[The effect of propranolol on portal hypertension].

Abstract

The review of literature on propranolol (Inderal) pharmacological action on the portal vein pressure is reported in this article. The patients with liver cirrhosis and esophagogastric varices have 25-33% risk of initial bleeding, risk more than 70% of variceal re-bleeding and associated mortality over 50% in each episode. The use of nonselective beta adrenergic blockers according to previous data, descreases portal vein pressure and mostly prevents the initial bleeding. In the prevention of esophageal re-bleeding, nonselective beta adrenergic blockers (Inderal) are recommended in patients with relatively good liver function (Child's A and Child's B), while in liver failure with great ascites (Child's C) no beneficial effect is expected.

• Authors: N Kovacević, D Tomić, M Perisić-Savić, R Grbić
• Journal: Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo (Srp Arh Celok Lek) Vol. 120 Suppl 4 Pg. 62-4 (Jun 1992) ISSN: 0370-8179 [Print] Serbia
• Vernacular Title: Uticaj propranolola na pritisak u sistemu portne vene.
• PMID: 18193814 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
• Propranolol

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Esophageal and Gastric Varices (etiology)
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (etiology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Hypertension, Portal (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Portal Pressure (drug effects)
• Propranolol (pharmacology, therapeutic use)