Portal hypertension and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Variceal bleeding is one of the most serious complications of portal hypertension. The driving force for the development of varices is an increase in portal pressure. As portal hypertension progresses, varices dilate until they finally rupture and bleed. This sequence of events might be prevented by achieving a sufficient decrease in portal pressure or by acting locally at the varices with endoscopic treatments. This article reviews the rationale for the management of portal hypertension and the current recommendations for the prevention and treatment of variceal bleeding.
Bosch
Jaime
J
Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Spain. jbosch@clinic.ub.es
Abraldes
Juan G
JG
Berzigotti
Annalisa
A
Garcia-Pagan
Juan Carlos
JC
D053704:Capsule Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods
D006490:Hemostatics