Can serum albumin level affect the pharmacological action of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis? A post hoc analysis of previous clinical trials in Japan

Impact of acute kidney injury on prognosis and the effect of tolvaptan in patients with hepatic ascites

BACKGROUND

In hepatic cirrhosis, ascites and acute kidney injury (AKI) portend poor prognosis. We examined the incidence and characteristics of AKI in patients with hepatic ascites and the impact of diuretics on AKI onset.

METHODS

This study included 337 patients with hepatic ascites treated with oral diuretics during September 2013-June 2019. Incidence of AKI, cumulative survival by AKI status, and prognostic factors were investigated. Patients were divided into those treated with tolvaptan (TLV) [TLV group (n = 244)] and those not treated with TLV [control group (n = 93)]. After propensity score matching, the incidence of AKI and changes in renal function and doses of diuretics were compared.

RESULTS

The incidence of AKI overall was 35% (n = 118). Patients with AKI had a significantly worse survival than those without AKI (P = 0.001), indicating that AKI is an independent prognostic factor for hepatic ascites (P = 0.025). After adjustment for background factors in the two groups (n = 77 each), the TLV group had a significantly lower incidence of AKI (27.6% vs. 44.7%, P = 0.028). While renal function worsened with higher natriuretic agent doses in the control group, no significant change was observed in the TLV group, suggesting that TLV is an independent prognostic factor for AKI onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that concomitant AKI significantly worsens survival in Japanese patients with hepatic ascites, and TLV and natriuretic agent combination therapy might lead to an excellent synergistic therapeutic effect of hepatic ascites and inhibition of AKI onset.

Tolvaptan reduces the required amount of albumin infusion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with uncontrolled ascites : a multicenter retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether tolvaptan treatment reduces the amount of albumin administered, volume of ascites removed, and frequency of paracentesis procedures in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with uncontrolled ascites with conventional diuretics.

Patients and methods

The control (C) group included patients treated with conventional diuretics. The tolvaptan (T) group included patients treated with both tolvaptan and conventional diuretics. Both groups were matched according to baseline parameters. The amount of albumin administered, volume of ascites removed, and frequency of paracentesis within 30 days of onset of uncontrolled ascites were compared between the two groups.

Results

After matching, 74 patients (C=37, T=37) were included. Baseline parameters (C vs. T group) were as follows: age, 69.5 ± 9.3 vs. 70.4 ± 11.0 years (p = 0.702) ; males, 24 (64.9%) vs. 25 (67.6%) (p = 0.999) ; patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 17 (45.9%) vs. 18 (48.6%) (p = 0.999) ; serum albumin levels at treatment initiation, 2.76 ± 0.48 vs. 2.73 ± 0.49 g/dL (p = 0.773), and serum creatinine levels at treatment initiation, 1.18 ± 1.23 vs. 1.09 ± 0.48 g/dL (p = 0.679). In the C vs. T groups, respectively, mean amount of albumin administered was 51.0 ± 31.4 vs. 33.4 ± 29.8 g/month (p = 0.016) ; mean volume of ascites removed was 2,905 ± 4,921 vs. 1,824 ± 3,185 mL/month (p = 0.266) ; and mean frequency of paracentesis was 0.92 ± 1.46 vs. 0.89 ± 1.45 procedures (p = 0.937).

Conclusions

Tolvaptan reduced the use of albumin infusion in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and was effective and acceptable for uncontrolled ascites.

Tolvaptan therapy of Chinese cirrhotic patients with ascites after insufficient diuretic routine medication responses: a phase III clinical trial

BACKGROUND

To determine the safety and efficacy of different doses of tolvaptan for treating Chinese cirrhotic patients with or without hyponatraemia who still had ascites after routine therapy with diuretics.

METHODS

In the present placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, multicentre clinical trial, patients with cirrhotic ascites who failed to adequately respond to a combination of an aldosterone antagonist plus an orally administered loop diuretic were randomly placed at a 4:2:1 ratio into 3 groups [the 15 mg/day tolvaptan group (N = 301), 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan group (N = 153) and placebo group (N = 76)] for 7 days of treatment. The effects and safety were evaluated on days 4 and 7. A change in body weight from baseline on day 7 of treatment was the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

The administration of 7.5 or 15 mg/day tolvaptan significantly decreased body weight from baseline on day 7 of treatment compared to that with placebo treatment (P = 0.026; P = 0.001). For the secondary endpoints, changes in abdominal circumference from baseline and improvements in ascites were markedly different in the treatment groups and the placebo group on day 7 (P_7.5 = 0.05, P_15.0 = 0.002 and P_7.5 = 0.037, P_15.0 = 0.003), but there was no difference between the 7.5 mg/day and 15 mg/day dosage groups. The 24-h cumulative urine volume was higher in the 7.5 mg/day and 15 mg/day tolvaptan groups than the placebo group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001) and was greater in the 15 mg/day tolvaptan group than the 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan group (P = 0.004). Sodium serum concentrations were higher in patients with hyponatraemia after tolvaptan treatment, with no significant difference between the two dosage groups. The incidence of serious adverse drug reactions was not different between the groups (P = 0.543).

