Comparing terlipressin and somatostatin to lower portal pressure during living-donor liver transplant
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Terlipressin and Somatostatin on Portal Pressure in Patients Undergoing Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · NCT07304466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether terlipressin or somatostatin better lowers portal pressure and reduces bleeding and transfusion needs in people having a right-lobe living-donor liver transplant.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Bagcilar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07304466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults scheduled for right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation with clinically significant portal hypertension (for example varices, thrombocytopenia <100,000, ascites, or encephalopathy) and Child–Turcotte–Pugh class B or C who meet inclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with portal vein thrombosis, severe chronic renal failure (GFR ≤30%), active myocardial ischemia, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmia, portopulmonary hypertension, acute-on-chronic liver failure, or those already treated with terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional trial gives patients undergoing right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation either somatostatin or terlipressin to compare effects on portal pressure and clinical outcomes. Direct portal pressure is measured at baseline, five minutes after a bolus dose, after portal vein and hepatic artery anastomoses, and after splenic artery ligation if performed, while continuous hemodynamic monitoring is recorded. Dosing is somatostatin 250 mcg bolus then 2.5 mcg/kg/hr infusion and terlipressin 1 mg bolus then 2 mcg/kg/hr infusion, continued intraoperatively and for 24 hours postoperatively. The study compares changes in portal pressure, bleeding, transfusion requirements, and perioperative hemodynamics between the two groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one drug proves superior, it could reduce intraoperative bleeding, lower transfusion needs, and improve perioperative renal and hemodynamic outcomes for transplant patients.
How similar studies have gone: Both somatostatin and terlipressin have prior evidence of lowering portal pressure and reducing bleeding in variceal and surgical settings, but direct head-to-head intraoperative comparisons in living-donor liver transplantation are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients scheduled for right lobe living donor liver transplantation with clinically significant portal hypertension (esophageal varices, thrombocytopenia (\<100,000), ascites, encephalopathy; Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B-C) Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to any of the medications to be used * Portal vein thrombosis * Being treated with terlipressin with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome * Portopulmonary hypertension * Acute on chronic liver failure * Chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate ≤ 30%) * Myocardial ischemia * Uncontrolled hypertension * Arrhythmia * Multiple solid organ transplantation
Where it's running
-
Istanbul Medipol University Medipol Mega Hospital
Istanbul, Bagcilar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: ayşe ince — Istanbul Medipol University Medipol Mega Hospital
- Study coordinator: ayse ince, assist prof
- Email: drayseince@gmail.com
- Phone: +905366774988
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.