Septic shock is a frequent and severe complication in cirrhosis. Current mortality rate
ranges between 50 and 80% of cases. Refractory shock, hepatorenal failure and variceal
bleeding are the main causes of death of these patients. Terlipressin administration could
prevent these complications and improve survival in this setting.
Aim: To evaluate the effects of terlipressin administration on hospital survival in cirrhotic
patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
Methods: Prospective, open labelled, controlled trial evaluating 72 cirrhotic patients with
severe sepsis or septic shock who will be randomized to receive terlipressin plus
alpha-adrenergic drugs or only alpha-adrenergic drugs at shock diagnosis. Patients will be
submitted to continuous systemic hemodynamic monitoring (S. Ganz catheter or Vigileo).
Changes in vasoactive systems and cytokines levels will be also evaluated.