CONCLUSIONS

Tolvaptan treatment at 7.5 mg per day might be a good therapeutic choice for Chinese cirrhotic patients with ascites who did not achieve satisfactory clinical responses to previous treatment regimens with combination therapy with an aldosterone antagonist and an orally administered loop diuretic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01349348. Retrospectively registered May 2011.

Management of refractory ascites attenuates muscle mass reduction and improves survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

This study investigated time-course changes in skeletal muscle volume per year with tolvaptan in patients with refractory ascites that was unresponsive to loop diuretics and aldosterone antagonists.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 42 patients who received tolvaptan for refractory ascites and/or hepatic edema and underwent computed tomography (CT) before and ≥ 3 months after initiating tolvaptan. The time-course changes in skeletal muscle index per year [ΔSMI (%)] was calculated as follows: ΔSMI (%) = (SMI at final CT scan - SMI at initial CT scan)/SMI at initial CT scan × 100/years between CT scans.

RESULTS

Eligible patients were 23 men and 19 women of median age of 71 years (range 21-94 years). The median follow-up period was 22.7 (range 3.5-54.6) months. ΔSMI (%) was significantly higher in the responders group than in the nonresponder group. Multivariate analysis showed the response to tolvaptan was an independent and significant factor associated with an increase in muscle mass [odds ratio (OR) 20.364; 95% CI 2.327-178.97; P = 0.006]. Overall survival with tolvaptan was significantly higher in the responder group than in the nonresponder group. Multivariate analysis showed that the response to tolvaptan treatment was a significant contributor to good prognosis (OR 3.884; 95% CI 1.264-11.931; P = 0.018). A significant negative correlation was observed between the dosage of furosemide and ΔSMI (%) (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of refractory ascites with tolvaptan may attenuate the progression of sarcopenia and improve the prognosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Effect of tolvaptan on the prognosis of patients with hepatic ascites

AIM

Despite accumulating evidence concerning the efficacy of tolvaptan in the treatment of body fluid retention or hyponatremia, the effect of tolvaptan on the prognosis of patients with hepatic ascites has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

A total of 628 patients with hepatic ascites who were treated with diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone, or tolvaptan) between 2007 and 2017 were enrolled and divided into two groups: those who received tolvaptan (original tolvaptan group, n = 278) and those who did not (original control group, n = 350). The cumulative survival rates between the groups were compared and the factors associated with survival in patients with hepatic ascites were identified using a Cox regression analysis. In addition, propensity score matching was applied in patients who started conventional diuretics for new-onset hepatic ascites after September 2013 (pre-matching tolvaptan group, n = 177; pre-matching control group, n = 63), and the cumulative survival rates were compared between the post-matching tolvaptan and control groups.

RESULTS

The survival rate was significantly higher in the tolvaptan group than the control group (P = 0.005), and tolvaptan therapy was identified as an independent factor associated with survival (hazard ratio 0.721 for death relative to control, P < 0.001). The propensity score-matched comparison also showed a significantly higher survival rate in the tolvaptan group (n = 51) than in the control group (n = 51) (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that tolvaptan might improve the prognosis of patients with hepatic ascites.

Impact of serum albumin levels on the body fluid response to tolvaptan in chronic kidney disease patients

PURPOSE

Tolvaptan exerts an aquaretic effect by blocking vasopressin V2 receptor. Although tolvaptan ameliorates body fluid retention even in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), predictors of body fluid reduction induced by tolvaptan remain unclear. We, therefore, examined the clinical parameters associated with the effect of tolvaptan on fluid volume in CKD patients.

METHODS

Twelve CKD patients (stage 3-5) with fluid retention were treated with tolvaptan in addition to conventional diuretic treatment. Patients were divided into low and high responders by the median change in total body water (TBW) for 1 week measured by a bioimpedance analysis (BIA) device, and clinical parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The body weight significantly decreased by 2.0 ± 2.3 kg (p = 0.005), but the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was not significantly changed (16.9 ± 11.9 vs. 17.4 ± 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.139) after 1 week. The BIA showed that the intracellular water (ICW) decreased by 6.0% ± 4.7% (p < 0.001), the extracellular water (ECW) decreased by 6.7% ± 5.4% (p = 0.001), and the TBW decreased by 6.3% ± 4.9% (median value - 6.02%, p < 0.001). The serum albumin level in the high responders was significantly lower than in the low responders (2.3 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.8 g/dL, p = 0.013). Significant partial correlations adjusted for the eGFR were observed between the baseline serum albumin level and changes in the ICW (r = 0.440, p = 0.048), ECW (r = 0.593, p = 0.009) and TBW (r = 0.520, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum albumin levels predict the body fluid response to tolvaptan in CKD patients. Tolvaptan may be a promising therapeutic option for ameliorating body fluid retention, especially in patients with hypoalbuminemia.

