Nontumorous Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: Possible Role of β-Blockers

Objective: Non-selective β-blockers (NSBBs) are used in liver cirrhosis (LC) to prevent variceal bleeding because they decrease portal pressure. A main risk factor for the development of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in LC is decreased portal vein inflow velocity. The aim of our study was to examine retrospectively the inci dence of PVT and its correlation with the use of β-blockers in a cohort of LC patients. Subjects and Methods: Data from 230 LC patients (90% Child-Pugh class A), who had been followed up for at least 5 years, were reviewed. Diagnosis of PVT was made by ultrasound. The presence of PVT was evaluated with multiple logistic regression analysis where independent variables were those significant at univariate analysis. Results: Prevalence of PVT at baseline was 4.5 %, incidence was 4.3 % at 5 years; among subjects taking β blockers, 46.4 % were taking NSBBs. A total of 19 PVT cases were found. Gra de of esophageal varices (p
Source: Medical Principles and Practice - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research