Beta-adrenergic antagonists for primary prevention of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices.

The use of beta-adrenergic antagonists for primary prevention of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices is discussed. In five controlled trials, patients with cirrhosis and endoscopically proven esophageal varices were treated with either propranolol or nadolol in doses to reduce heart rate by 20-25% or in doses to decrease hepatic vein pressure by 25% of basal levels or to a level of less than 12 mm Hg. In two of three studies, investigators found that propranolol significantly reduced frequency of initial bleeding in patients with esophageal varices. In one of two studies, nadolol significantly decreased the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis; in the other study, a significant difference in the frequency of initial bleeding was found only among patients who were compliant with therapy. Only one of the five studies showed a significant difference in survival between the treatment group and the placebo group. Adverse effects of therapy included dizziness, fatigue, cardiac insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, and risk of bleeding associated with propranolol withdrawal. Therapy with a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist should be considered for primary prevention of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis and suspected or documented large varices; however, abrupt discontinuation of the medication is associated with risk of bleeding.