Impaired Renal Function May Not Negate the Efficacy of Tolvaptan in the Treatment of Cirrhotic Patients with Refractory Ascites

Background and Objective

Tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, has been widely used for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and ascites. However, its efficacy in patients with renal dysfunction remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and severe chronic kidney disease (s-CKD).

Methods

We studied 43 patients with liver cirrhosis who received tolvaptan (7.5 mg/day) for refractory ascites. s-CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m². Response to tolvaptan was defined as weight loss ≥ 1.5 kg in 7 days of treatment.

Results

Eighteen patients (42%) had s-CKD (s-CKD group), while the other 25 patients (58%) did not have s-CKD (n-CKD group). Rates of response to tolvaptan were similar: 68% in the n-CKD group and 56% in the s-CKD group. Urine volumes increased significantly from baseline to day 7 in both groups. Incidences of adverse events were also similar (P = 0.93). Mean eGFR did not decline even in the s-CKD group (27.3 ± 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m² at baseline vs. 26.6 ± 2.3 mL/min/1.73 m² on day 7; P = 0.9). The cumulative survival rate did not differ significantly between the n-CKD and s-CKD groups. In the s-CKD group, responders obtained a better prognosis than non-responders.

Conclusions

Tolvaptan significantly increased urine volumes similarly in patients with s-CKD and n-CKD without affecting renal function. As responders achieved a better prognosis, tolvaptan could be a good option to treat ascites in patients with cirrhosis and s-CKD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40261-018-0714-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of continued administration of tolvaptan on cirrhotic patients with ascites

Background

The vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan is used to treat cirrhotic patients with ascites. We investigated the outcome of long-term treatment.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. Overall, 170 cirrhotic patients (95 males, median age 63 years) were enrolled and received tolvaptan orally after hospitalization for ascites, which included treatment with conventional diuretics. We compared patients who withdrew tolvaptan treatment after < 1 year (n = 90) with patients who continued treatment for ≥1 year (n = 37). In continuously treated patients, the pretreatment and post-treatment (1 year) blood biochemistry values were assessed.

Results

Overall, 37 patients received treatment for ≥1 year and showed a higher response after tolvaptan therapy. The reduction in body weight was 2.0 (− 3.4–17.2) kg compared to discontinued cases, which had a body weight reduction of 1.1 (− 6.2–7.5) kg after 1 week. The group that received treatment for ≥1 year had a significantly lower rate of the complication gastroesophageal varices and also showed better liver function. In patients with continued treatment, serum levels of albumin was significantly higher without renal disturbance after 1 year of treatment. The prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and ammonia level were also significantly improved. Multivariate analyses showed that a change in body weight reduction and serum levels of albumin were predictive factors of continued administration.

Conclusions

Long-term tolvaptan treatment increased serum levels of albumin, decreased ammonia levels, and preserved renal function after 1 year of treatment. A reduction in body weight after 1 week was associated with a favorable outcome of tolvaptan therapy.

