarding efficacy and safety of terlipressin in liver cirrhosis were proposed. Terlipressin can be beneficial for the management of cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). However, the evidence regarding the use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with ascites, post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, and bacterial infections and in those undergoing hepatic resection and liver transplantation remains insufficient. Terlipressin-related adverse events, mainly including gastrointestinal symptoms, electrolyte disturbance, and cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events, should be closely monitored.Conclusion:The current clinical practice guidance supports the use of terlipressin for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and HRS in liver cirrhosis. High-quality studies are needed to further clarify its potential effects in other liver cirrhosis–related complications.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TERLIPRESSIN INFUSION VS BOLUS TREATMENT IN DIGESTIVE BLEEDING OF VARICEAL ORIGIN AT THE PUEBLA SPECIALTY HOSPITAL, PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Digestive bleeding of variceal origin represents an emergency medical event, with a mortality rate close to 20% and drug treatment is one of the pillars of management. In our environment and according to international recommendations, terlipressin administered in boluses is the treatment of choice for this entity, with a high percentage of adverse effects related to its use, so it is relevant to find other strategies in its use, but without reducing its use effectiveness. Some studies suggest that the use of terlipressin by continuous infusion could represent a more effective or comparable strategy for the control of bleeding, a lower rate of adverse effects and a lower risk of rebleeding, so the objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of terlipressin in intermittent dose vs. infusion for acute bleeding of variceal origin in patients with portal hypertension. this is a randomized, open, comparative and prospective study that included adult patients with a diagnosis of portal hypertension of any origin, with manifest gastrointestinal bleeding, treated at the Puebla Specialty Hospital since March 1, 2021, who were randomly administered terlipressin by infusion and boluses. Study variables: treatment failure, adverse effects, days of hospital stay and transfusion requirement. The protocol was approved by the local committee and conbioethics 21-CEI-002-20180731, all patients participated with informed consent. Results were analyzed with frequency measures, Fisher's exact test was used to demonstrate hypotheses, and Student's t-test was used for unrelated normal distribution variables. Up to now, 10 patients have been admitted to the study, in which no significant differences have been obtained in the study variables; however, in the bolus terlipressin group, three of the five patients have presented adverse effects, unlike the infusion terlipressin group in which they have not been presented. At the moment, a total of 10 patients has demonstrated comparable effectiveness in both groups; however, in the bolus group, 60% of the patients have presented adverse effects that have led to the change of vasoactive drug, unlike the infusion group where there have been no adverse effects, however, no significant differences have been found between both groups, which is explained by the small number of patients at the moment. We consider that a larger number of patients is required to demonstrate our hypothesis. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Letter: real‐world use of terlipressin in patients with hepatorenal syndrome

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Moore et al and Allegretti et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15836 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16486

Prophylactic Perioperative Terlipressin Therapy for Preventing Acute Kidney Injury in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the perioperative transplant period and is associated with poor outcomes. Few studies reported a reduction in AKI incidence with terlipressin therapy by counteracting the hemodynamic alterations occurring during liver transplantation. However, the effect of terlipressin on posttransplant outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed. Studies reporting the use of terlipressin in the perioperative period of living donor liver transplantationwere included. We expressed the dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) using the random effects model. The primary aim was to assess the posttransplant risk of AKI. The secondary aims were to assess the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), vasopressors, effect on hemodynamics, blood loss during surgery, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and in-hospital mortality. A total of nine studies reporting 711 patients (309 patients in the terlipressin group and 402 in the control group) were included for analysis. Terlipressin was administered for a mean duration of 53.44±28.61h postsurgery. The risk of AKI was lower with terlipressin (0.6 [95% CI, 0.44-0.8]; P=0.001). However, on sensitivity analysis including only four randomized controlled trials (I2= 0; P= 0.54), the risk of AKI was similar in both the groups (0.7 [0.43-1.09]; P=0.11). The need for RRT was similar in both the groups (0.75 [0.35-1.56]; P=0.44). Terlipressin therapy reduced the need for another vasopressor (0.34 [0.25-0.47]; P<0.001) with a concomitant rise in mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance by 3.2mm Hg (1.64-4.7; P<0.001) and 77.64dynecm-1.sec-5 (21.27-134; P=0.007), respectively. Blood loss, duration of hospital/ICU stay, and mortality were similar in both groups. Perioperative terlipressin therapy has no clinically relevant benefit.

