Qi XS, Bao YX, Bai M, Xu WD, Dai JN, Guo XZ. Nonselective beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices: A meta-analysis.
World J Gastroenterol 2015;
21:3100-3108. [PMID:
25780311 PMCID:
PMC4356933 DOI:
10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3100]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM
To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers. A meta-analysis was performed using ORs with 95%CI as the effect sizes. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the studies including patients without varices and those with small varices.
RESULTS
Overall, 784 papers were initially retrieved from the database searches, of which six randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The incidences of large varices development (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.25-4.36; P = 0.95), first upper gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.24-1.47; P = 0.26), and death (OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.45-1.10; P = 0.12) were similar between NSBB and placebo groups. However, the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the NSBB group compared with the placebo group (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.45-8.33; P = 0.005). The results of subgroup analyses were similar to those of overall analyses.
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis indicate that NSBBs should not be recommended for cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.
Collapse