Interventions for chronic non-hypovolaemic hypotonic hyponatraemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic (present > 48 hours) non-hypovolaemic hyponatraemia occurs frequently, can be caused by various conditions, and is associated with shorter survival and longer hospital stays. Many treatments, such as fluid restriction or vasopressin receptor antagonists can be used to improve the hyponatraemia, but whether that translates into improved patient-important outcomes is less certain.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to 1) look at the benefits and harms of interventions for chronic non-hypovolaemic hypotonic hyponatraemia when compared with placebo, no treatment or head-to-head; and 2) determine if benefits and harms vary in absolute or relative terms dependent on the specific compound within a drug class, on the dosage used, or the underlying disorder causing the hyponatraemia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 1 December 2017 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also screened the reference lists of potentially relevant studies, contacted authors, and screened the websites of regulatory agencies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared the effects of any intervention with placebo, no treatment, standard care, or any other intervention in patients with chronic non-hypovolaemic hypotonic hyponatraemia. We also included subgroups with hyponatraemia from studies with broader inclusion criteria (e.g. people with chronic heart failure or people with cirrhosis with or without hyponatraemia), provided we could obtain outcomes for participants with hyponatraemia from the report or the study authors.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We expressed treatment effects as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes (health-related quality of life, length of hospital stay, change from baseline in serum sodium concentration, cognitive function), and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes (death, response and rapid increase in serum sodium concentration, hypernatraemia, polyuria, hypotension, acute kidney injury, liver function abnormalities) together with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 35 studies, enrolling 3429 participants. Twenty-eight studies (3189 participants) compared a vasopressin receptor antagonist versus placebo, usual care, no treatment, or fluid restriction. In adults with chronic, non-hypovolaemic hypotonic hyponatraemia, vasopressin receptor antagonists have uncertain effects on death at six months (15 studies, 2330 participants: RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.33) due to risk of selective reporting and serious imprecision; and on health-related quality of life because results are at serious risk of performance, selective reporting and attrition bias, and suffer from indirectness related to the validity of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) in the setting of hyponatraemia. Vasopressin receptor antagonists may reduce hospital stay (low certainty evidence due to risk of performance bias and imprecision) (3 studies, 610 participants: MD -1.63 days, 95% CI -2.96 to -0.30), and may make little or no difference to cognitive function (low certainty evidence due to indirectness and imprecision). Vasopressin receptor antagonists probably increase the intermediate outcome of serum sodium concentration (21 studies, 2641 participants: MD 4.17 mmol/L, 95% CI 3.18 to 5.16), corresponding to two and a half as many people having a 5 to 6 mmol/L increase in sodium concentration compared with placebo at 4 to 180 days (moderate certainty evidence due to risk of attrition bias) (18 studies, 2014 participants: RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.95 to 3.18). But they probably also increase the risk of rapid serum sodium correction - most commonly defined as > 12 mmol/L/d (moderate certainty evidence due to indirectness) (14 studies, 2058 participants: RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.40) and commonly cause side-effects such as thirst (13 studies, 1666 participants: OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.80 to 4.27) and polyuria (6 studies, 1272 participants): RR 4.69, 95% CI 1.59 to 13.85) (high certainty evidence). The potential for liver toxicity remains uncertain due to large imprecision. Effects were generally consistent across the different agents, suggesting class effect.Data for other interventions such as fluid restriction, urea, mannitol, loop diuretics, corticosteroids, demeclocycline, lithium and phenytoin were largely absent.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In people with chronic hyponatraemia, vasopressin receptor antagonists modestly raise serum sodium concentration at the cost of a 3% increased risk of it being rapid. To date there is very low certainty evidence for patient-important outcomes; the effects on mortality and health-related quality of life are unclear and do not rule out appreciable benefit or harm; there does not appear to be an important effect on cognitive function, but hospital stay may be slightly shorter, although available data are limited. Treatment decisions must weigh the value of an increase in serum sodium concentration against its short-term risks and unknown effects on patient-important outcomes. Evidence for other treatments is largely absent.Further studies assessing standard treatments such as fluid restriction or urea against placebo and one-another would inform practice and are warranted. Given the limited available evidence for patient-important outcomes, any study should include these outcomes in a standardised manner.

Response criteria of tolvaptan for the treatment of hepatic edema

BACKGROUND

Although tolvaptan is an effective treatment for hepatic edema, there are no established criteria for assessment of the therapeutic effect. The present study evaluates the association between body weight change and clinical symptoms to identify an effective indicator of tolvaptan response.

METHODS

The study comprised 460 patients. The first data set contained 147 patients with hepatic edema who received tolvaptan in Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, a representative institution of this study. From these data, an optimal cutoff value of body weight change, which accurately indicated symptom reduction, was identified. The response rates obtained based on the cutoff value were evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and kappa coefficients. The kappa coefficient was then validated internally using the bootstrap method and externally using the validation data set of 313 patients from four other hospitals.

RESULTS

A cutoff value for body weight loss of 1.5 kg/week produced the largest area under the ROC curve (0.961; sensitivity, 89.8%; specificity, 92.0%) and a high kappa coefficient (0.831). The correlation between symptom reduction and body weight loss of 1.5 kg/week was evaluated internally and externally, and the cutoff value was validated.

CONCLUSIONS

The cutoff value of body weight change that most accurately reflected symptom reduction was 1.5 kg/week; this value is expected to be an effective indicator of response to tolvaptan in clinical practice.

