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Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis

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Variceal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis

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Abstract

Variceal hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Prevalence of gastroesophageal varices may reach 70% in patients with advanced liver disease; therefore prophylaxis of variceal bleeding is recommended for this population. Indications for primary prophylaxis include presence of large esophageal varices, presence of high-risk stigmata, and/or Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C in patients with small varices. Nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB) and endoscopic variceal band ligation are the cornerstone for prevention of first variceal bleeding. Although NSBB are preferred on patients with small esophageal varices and high-risk features, the decision should be individualized and contraindications and potential adverse effects of both therapies should be considered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Laura Piccolo Serafim

  2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Douglas A. Simonetto

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  1. Laura Piccolo Serafim
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  2. Douglas A. Simonetto
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Correspondence to Douglas A. Simonetto .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China

    Xiaozhong Guo

  2. General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China

    Xingshun Qi

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Piccolo Serafim, L., Simonetto, D.A. (2021). Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis. In: Guo, X., Qi, X. (eds) Variceal Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7249-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7249-4_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

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  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-7249-4

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