Randomised clinical study: the effects of oral taurine 6g/day vs placebo on portal hypertension

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#adrenergic-beta-antagonists #adult #aged #ascites #double-blind-method

Randomised clinical study: the effects of oral taurine 6g/day vs placebo on portal hypertension

Schwarzer et al., 2018 | Aliment Pharmacol Ther | Rct

Citation

Schwarzer R, Kivaranovic D, ... Ferlitsch A. Randomised clinical study: the effects of oral taurine 6g/day vs placebo on portal hypertension. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018-Jan;47(1):86-94. doi:10.1111/apt.14377

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The amino sulphonic acid taurine reduces oxidative endoplasmatic reticulum stress and inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation, which might lead to reduction of portal pressure in cirrhosis. AIM: To assess the haemodynamic effects of taurine supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and varices. METHODS: Patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥12 mm Hg were included in this prospective proof of concept study. Concomitant nonselective beta-blockers therapy was not allowed. Patients received either 4 weeks of oral taurine (6 g/day), or placebo, prior to evaluation of HVPG response. RESULTS: Thirty patients were screened and 22 included in the efficacy analysis (12 taurine/10 placebo; 64% male, mean age: 52 ± 11 years, Child A: 9%, B:64%, C:27%, ascites:68%). In the taurine group, mean HVPG dropped from 20 mm Hg (±4) at baseline to 18 mm Hg (±4) on day 28 (mean relative change: -12%, P = .0093). In the placebo group, mean HVPG increased from 20 mm Hg (±5) at baseline to 21 mm Hg (±5) on day 28 (mean relative change:+2%, P = .4945). Taurine had no significant effects on systemic haemodynamics. Seven of 12 patients (58%) on taurine achieved a HVPG response >10%, compared to none in the placebo group (P = .0053). In a multivariate linear model, HVPG reduction was significantly larger in the taurine group compared to placebo group (P = .0091 and P = .0109 for absolute and relative change respectively). Treatment-related adverse events included gastrointestinal discomfort and fatigue, and were usually mild and comparable between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Taurine is safe and may reduce portal pressure in cirrhotic patients. More studies on the underlying mechanisms of action and long-term effects of taurine supplementation are warranted.

Key Findings

Thirty patients were screened and 22 included in the efficacy analysis (12 taurine/10 placebo; 64% male, mean age: 52 ± 11 years, Child A: 9%, B:64%, C:27%, ascites:68%). In the taurine group, mean HVPG dropped from 20 mm Hg (±4) at baseline to 18 mm Hg (±4) on day 28 (mean relative change: -12%, P = .0093). In the placebo group, mean HVPG increased from 20 mm Hg (±5) at baseline to 21 mm Hg (±5) on day 28 (mean relative change:+2%, P = .4945). Taurine had no significant effects on systemic haem

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population cirrhosis and varices
Sample Size 12
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascites
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Pressure
  • Prospective Studies
  • Taurine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: taurine-cardiovascular

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09