Increased serum C-reactive protein and decreased urinary aquaporin 2 levels are predictive of the efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM

Water retention, hepatic ascites, and peripheral edema are significant problems in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Although furosemide and spironolactone are commonly used as treatment, they are often insufficient to treat hyponatremia and renal insufficiency in patients with LC. Tolvaptan (TVP) could provide an effective treatment alternative. However, predictive factors of a therapeutic response to TVP are unclear. Our aim was to examine clinical predictors of the response to TVP in patients with LC and water retention.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients were treated with TVP, with therapeutic effects judged by a decrease in body weight (≥2 kg) and increase in urinary volume (≥500 mL) within 7 days. Blood biochemical tests were carried out at baseline and post-treatment, including serum soluble CD14 (sCD14) and urinary aquaporin 2 (AQP2) levels. Clinical and laboratory predictive factors of a TVP response were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The overall response to TVP was 55.8%. On univariate analyses, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, urinary blood urea nitrogen, and urinary AQP2 were predictors of the TVP response, with only serum CRP retained on multivariate analysis. A higher serum sCD14 level was strongly associated with a non-response to TVP. A decrease in urinary AQP2 to undetectable level was associated with a response.

CONCLUSION

Tolvaptan provides a rapid and strong effect to improve water retention in patients with LC. Baseline serum sCD14 and CRP levels are useful predictors of a response to TVP, with a decrease in urinary AQP2 during treatment indicating an early response.

Tolvaptan is effective in treating patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis

The treatment of refractory ascites due to cirrhosis is a clinical challenge for hepatologists. Tolvaptan, a novel aquaporin modulator, was made available in Japan in 2013 for the treatment of patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis. Despite the potential of this drug, few reports are available regarding its clinical use. The aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis and to review the clinical outcomes of treatment. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 65 patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis who were treated daily with 7.5 mg tolvaptan. The median follow-up time, defined as the period between starting tolvaptan and the last clinic visit or date of mortality, was 175 days (interquartile range 56-406). After one week of tolvaptan treatment, the mean weight reduction was 3.4 kg, with a response rate of 69% (45/65). Subsequently, factors associated with the response to tolvaptan were analyzed. On univariate analysis, maintaining serum sodium (Na) ≥140 mEq/l and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥55 ml/min were significant predictors of response (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, hepatitis C virus etiology, maintaining serum Na ≥140 mEq/l and an eGFR ≥55 ml/min were significant predictors of response (P<0.05). Factors associated with survival were also analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. On multivariate analysis, responsiveness to tolvaptan was a predictor of long-term survival (P=0.002), and hyperbilirubinemia was associated with short-term survival (P=0.028). Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test indicated longer survival times in tolvaptan responders than non-responders (P=0.011). In conclusion, tolvaptan was effective in treating patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis. In particular, tolvaptan treatment was highly effective for patients with hepatitis C virus etiology and normal serum Na and renal function. Furthermore, response to tolvaptan was associated with longer survival time while hyperbilirubinemia was associated with shorter survival time.

Effects of tolvaptan on urine output in hospitalized heart failure patients with hypoalbuminemia or proteinuria

Hypoalbuminemia is an independent prognostic factor in hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Hypoalbuminemia or proteinuria is related to resistance to loop diuretics. Tolvaptan is an oral non-peptide, competitive antagonist of vasopressin receptor-2. It has been used for the treatment of volume overload in HHF patients in several Asian countries. Several studies have demonstrated marked improvement in congestion in HHF patients. However, whether tolvaptan is useful for HHF patients with hypoalbuminemia or proteinuria (both of which are related to resistance to loop diuretics) has not been clarified. We examined the diuretic response to tolvaptan in HHF patients with hypoalbuminemia or proteinuria. We defined hypoalbuminemia as a serum level of albumin < 2.6 g/dl. Fifty-one HHF patients who received additional tolvaptan upon therapies with loop diuretics were divided into the hypoalbuminemia group (n = 24) or control group (n = 27). The changes in urine output per day were not different between the two groups [610 (range 100–1032); 742 (505–1247) ml, P = 0.313]. There was no difference in diuretic responses between patients with and without proteinuria. The serum level of albumin did not correlate with changes in urine output per day after tolvaptan treatment (P = 0.276, r = 0.156). Thus, additional administration of tolvaptan elicited a good diuretic response in HHF patients with hypoalbuminemia or proteinuria. These data suggest that tolvaptan might be beneficial for such HHF patients.

Effectiveness and safety of tolvaptan in liver cirrhosis patients with edema: Interim results of post-marketing surveillance of tolvaptan in liver cirrhosis (START study)

AIM

Loop diuretics and spironolactone are used in patients with hepatic edema, but they are sometimes associated with insufficient responses as well as adverse events. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist, was approved for hepatic edema in 2013. A large-scale post-marketing surveillance study has been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tolvaptan in real-world clinical settings.

METHODS

Patients with hepatic cirrhosis with insufficient response to conventional diuretics were enrolled. The observational period was up to 6 months. Changes in body weight and clinical symptoms were measured to evaluate effectiveness. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was summarized as a safety measure.

