Impact of Esophageal Variceal Ligation Combined Propranolol on Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Objectives: 1. To investigate the prevalence of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and the ratio of mild/severe PHG. 2. The impact of esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) combined propranolol on the progress of PHG in terms of prevalence, distribution and severity. Patients and methods: Prospective, controlled study. Cirrhotic patients with the history of esophageal variceal bleeding or acute esophageal variceal bleeding in stable condition were devided into combined group: EVL combined propranolol (study group) and propranolol only (control group). Results: Sex ratio Male/Female: 82/4 = 20.5. Majority of cirrhotic etiology was alcohol: 73.3%. Esophageal varices grade II and III, no grade I. Prevalence of PHG: 90.7%, ratio of mild/ severe PHG: 12.8%/87.2%. The ratio, distribution and severity of PHG between the study group and control group after 3 and 6 months were not significantly different. Conclusions: 1. The prevalence of PHG: 90.7%, the ratio of mild/severe PHG: 12.8%/87.2%. 2. EVL combined propranolol did not change significantly the prevalence, distribution and severity ofPHG in comparison with propranolol group. Key words: Cirrhosis, portal hypertensive gastropathy, esophageal variceal ligation, propranolol.