Abstract

Objective. To assess the effect of propranolol treatment on the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and the relationship between native HVPG and the effect of propranolol in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension in a prospective, observational, single-center study. Material and methods. The HVPG was registered prospectively in 124 consecutive cirrhosis patients with and without treatment with propranolol 80 mg daily. Results. 41% of the patients responded to the treatment with the intended reduction of HVPG to <12 mm Hg and/or by >20%. The HVPG reduction was larger for higher native HVPG values (p < 0.001). There was no significant relation between changes in heart rate and changes in HVPG (p = 0.8). Conclusions. The high fraction of hemodynamic non-responders supports the rationale of measuring the HVPG with and without propranolol treatment to assist the clinical assessment and avoid meaningless and potentially harmful treatment. The positive association between a high native HVPG and propranolol-induced HVPG reduction indicates that pharmacological treatment also benefits patients with advanced portal hypertension.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.