RESULTS

Of 970 patients enrolled, 463 were included in the safety analysis. Of this group, 340 were included in the effectiveness analysis. Decreases in body weight from baseline were -2.38 kg on day 7 and -3.52 kg on day 14. Ascites and bloated feeling was significantly improved within 14 days. The mean change in body weight depended on estimated glomerular filtration rate levels. The most frequently reported adverse drug reaction was thirst (6.9% of patients). Serum sodium level of ≥146 mEq/L was observed in 12 patients (2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the real-world clinical setting, tolvaptan showed aquaretic effectiveness in patients with cirrhosis. The mean change in body weight depended on renal function. We recommend tolvaptan use for hepatic cirrhosis at a stage in which the renal function is maintained.

Response to tolvaptan and its effect on prognosis in cirrhotic patients with ascites

AIM

The vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan has been used for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with ascites; however, no predictor of efficacy and prognosis has been developed. We evaluated candidate predictors of response to tolvaptan treatment.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. Overall, 97 Japanese cirrhotic patients (60 men, median age 63 years), who were hospitalized for ascites treatment including oral tolvaptan coupled with conventional diuretics, were enrolled. The efficacy of tolvaptan was defined as a urination increase of ≥500 mL or a urine volume ≥2000 mL/day on the day following treatment. The prognosis of tolvaptan treatment was evaluated by the post-treatment survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Tolvaptan therapy was effective in 67% of cirrhotic patients. Patients showed -1.5 (-17.2 to +6.2) kg change in body weight and 40% achieved ≥2.0 kg reduction in body weight after 1 week of treatment. Platelet counts, urine sodium (Na) level, and urine Na/potassium (Na/K) ratio were higher, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine (Cr) ratio was lower, in cases showing a response to tolvaptan. The combination of a BUN/Cr ratio ≥17.5 and urine Na/K ratio <3.09 was predictive of being non-responsive to tolvaptan, and the response rate in these patients was only 39% (P < 0.01). The mean post-treatment survival duration was significantly longer in patients who responded to tolvaptan therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary BUN and Na excretion were predictive of a response to tolvaptan, and tolvaptan treatment may improve the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Effectiveness of tolvaptan monotherapy and low-dose furosemide/tolvaptan combination therapy for hepatoprotection and diuresis in a rat cirrhotic model

Spironolactone and furosemide, which are used to treat ascites associated with decompensated cirrhosis, are ineffective in treating refractory ascites. Hence, combination therapy with tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, has been approved in Japan. Tolvaptan monotherapy and combination therapy with furosemide inhibit fibrosis in cardiac remodeling; hence, we examined these therapies in a rat cirrhotic model, including their usefulness in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we used a model of hepatic fibrosis induced by a choline-deficient l-amino-acid-defined diet + diethylnitrosamine. Rats were divided into a low-dose furosemide group (15 mg/kg/day), a high-dose furosemide group (100 mg/kg/day), a tolvaptan monotherapy group (10 mg/kg/day), a low-dose furosemide/tolvaptan combination therapy group, and a control group which received neither furosemide nor tolvaptan; we then assessed diuretic effects and hepatic fibrosis. The tolvaptan monotherapy group and the furosemide/tolvaptan combination therapy group demonstrated significantly higher urine volume than the control group and the low-dose furosemide group. In addition, tolvaptan monotherapy and low-dose furosemide/tolvaptan combination therapy were found to inhibit hepatic fibrosis and yield a hepatoprotective effect by an antioxidative mechanism. The results of the present study suggest that tolvaptan monotherapy and low-dose furosemide/tolvaptan combination therapy are highly effective for hepatoprotection and diuresis.

Efficacy of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan in treatment of hepatic edema

AIM

Tolvaptan, an oral active vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, is widely used for hepatic edema in Japan, but its clinical benefits have yet to be fully clarified. The present study evaluated the efficacy of tolvaptan in hepatic edema.

METHODS

The efficacy and treatment regimen of tolvaptan were evaluated in 150 patients with hepatic edema by analyzing the initial (day 14) and long-term (day 90) responses to the drug and their predictive factors. All patients were divided into good (Child-Pugh classification B, and absent of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma) and poor hepatic condition groups, and the response rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The initial response rate was 62%, and the long-term response rate was 47%. The assessment of predictive factors for response to tolvaptan showed that serum creatinine and C-reactive protein levels were important predictors of initial response, and that hepatic conditions, such as the Child-Pugh score or presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as initial response, were significant predictors of long-term response. In addition, both the initial and long-term response rates and the cumulative survival rate were found to be higher in the good hepatic condition group than in the poor hepatic condition group, respectively (71% vs. 57%, P = 0.113; 62% vs. 39%, P = 0.009; log-rank test, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that tolvaptan may provide high response rates when used early in the course of hepatic edema, or when both hepatic and renal functions are still retained, leading to an improved disease prognosis.