Two-component vasopressor therapy for septic shock

The objective: to investigate the efficacy and safety of terlipressin when it is used as an additional vasopressor in septic shock.Subjects: A single-center, observational, retrospective-prospective study of the efficacy and safety of combined therapy of septic shock with norepinephrine and terlipressin versus monotherapy with norepinephrine was conducted.Results. The use of terlipressin made it possible to reduce the average daily need for noradrenaline in patients with septic shock from 0.68 μg · kg-1 · min-1 in the control group to 0.55 μg · kg-1 · min-1 in the study group (p = 0.015) and reduce the duration of vasopressor support from 8 days [6.0-11.0] to 6 days [5.0-8.0] in the study group (p = 0.023). The use of terlipressin did not reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, but it did reduce the duration of ventilation. The number of days free from mechanical ventilation in patients in the control group was 6.0 [1.0-18.0], in the study group - 16.0 [2.0-22.0], (p = 0.039).Conclusion. The use of terlipressin as a supplement to norepinephrine is an effective and relatively safe treatment for hypotension in refractory septic shock.

Эффективность и безопасность применения терлипрессина при кесаревом сечении у беременных с высоким риском кровотечения: многоцентровое всенаправленное когортное исследование Terli-Bleed. Часть II*

Severe and massive bleeding remains one of the main causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The use of terlipressin has proved to be effective in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in the high-risk group. Given that terlipressin is a potent vasopressor, there are concerns about its use in parturient women with hypertension. Objective. To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of terlipressin when it is injected into the myometrium during caesarean section. Patients and methods. This publication is a continuation of the research work on the effectiveness of terlipressin in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in high-risk pregnant women, which was conducted between February and December 2020 with the participation of 5 medical centers. The study included 454 pregnant women who delivered by caesarean section. They were divided into two groups: control group I (n = 351) and study group II (n = 103), with local application of terlipressin injected into the thickness of the myometrium. During the study, the parameters of non-invasive hemodynamics were assessed. Results. When assessing the indicators of non-invasive blood pressure, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. The analysis of heart rate showed slight statistical difference at the stage of operation and in the postoperative period. A significant difference in values of shock index in dynamics was found between the groups, which, nevertheless, were within acceptable limits, and the difference had no clinical significance. Conclusion. The study showed that the use of terlipressin does not significantly affect the parameters of non-invasive hemodynamics, which can complicate the operation or the labor outcome. Key words: obstetric haemorrhage, terlipressin, hemodynamics

Эффективность и безопасность применения терлипрессина при кесаревом сечении у беременных с высоким риском кровотечения: многоцентровое всенаправленное когортное исследование Terli-Bleed. Часть I

Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage is one of the important tasks of modern obstetrics, anesthesiology and intensive care. Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of terlipressin usage as a means of postpartum haemorrhage development prevention during caesarean section in high-risk pregnant women. Patients and methods. From February to December 2020, a multicenter comprehensive cohort study, in which 5 medical centers participated, was conducted. The study included 454 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section and who were divided into two groups: control group I (n = 351) and study group II (n = 103), with the use of terlipressin injected into myometrium. Evaluation of the preventive effect of the drug was carried out in several main directions: the volume of blood loss, the need for additional methods of surgical hemostasis, the safety of intraoperative use. Results. Considerable differences were found in the assessment of significant risk factors for the development of postpartum haemorrhage, associated pathologies and comorbidity between the groups. The study group turned out to be more threatened by the postpartum haemorrhage development. In the control group, additional measures of surgical hemostasis were more often used, including hysterectomy (2.6% versus 1.9%) and relaparotomy (1.9% versus 1%). The median blood loss was statistically lower in the study group (700 ml versus 800 ml). Nevertheless, the considerable spread of data on the volume of blood loss should be noted, with a maximum blood loss of 10,000 ml in the control group and 4,500 ml in the study group. There were no serious complications in both groups. Conclusion. The study showed that the use of terlipressin can reduce the volume of blood loss in women with high risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage, as well as reduce the number of hysterectomies and relaparotomies. It is necessary to continue the prospective part of the study with an increase in the randomized sample of patients. Key words: obstetric haemorrhage, caesarean section, terlipressin

