[Effects of glypressin on the splanchnic and systemic circulation in patients with cirrhosis]

Although not demonstrated in patients with cirrhosis, it is generally claimed that administration of vasopressin in the form of triglycyl-lysine-vasopressin (glypressin) may prevent untoward systemic effects of this former hormone. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of intravenous administration of 2 mg of glypressin on splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics in 9 patients with cirrhosis under stable circulatory conditions. One hour after the injection, the following statistically significant changes were observed as compared to the baseline values (m +/- SEM): wedged hepatic venous pressure, -9 +/- 2 p. 100; hepatic venous pressure gradient, -16 +/- 3 p. 100; azygos blood flow, -24 +/- 6 p. 100; heart rate, -16 +/- 3 p. 100; cardiac index, -23 +/- 2 p. 100; systemic vascular resistances, +47 +/- 11 p. 100; wedged pulmonary arterial pressure, +44 +/- 15 p. 100. In conclusion, in patients with cirrhosis in a stable hemodynamic condition, intravenous administration of glypressin decreased portal venous pressure and blood flow into the superior portal systemic collateral circulation but did not prevent the untoward systemic hemodynamic effects of vasopressin.