Predictive factors of the pharmacological action of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis: a post hoc analysis

BACKGROUND

Tolvaptan has been approved in Japan for the treatment of hepatic edema. An important consideration in providing a clinical benefit to patients with liver cirrhosis is the improvement of ascites-related clinical symptoms. In the present post hoc analysis, we aimed to identify factors that were predictive of the potency of tolvaptan, and to examine the relationship between changes in initial urine volume and improvement in ascites-related clinical symptoms.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis was based on three previous phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis. Predictive factors associated with a change in initial urine volume were identified. A change of ≥500 mL from baseline confirmed the pharmacological action of tolvaptan treatment. The relationship between the change in initial urine volume and improvement in ascites-related clinical symptoms was also examined.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were enrolled in this study. Body weight and BUN were identified as predictive parameters. Among patients with a change in initial urine volume of ≥500 mL, 75 % demonstrated improvement in ascites-related clinical symptoms, while no improvement was seen in those with a change of <500 mL. None of the patients with initial urine volume of <500 mL showed resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Change in urine volume was affected by both baseline body weight and BUN in tolvaptan-treated subjects. Higher urine output was associated with improvements in ascites-related clinical symptoms.

Clinical Factors Predicting the Effect of Tolvaptan for Refractory Ascites in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

Refractory ascites reduces the quality of life of liver cirrhosis patients. Albumin preparation and diuretics, such as furosemide, have been used to treat refractory ascites, but the effect was poor in many patients. In this study, we analyzed patients treated with tolvaptan (TLV) at our hospital and investigated predictors of the effect.

METHODS

The subjects were 70 patients for whom TLV was introduced to treat refractory ascites who could be analyzed between November 2013 and March 2015 at our hospital. Patient background before initiation of oral TLV treatment, the dose of diuretics, and each item of biochemical tests of blood and urine were investigated, and factors correlated with the treatment effect were analyzed. An increase of ≥1,000 ml in the daily urine volume from the day before oral treatment or a decrease of ≥1 kg in the body weight within 7 days as an early effect was observed in 33 patients and not observed in 37 patients. TLV treatment was continued for 60 days or longer in 12 of the 37 patients in whom no early effect was observed, and the presence or absence of a delayed effect and predictors of the effect were investigated. A decrease in ascites on abdominal CT with improvement of subjective symptoms at 60 days was defined as a delayed effect.

RESULTS

When early predictors of the effect were investigated by univariate analysis, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) were significantly higher in the non-responder group (BUN: p = 0.03, Cr: p = 0.04), but no factor independently associated with the treatment effect was extracted on multivariate analysis. The delayed effect was noted in 4 (33.3%) of the 12 patients, but no predictor of the effect before treatment was identified. However, reactions, such as an increase in serum Na and reduction of urinary osmotic pressure, were observed early after TLV administration in some patients in whom the delayed effect was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The diuretic effect of TLV may decrease in renal hypofunction patients. Since the delayed effect was noted in a specific ratio of patients, continuation of TLV administration is an option even though the early treatment effect is poor unless ascites aggravates or adverse effects develop.

Usefulness of portal vein pressure for predicting the effects of tolvaptan in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To elucidate influencing factors of treatment response, then tolvaptan has been approved in Japan for liquid retention.

METHODS: We herein conducted this study to clarify the influencing factors in 40 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis complicated by liquid retention. Tolvaptan was administered at a dosage of 7.5 mg once a day for patients with conventional diuretic-resistant hepatic edema for 7 d. At the initiation of tolvaptan, the estimated hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) value which was estimated portal vein pressure was measured using hepatic venous catheterization. We analyzed the effects of tolvaptan and influencing factors associated with treatment response.

RESULTS: Subjects comprised patients with a median age of 65 (range, 40-82) years. According to the Child-Pugh classification, class A was 3 patients, class B was 19, and class C was 18. Changes from the baseline in body weight were -1.0 kg (P = 2.04 × 10^-6) and -1.3 kg (P = 1.83 × 10^-5), respectively. The median HVPG value was 240 (range, 105-580) mmH₂O. HVPG was only significant influencing factor of the weight loss effect. When patients with body weight loss of 2 kg or greater from the baseline was defined as responders, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal HVPG cutoff value was 190 mmH₂O in predicting treatment response. The response rate was 87.5% (7/8) in patients with HVPG of 190 mmH₂O or less, whereas it was only 12.5% (2/16) in those with HVPG of greater than 190 mmH₂O (P = 7.46 × 10^-4). We compared each characteristics factors between responders and non-responders. As a result, HVPG (P = 0.045) and serum hyaluronic acid (P = 0.017) were detected as useful factors.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that tolvaptan in the treatment of liquid retention could be more effective for patients with lower portal vein pressure.

