Pediatric Budd-Chiari Syndrome Medication
- Author: Cass R Smith, MD; Chief Editor: Carmen Cuffari, MD more...
Medication Summary
Medications commonly used in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) include diuretics, anticoagulants, and thrombolytics. The therapeutic interventions used (medical or otherwise) must be tailored to each patient's condition. The use of thrombolytics should be reserved for experts familiar with the special circumstances in which they may be appropriate. Use of anticoagulants should be directed towards therapy of an underlying coagulopathy. Typically, the decision to use anticoagulants is made with the assistance and guidance of a pediatric hematologist.
Diuretic agents
Class Summary
Diuretics can be useful to reduce the amount of ascites, providing symptomatic relief and reducing the need for paracentesis.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Potassium-sparing diuretic. Competes with aldosterone for receptor sites in distal renal tubules, increasing water excretion while retaining potassium and hydrogen ions.
Spironolactone is often preferred because of its potassium-sparing effects, particularly in a clinical setting that includes secondary hyperaldosteronism.
Furosemide (Lasix)
Increases excretion of water by interfering with chloride-binding cotransport system, which, in turn, results inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in ascending loop of Henle and distal renal tubule.
Chlorothiazide (Diuril, Diurigen)
Thiazide diuretic. Inhibits sodium-chloride symport, blocking sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule.
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