role of histamine receptors antagonist [dimetindenum maleic] in schistosomal portal hypertension

ABSTRACT

Hyperhistominemia has been reported to exist in the various stages of schistosomal infection. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of dimetindenum maleic [H1 receptor blocker] on the portal pressure in schistosomal portal hypertension. Forty patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis were divided into 2 equal groups. Group I patients received the drug systemically by intravenous route, while patients of group II received the same dose intra-arterially into the coeliac axis trunk during splenectomy. Systemic arterial blood pressure and portal pressure were measured immediately following laparotomy, then 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes after drug injection. Both groups demonstrated significant portal pressure drop, especially, group II patients, with no significant change in systemic blood pressure. In view of this study, H1-blockers may play a role in abolishing the histamine effect in schistosomal portal hypertension