Wang JG, Kong DR. Efficacy of endoscopic intervention alone versus endoscopic intervention plus propranolol in the prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012;
20:2944-2950. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v20.i30.2944]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To compar e the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) alone versus EVL or EIS plus propranolol in the prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding.
METHODS: Sixty-nine cirrhotic patients were divided randomly into endoscopic intervention group (EIG, n = 40; EVL or EIS) and combination intervention group (CIG, n = 29; EVL or EIS plus propranolol). The mortality, mortality due to rebleeding, and rate of rebleeding were compared between the two groups. All patients were followed for more than one year. In addition, changes in endoscopic characteristics of esophageal varices were evaluated according to the criterion of the Japan Society for Portal Hypertension.
RESULTS: There were no significantly differences in liver function, routine blood parameters, and serum electrolytes between the two groups. After intervention, the diameter of varices decreased significantly in the EIG group (10.92 ± 2.91 vs 8.45 ± 2.26, P < 0.05), but showed no significance in the CIG group (10.14 ± 2.46 vs 8.95 ± 2.21, P > 0.05). The distance from the proximal end of varices to the fore-tooth (22.79 ± 2.83 vs 24.85 ± 3.96, P < 0.05) and the rate of recurrence of red signs in varices (100% vs 76.19%, P < 0.05) decreased significantly after intervention in the CIG group. The morbidity of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy were both higher after intervention in the CIG group (10.34% vs 28.10%, P < 0.05; 10.34% vs 42.86%, P < 0.05). The appearance of varices in both groups changed from rosary-like to earthworm-like pattern. The rate of rebleeding between two groups displayed no significant difference (50.00% vs 51.71%, P > 0.05). However, the mortality in the CIG group was significantly lower than that in the EIG group (27.50% vs 7.41%, P < 0.05), and the main cause of death in both groups was upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
CONCLUSION: Endoscopic intervention combined with propranolol can decrease the risk of death and reduce endoscopic re-bleeding in the prevention of esophageal variceal re-bleeding.
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