Incidence and type of adverse events in patients with cirrhosis receiving terlipressin: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Terlipressin has been widely used for various cirrhosis-related complications, but its safety profile remains controversial. Herein, this issue was systematically evaluated. Methods: All studies reporting adverse events (AEs) of terlipressin in cirrhosis were screened. Incidences were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the patient’s characteristics and treatment regimens. Interaction among subgroups was evaluated. Results: Seventy-eight studies with 7257 patients with cirrhosis were included. The pooled incidences of any AEs, treatment-related AEs, any serious AEs (SAEs), treatment-related SAEs, treatment withdrawal due to AEs, and treatment withdrawal due to treatment-related AEs were 31%, 22%, 5%, 5%, 4%, and 4% in patients with cirrhosis receiving terlipressin, respectively. Patients with hepatorenal syndrome had higher incidences of any SAEs (29% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p interaction = 0.01) and treatment-related SAEs (8% vs. 1% vs. 7%, p interaction = 0.02) than those with variceal bleeding or ascites. Patients who received terlipressin with human albumin had higher incidences of any SAEs (18% vs. 1%, p interaction = 0.04) and treatment-related SAEs (7% vs. 0%, p interaction = 0.09) than those without albumin. Patients with total bilirubin level >4.3 mg/dL had higher incidences of any AEs (69% vs. 24%, p interaction = 0.02), any SAEs (64% vs. 0%, p interaction < 0.01), and treatment-related SAEs (8% vs. 1%, p interaction = 0.04) than those ≤4.3 mg/dL. Conclusions: AEs are common in patients with cirrhosis receiving terlipressin and influenced by clinical scenarios, combination with albumin, and bilirubin levels.