title: Beta-blockers in cirrhosis and refractory ascites: a retrospective cohort study and review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  It is currently discussed if beta-blockers exert harmful effects and increase mortality in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites. In this study, we provide an overview of the available literature in this field in combination with a retrospective analysis of 61 patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites in a tertiary unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a systematic search of literature in May 2014. In addition, 61 patients with cirrhosis and ascites were identified and followed from development of refractory ascites until death or end of follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen trials (9 trials on propranolol, 1 case-control study and 4 retrospective analyses) were identified. One trial suggested an increased mortality in patients treated with beta-blockers and refractory ascites. The results of the remaining trials were inconclusive. No increase in mortality among beta-blocker-treated patients was found in the present retrospective analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with beta-blockers may increase mortality in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites. However, the current evidence is sparse and high-quality studies are warranted to clarify the matter.
authors.affiliation: Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark.
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kimer
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feineis
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.forename: Flemming
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bendtsen
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D001201:Ascites / Q000401:mortality*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol
keywords: beta-blockers; cirrhosis; portal hypertension; refractory ascites; survival