AN ASSESSMENT OF HYPONATREMIA IN CASES OF ACUTE VARICEAL BLEEDING TREATED WITH TERLIPRESSIN

Objective: To assess the hyponatremia in cases of acute variceal bleeding treated with terlipressin. Materials & Methods: This descriptive case series was conducted at Department of Pharmacology, Lahore Medical and Dental College Lahore from April 2018 to October 2018 over the period of 6 months. Total 100 patients with acute variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension, 20-60 years of age, either male or female were selected for this study. Terlipressin induced hyponatremia was assessed. Results: Total 100 patients of acute variceal bleeding were selected for this study. Age range was from 20 to 60 years with mean age of 45.78 ± 8.43 years. Out of 100 patients, terlipressin induced hyponatremia was noted in 37 (37%) patients. Total 45 (45%) patients belonged to age group 20-40 years and Terlipressin induced Hyponatremia was noted in 17 (37.78%) patients. Total 55 (55%) patients belonged to age group 41-60 years and Terlipressin induced Hyponatremia was noted in 20 (36.37%) patients. Conclusion: Results of this study showing a high rate of terlipressin induced hyponatremia. There was not association of terlipressin induced hyponatremia with age and gender was detected. Keywords: Vasoactive drugs, sodium levels, upper GI bleeding, hyponatremia, terlipressin