Prognostic significance of portal pressure in patients with bleeding esophageal varices.

Portal pressure was determined in 76 patients during acute bleeding varices, and the degree of portal hypertension was related to the cessation or noncessation of hemorrhage with nonoperative management. A direct relationship between the severity of hemorrhage and the degree of portal hypertension was established. It is suggested that portal pressure be determined as soon as feasible when bleeding varices are suspected and that other causes of hemorrhage be carefully excluded. The obtained data are of great prognostic significance and might be helpful in planning the course of therapy in these individuals.