Abstract
Background and aims: Newer studies suggest that carvedilol, a beta-blocker with a moderate antialpha-
1 activity, is superior to propranolol in reducing the portal pressure and risk of variceal
bleeding. The effect on arterial blood pressure is a matter of concern especially in decompensated
patients.
Aims: to assess potential differential effects of beta-blockers and beta-blockers with moderate anti-alpha-
1 activity on selected haemodynamic, humoral, and respiratory characteristics in cirrhosis.
Methods: Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension were randomised to receive carvedilol (n = 16)
or propranolol (n = 13). Cardiac, systemic and splanchnic parameters along with oxygen saturation and
plasma renin were measured at inclusion and after 3 months.
Results: Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output decreased equally, central circulation time
and systemic vascular resistance increased significantly but similarly. Central blood volume, plasma volume
and arterial compliance were unaltered. The QTc interval and renin levels decreased in the carvedilol
group, however not significantly different from the propranolol group. Arterial oxygen saturation and
alveolar arterial oxygen gradient remained constant in both groups. Hepatic venous pressure gradient
decreased equally in the carvedilol and propranolol groups (−17% and
−20%, non significant).
Conclusions: Systemic haemodynamics and pulmonary effects of carvedilol and propranolol are modest
and this study could not demonstrate any significant difference between the two treatments.
1 activity, is superior to propranolol in reducing the portal pressure and risk of variceal
bleeding. The effect on arterial blood pressure is a matter of concern especially in decompensated
patients.
Aims: to assess potential differential effects of beta-blockers and beta-blockers with moderate anti-alpha-
1 activity on selected haemodynamic, humoral, and respiratory characteristics in cirrhosis.
Methods: Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension were randomised to receive carvedilol (n = 16)
or propranolol (n = 13). Cardiac, systemic and splanchnic parameters along with oxygen saturation and
plasma renin were measured at inclusion and after 3 months.
Results: Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output decreased equally, central circulation time
and systemic vascular resistance increased significantly but similarly. Central blood volume, plasma volume
and arterial compliance were unaltered. The QTc interval and renin levels decreased in the carvedilol
group, however not significantly different from the propranolol group. Arterial oxygen saturation and
alveolar arterial oxygen gradient remained constant in both groups. Hepatic venous pressure gradient
decreased equally in the carvedilol and propranolol groups (−17% and
−20%, non significant).
Conclusions: Systemic haemodynamics and pulmonary effects of carvedilol and propranolol are modest
and this study could not demonstrate any significant difference between the two treatments.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver |
| Vol/bind | 46 |
| Udgave nummer | 3 |
| Sider (fra-til) | 251-56 |
| Antal sider | 6 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - mar. 2014 |