Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding

Gastroesophageal varices are present in almost half of patients with cirrhosis at the time of initial diagnosis. Variceal bleeding occurs in 25% to 35% of patients with cirrhosis. Effective and timely care can prevent variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis). For example, clinical studies demonstrate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGastroenterology clinics of North America Vol. 43; no. 4; p. 783
Main Authors Ilyas, Jawad A, Kanwal, Fasiha
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2014
Subjects
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists - therapeutic use
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Esophageal and Gastric Varices - diagnosis
Esophageal and Gastric Varices - etiology
Esophageal and Gastric Varices - prevention & control
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - etiology
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - prevention & control
Humans
Hypertension, Portal - complications
Ligation
Liver Cirrhosis - complications
Population Surveillance
Primary Prevention
Cirrhosis
Hemorrhage
Portal hypertension
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Summary:Gastroesophageal varices are present in almost half of patients with cirrhosis at the time of initial diagnosis. Variceal bleeding occurs in 25% to 35% of patients with cirrhosis. Effective and timely care can prevent variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis). For example, clinical studies demonstrate that both beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation are effective in preventing a first episode of variceal bleeding. The major challenge is to screen patients in a timely manner and institute a form of therapy that has the highest chance of success in terms of patient compliance and effectiveness.
ISSN:1558-1942
DOI:10.1016/j.gtc.2014.08.008