title: NONSELECTIVE BETA-BLOCKERS IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS: "THE THERAPEUTIC WINDOW".
abstract: For over 30 years, nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB) have been successfully used for preventing variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that NSBB may be effective only within a particular "therapeutic window" in patients with advanced liver disease. Outside of this window, in early stages of cirrhosis and in very advanced cirrhosis, NSBB may be ineffective and even potentially harmful. In this paper we review the beneficial effects and potential harms of beta-blocker therapy in cirrhosis and underline the most recent recommendations for their use in very advanced cases of liver disease.
authors.forename: Mihaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dimache
authors.forename: Irina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gîrleanu
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carpov
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trifan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stanciu
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000517:prevention & control; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists