effect of beta-adrenergic blockers on portal hypertension secondary to schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

This study included 24 patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis, 19 were males and 5 were females. All the patients were given 1 mg propranolol intrasplenic, after two hours the portal pressure showed insignificant increase. After three hours 1 mg propranolol was given intravenously, after I.V.I of propranolol the portal pressure showed insignificant decrease. On the second day the same patients received propranolol orally in a dose of 40-80 mg twice daily for 10 days. After the completion of the course of oral propranolol the portal pressure significantly decreased. Also the liver function tests were done to all patients before and after the treatment with propranolol. There were no statistically significant changes in the liver function tests [serum glutamic pyruic transaminase, serum bilirubin and plasma proteins] except prothrombin actiity which showed statistically significant increase after drug intake. We conclude that continuous oral administration of propranolol is more effective in treating portal hypertension more than intrasplenic or intravenous injection. The risk of deterioration of liver functions as a result of reduced hepatic blood flow by propranolol does not exist or is very small