title: Management of varices in patients with cirrhosis.
abstract: Variceal bleeding remains a life-threatening condition with a 6-week mortality rate of ∼20%. Prevention of variceal bleeding can be achieved using nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs) or endoscopic band ligation (EBL), with NSBBs as the first-line treatment. EBL should be reserved for cases of intolerance or contraindications to NSBBs. Although NSBBs cannot be used to prevent varices, if the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is ≤10 mmHg, prognosis is excellent. Survival after acute variceal bleeding has improved over the past three decades, but patients with Child-Pugh grade C cirrhosis remain at greatest risk. Vasoactive drugs combined with endoscopic therapy and antibiotics are the best therapeutic strategy for these patients. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) should be used in patients with uncontrolled bleeding or those who are likely to have difficult-to-control bleeding. Rebleeding from varices occurs in ∼60% of patients 1-2 years after the initial bleeding episode, with a mortality rate of 30%. Secondary prophylaxis should start at day 6 after initial bleeding using a combination of NSBBs and EBL. TIPS with polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents are the preferred option in patients who fail combined treatment with NSBBs and EBL. Despite the improvement in patient survival, further studies are needed to direct the management of patients with gastro-oesophageal varices and variceal bleeding.
authors.affiliation: The Royal Free Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, The Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Triantos
authors.forename: Andrew K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Burroughs
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D019468:Disease Management; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
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