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Primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage.

Authors :
Tsochatzis EA
Triantos CK
Garcovich M
Burroughs AK
Source :
Current gastroenterology reports [Curr Gastroenterol Rep] 2011 Feb; Vol. 13 (1), pp. 3-9.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Variceal hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death in patients with cirrhosis, with the 6-week mortality after each episode ranging from 15% to 20%. The two main strategies for primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and varices are the administration of nonselective β-blockers or the obliteration of varices with use of endoscopic band ligation. In this review, we present and critically review the latest data on primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage. We advocate that nonselective β-blockers should be the first line therapy, and band ligation should be offered only in cases of intolerance or side effects. We also explore potential future therapies based on preliminary experimental and clinical data.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1534-312X
Volume :
13
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Current gastroenterology reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21086193
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-010-0160-x