Medical Decompressive Therapy for Prophylaxis of Rebleeding

Abstract

Among diVerent substances which decrease the degree of portal hypertension, only β-adrenoceptor antagonists are used to prevent recurrent hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis [1]. Controlled trials comparing endoscopic sclerotherapy with or without β-adrenoceptor antagonists have also been performed.

Effect of Beta-adrenergic Blockade on Elevated Arterial Compliance and Low Systemic Vascular Resistance in Cirrhosis

“…Beta-blocking agents are used extensively in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension for the prevention of bleeding from oesophageal varices (9)(10)(11). Beta-receptors are widely distributed in the cardiovascular system and treatment with beta-blockers results in profound haemodynamic changes, including reduced heart rate and cardiac output (12)(13)(14).…”