Beta-blockers and cirrhosis: Striking the right balance.
Am J Med Sci
; 367(4): 228-234, 2024 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38262558
ABSTRACT
Decompensated cirrhosis is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality. Variceal hemorrhage (VH) further increases the risk of mortality, and of future variceal bleed events. Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are effective therapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis of VH and have become the cornerstone of pharmacologic therapy in cirrhosis. Beta-blockers are associated with reduced overall mortality and GI-bleeding related mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis; they may also confer hemodynamically independent beneficial effects. Long-term treatment with beta-blockers may improve decompensation-free survival in compensated cirrhosis with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). Carvedilol more effectively lowers the hepatic vein portal gradient than traditional NSBBs and has been shown to improve survival in compensated cirrhosis. Treatment goals in compensated cirrhosis with CSPH should focus on early utilization of beta-blockers to prevent decompensation and reduce mortality.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Várices Esofágicas y Gástricas
/
Hipertensión Portal
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Med Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos