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Effect of diltiazem on renal function in patients with liver cirrhosis

N Tözün1, K Berkman, E Tankurt

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology
|May 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, did not significantly alter renal function or key hormonal levels in liver cirrhosis patients. However, it did lead to a notable decrease in pulse rate.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) possess vasodilator, natriuretic, and diuretic properties.
  • Liver cirrhosis often involves complex hemodynamic and renal alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of diltiazem on renal function, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis (RAA), and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

  • Seven patients with Child A or B liver cirrhosis received placebo followed by oral diltiazem (30 mg t.i.d.).
  • Evaluated parameters included urinary volume, natriuresis, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity (PRA), ANF, and aldosterone (ALD) levels.
  • Measurements were taken during placebo, and weeks 1 and 2 of diltiazem treatment.

Main Results:

  • Diltiazem showed a trend towards increased urinary volume in 5 patients, but this was not statistically significant.
  • No significant changes were observed in natriuresis, creatinine clearance, PRA, ALD, or ANF levels.
  • A significant reduction in pulse rate was observed during diltiazem treatment (p<0.01 and p<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Diltiazem did not significantly impact renal function or the RAA and ANF systems in this cohort of liver cirrhosis patients.
  • The observed decrease in pulse rate suggests a potential cardiovascular effect, warranting further investigation.

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