Comparison of Endoscopic Band Ligation Plus 24-hour Versus 72-hour Terlipressin Therapy

Comparison of Endoscopic Band Ligation Plus 24-hour Versus 72-hour Terlipressin Therapy for the Control of Acute Variceal Bleeding in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis at a Tertiary Center in Mexico

In the Western world, liver cirrhosis is a significant issue. Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a considerable complication of cirrhosis associated with high mortality. Still, the combination of endoscopic variceal ligation and terlipressin-like treatment decreases the risks of rebleeding and mortality. This therapy with terlipressin usually was used for 72 hours. However, there are some studies demostrating that using terlipressin for 24 hours could control variceal bleeding with fewer side effects.

In the Western world, liver cirrhosis is a significant issue. Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a considerable complication of cirrhosis associated with high mortality. Still, the combination of endoscopic variceal ligation and terlipressin-like treatment decreases the risks of rebleeding and mortality. This therapy with terlipressin usually was used for 72 hours. However, there are some studies demostrating that using terlipressin for 24 hours could control variceal bleeding with fewer side effects.

Objective: To compare endoscopic band ligation plus terlipressin for 24 vs 72 hours during acute variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of 18 years and older
• Both genders,
• Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis with a Child-Pugh score ≤ 11 (class B or C)
• Acute variceal bleeding were included

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with contraindications to terlipressin (pregnancy, breastfeeding, or severe cardiopulmonary diseases),
• Presence of sepsis,
• Multi-organ failure,
• The requirement of continuous ionotropic or ventilatory support,
• Bleeding disorders,
• Hepatocellular carcinoma or other extrahepatic malignanc.