Medical treatment of portal hypertension.

Abstract

In this chapter we give a quick review of the rationale for treatment of portal hypertension. The different scenarios for treatment of variceal bleeding will be discussed-that is, primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding as well as the treatment of the acute bleeding episode. The role of the pharmacological, endoscopic and derivative treatments in each one of these scenarios will be discussed. Particular attention will be devoted to the potential role of the combination therapy of beta-blockers with isosorbide-5-mononitrate for preventing re-bleeding and to the best approach to patients with intolerance or contraindications to beta-blockers. We also give a rational review of the data comparing sclerotherapy against ligation as well as the potential role of the latter on primary prophylaxis.

• Authors: J C García-Pagán, J Bosch
• Journal: Bailliere's best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology (Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol) Vol. 14 Issue 6 Pg. 895-909 (Dec 2000) England
• PMID: 11139345 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Chemical References

• Vasodilator Agents

Topics

• Combined Modality Therapy
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Endoscopy, Digestive System (methods)
• Female
• Hemorrhage (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Hypertension, Portal (diagnosis, therapy)
• Male
• Prognosis
• Sclerotherapy (methods)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vasodilator Agents (therapeutic use)