Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding

• Autores: Jawad A. Ilyas, Fasiha Kanwal
• Localización: Gastroenterology clinics of North America, ISSN 0889-8553, Vol. 43, Nº. 4, 2014 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding), págs. 783-794
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Gastroesophageal varices are present in almost half of patients with cirrhosis at the time of initial diagnosis. Variceal bleeding occurs in 25% to 35% of patients with cirrhosis. Effective and timely care can prevent variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis). For example, clinical studies demonstrate that both beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation are effective in preventing a first episode of variceal bleeding. The major challenge is to screen patients in a timely manner and institute a form of therapy that has the highest chance of success in terms of patient compliance and effectiveness.