Efficacy of low doses of terlipressin to prevent intra-operative blood loss in obstetrics

The use of modern blood-saving technologies is one of the effective methods of preventing intra-operative bleeding in obstetric practice, however, the effect of local use of terlipressin to reduce blood loss is not sufficiently investigated. The objective : to assess the efficacy of local preventive use of low doses of terlipressin to reduce of intra-operative blood loss in the cesarean section. Subjects and methods . 105 women who underwent the cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were examined. They were divided into 3 groups depending on the administered dose of terlipressin: Group 1 (n = 35) ‒ 0.2 mg, Group II (n = 35) ‒ 0.4 mg, Group III (n = 35) ‒ control one. The swab-weighing method was used to assess blood loss. Results . In Group I, the blood loss made 6.9% of the total blood volume, in Group II ‒ 7.7%, and in Group III ‒ 13.3%. The frequency of hemotransfusion in Group I was ‒ 0%, in II ‒ 2.9%, in III ‒ 14.3%. No complications and side effects associated with terlipressin use were observed. Conclusion . The use of low doses of terlipressin for prevention purposes has a sufficiently pronounced clinical effect and is not accompanied by any complications.

Use of terlipressin in critically ill children with liver disease

BackgroundTerlipressin, a long-acting synthetic analogue of vasopressin has been used in the adult population for various indications including hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI), esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVH) and shock, but its use in pediatrics is still limited to individualized cases and data on safety and efficacy is scant.MethodsWe reviewed the patient records of children with liver disease and Acute Kidney Injury requiring terlipressin admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of King’s College Hospital, London from January 2010–December 2017, with special emphasis on its effect on renal parameters and adverse event profile.ResultsTwenty-one terlipressin administration records in a total of 16 patients (median) (IQR) 10 years (6.1–14.4) were included. The drug was initially given as a bolus dose in all cases, followed by either bolus or infusion with median dosage being 5.2 (3.8–6.7) mcg/kg/hour. After administration, a sustained increase of mean arterial pressure was observed. There was an improvement in serum creatinine (Cr) (at 24 h; p = 0.386) and increase in urine output (UO), especially in the hepatorenal syndrome subgroup (HRS-AKI). We found minimal evidence of gastrointestinal side effects including feeding intolerance and vasoconstrictive side effects including cyanosis / ischaemia of extremities.ConclusionTerlipressin was found to be safe in critically sick children with liver disease with positive impact on renal parameters which might be taken as a surrogate marker of HRS reversal, though effects on outcomes are difficult to ascertain. It is important to be aware of all its side-effects and actively watch for them. Future prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Role of Terlipressin in Cirrhotic Patients with Ascites and without Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence.

Ascites, a common complication in cirrhosis, is prone to the development of acute kidney injury or hepatorenal syndrome and can be complicated by circulatory dysfunction after paracentesis. Terlipressin has not been considered as the mainstay treatment option for ascites in cirrhosis yet. The present work aimed to systematically review the current evidence regarding the use of terlipressin in cirrhosis with ascites and without hepatorenal syndrome. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. Twelve studies were eligible. In 3 studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 2 single-arm studies without controls) involving 32 patients who received terlipressin for nonrefractory ascites, terlipressin improved hemodynamics by decreasing the heart rate and cardiac output and increasing the mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. In 5 studies (1 randomized controlled trial, 2 single-arm studies without controls, and 2 comparative studies with controls) involving 67 patients who received terlipressin for refractory ascites, terlipressin improved renal function by increasing the glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, urinary sodium, and urine output and decreasing serum creatinine. In 4 studies (4 randomized controlled trials) involving 71 patients who received terlipressin for preventing from paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction, terlipressin prevented from paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction by increasing the mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance and decreasing plasma renin. Terlipressin may improve hemodynamics, severity of ascites, and renal function and prevent from paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction in cirrhosis with ascites and without hepatorenal syndrome. However, no study has evaluated the effect of terlipressin for prevention of acute kidney injury.