The changing role of beta-blocker therapy in patients with cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Beta-blockers have been established in numerous studies as part of the cornerstone of the medical management of cirrhosis, particularly in the primary and secondary prevention of variceal hemorrhage. However, new evidence has cautioned the use of beta-blockers in patients with end-stage cirrhosis and refractory ascites. In this article, we review the beneficial effects of beta-blocker therapy, the potential harms of aggressive beta-blocker therapy, and provide suggestions regarding the appropriate use of this class of medications in patients with cirrhosis.
Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Phillip S
PS
Ge
Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States. Electronic address: barunyon@mednet.ucla.edu.
Bruce A
BA
Runyon
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
Ascites; Beta blockers; Cirrhosis; Portal hypertension; Variceal hemorrhage