Carvedilol Versus Endoscopic Band Ligation for Primary Prophylaxis of Oesophageal Variceal Bleeding

Randomized Controlled Trial of Carvedilol Versus Endoscopic Band Ligation for Primary Prophylaxis of Oesophageal Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients With Arterial Hypertension

Carvedilol versus endoscopic band ligation for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with arterial hypertension

A Randomized controlled trial of carvedilol versus endoscopic band ligation for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with arterial hypertension

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Aged >18 years

  • Cirrhotic patients with arterial hypertension
  • Endoscopic evidence of medium/large-sized esophageal varices

Exclusion Criteria:

• • History of variceal bleeding or previous primary prevention of varices.

  • Portal vein thrombosis or previous porto-systemic shunts as TIPS.
  • Patients on drugs affecting portal pressure (beta blockers, nitrates).
  • Advanced cardiovascular disease including acute myocardial infarction, atrio-ventricular block, congestive heart failure, chronic peripheral ischemia, severe bradycardia.
  • Patients with severe respiratory diseases (COPD, bronchial asthma).
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Renal impairment
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Allergy to carvedilol
  • Pregnancy or lactation