Cases with Refractory Ascites and a Delayed Response to Tolvaptan

The patient was a 67-year-old female with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C. She was administered furosemide at 20 mg/day and spironolactone at 25 mg/day, but the ascites did not improve. Despite the additional administration of tolvaptan at 3.75 mg/day, the response to ascites was still poor. While the dose of tolvaptan was thereafter increased to 7.5 mg/day on the 7th hospital day, the ascites still persisted. However, she continued to receive tolvaptan (7.5 mg/day) because the worsening of her subjective symptoms was mild and she wished to do so. The ascites was later found to have almost completely disappeared on computed tomography (CT) at 6 months.

Predictors of the Effect of Tolvaptan on the Prognosis of Cirrhosis

Objective Tolvaptan was first approved for use for cirrhosis in Japan in September 2013. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, on the prognosis of cirrhosis. Methods The effect of tolvaptan was evaluated in 26 patients with cirrhosis treated at our hospital from September 2013 to April 2015. Results The primary disease was hepatitis C in 20 patients, hepatitis B in 2, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in 2 and others in 2; and 12 had hepatocellular carcinoma. The Child-Pugh score was 9.7±1.6 and the serum albumin level was 2.53±0.44 g/dL. Body weight decreased from 55.5±11.8 kg before administration to 52.1±14.7 kg after 7 days of tolvaptan treatment. After 7 days, patients with weight loss ≥2 kg (n=16, mean decrease of 4.3±2.3 kg) had significantly lower blood urea nitrogen (24.2±14.4 vs. 36.1±11.4 mg/dL) and serum creatinine (1.1±0.5 vs. 1.5±0.7 mg/dL) levels and decreased urine osmolality 4 h after the administration of tolvaptan (236±96 vs. 364±122 mOsm/kg) compared with patients with weight loss <2 kg (n=10, mean increase of +0.7±2.1 kg) (all p<0.05). The prognosis was significantly better in the group with weight loss ≥2 kg. Conclusion The effect of tolvaptan on the renal function is likely to improve the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis if the drug is started at a stage in which the renal function is maintained.

Do vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists benefit cirrhotics with refractory ascites?

Hyponatremia is a frequent complication of advanced cirrhosis with ascites associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is caused by an impairment in the renal capacity to eliminate solute-free water and is considered to be related to persistent secretion of vasopressin despite low serum osmolality. This nonosmotic release of vasopressin is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, which senses the underfilling of arterial vascular component. This reduction of effective arterial blood volume is closely related to the development of ascites. Although the short-time effects of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists (vaptans) on hyponatremia and ascites have been repeatedly reported, their effects on the long-term management of cirrhotic ascites have not been established yet. Considering that their effects on water diuresis and their safety are limited by severe underfilling state of patients, cautious approaches with adequate monitoring are needed to advanced cirrhosis. Proper indication, adequate doses and new possibility of combination therapy should be explored in the future controlled study. As hyponatremia is frequent obstacle to ascites management, judicious combination with low-dose diuretics may decrease the incidence of refractory ascites. Although vaptans show much promise in the treatment of advanced cirrhosis, the problem of high cost should be solved for the future.

Predictive value of the efficacy of tolvaptan in liver cirrhosis patients using free water clearance

Tolvaptan, an arginine vasopressin V2 antagonist, is available for patients with refractory ascites. Free water clearance was evaluated as a predictor of tolvaptan efficacy. Twenty-one patients with refractory ascites were enrolled in the present study. Liver function test, renal function test, urine volume, free water clearance and osmotic pressure were measured at baseline (day 0) and for each dose of tolvaptan (1.875, 3.75 and 7.5 mg), and compared for efficacy. Tolvaptan increased urine volume and free water clearance decreased osmotic pressure at each dose of tolvaptan, compared to pretreatment levels. Compared to baseline, an increased volume of free water clearance at 1.875 mg of tolvaptan showed a significant correlation with body weight reduction (r=0.480 and P=0.028). Any factors (age, liver function test and renal function test) at pretreatment showed no significant correlation with body weight reduction. An increased volume of urine and osmotic pressure at each dose was not significantly correlated with the tolvaptan effect. Compared to baseline, an increased volume of free water clearance at 1.875 mg of tolvaptan in responders was significantly increased, compared to non-responders (270±241 ml/day: 27±257 ml/day; P=0.042). In conclusion, an increased volume of free water clearance on day 1 was significantly associated with body weight reduction. Free water clearance could be a simple and useful marker for the prediction of tolvaptan efficacy.