title: [Natural history of esophageal varices and prevention of hemorrhage].
abstract: More than one third of cirrhotic patients will experience variceal bleeding, of whom two thirds will die. The most reliable predictive factor for variceal rupture is the presence of large oesophageal varices at upper endoscopy. Non cardio-selective beta blockers have been proved to be effective in preventing bleeding. Cirrhotic patients should therefore be entered in an endoscopy screening program. Should no varices or small varices be found in the oesophagus, endoscopy should be repeated every year. Patients found to have large varices should be given beta-blockers.
authors.affiliation: Service d'hépato-gastro-entérologie Centre hospitalier universitaire Purpan, Toulouse.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Vinel
mesh_terms: D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous
vernacular_title: Histoire naturelle des varices oesophagiennes et prophylaxie des hémorragies.