title: [Pathophysiological and pharmacotherapeutic aspects of portal hypertension].
abstract: Pharmacological prophylaxis and the therapy of complications of portal hypertension have recently been attracting more attention. This especially holds true for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. Vasoconstrictors such as vasopressin, somatostatin, and beta-blockers, as well as vasodilators such as organic nitrates, alpha 2-adrenergic agonists and serotonin-antagonists, are currently used in clinical settings. The aim of this article is to delineate the present pathophysiological concepts accounting for the hemodynamic changes in animal models and patients with portal hypertension, and to summarize the mechanisms of action of the most frequently used pharmacological agents.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Gastroenterologie, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Sieber
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Stalder
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D013004:Somatostatin
vernacular_title: Pathophysiologische und pharmakotherapeutische Aspekte der portalen Hypertonie.