Background: Vaptans, vasopressin selective V2-receptor antagonists, represent the first pharmacologic approach to the treatment of hypervolemic hyponatremia in cirrhosis. However, information on the use of vaptans for patients with cirrhosis and hyponatremia in a real-life scenario is limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of tolvaptan on serum sodium in patients with cirrhosis and severe hypervolemic hyponatremia.
Methods: Nine patients with cirrhosis and serum sodium ≤125 mEq/L were included.
Results: Only 2 of the 9 patients (22%) gained an increase in serum sodium >130 mEq/L that persisted throughout treatment. In the remaining patients, serum sodium did not change or increased during the first days but decreased thereafter despite continuation of treatment. Only 1 patient developed hyperkalemia as a side effect.
Conclusions: The efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with cirrhosis and severe hypervolemic hyponatremia seems to be limited.
Keywords: Cirrhosis; Hypervolemic hyponatremia; Hyponatremia; Tolvaptan; Vasopressin.
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