Effect of verapamil [a calcium antagonist] on the portal blood pressure in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

The effect of intra-portal injection of verapamil on the portal venous pressure, arterial blood pressure and heart rate was studied in normal volunteers as well as in patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. Portal pressure recordings were not altered by verapamil in healthy subjects, but was significantly reduced in schistosomal patients. This work showed that verapamil may have a beneficial role in the management of bleeding esophageal varices of schistosomal origin by lowering the portal venous pressure