Using Vasoactive Drugs and Albumin in Patients with Cirrhosis

The American Gastroenterological Association's new clinical practice update provides recommendations about these medications.

Sponsoring Organization: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board

Background

Variceal hemorrhage, ascites/spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)/acute kidney injury (AKI) are three well-described complications of cirrhosis. Vasoconstrictor medications reduce portal pressure and are used to manage variceal hemorrhage. Intravenous (IV) albumin increases effective arterial blood volume and is used in patients with SBP who are undergoing paracentesis. In combination, these medications can reverse HRS. This AGA clinical practice update outlines best practices for use of vasoactive drugs and IV albumin in managing these three conditions.…

Reviewing Author

Andrew S. Parsons, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNEJM Healer Advisory Group; Aquifer Clinical Excellence; NBME Clinical Reasoning

Grant/Research SupportSouthern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA)

Editorial BoardsDiagnosis

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesUndergraduate Medical Education (UME) Section Chair, Southern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA); Chair of Early Career Physicians, American College of Physicians (ACP), Virginia Chapter