Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology
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Scand. J. Gastroenterol. · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyNon-selective beta-blocker treatment does not impact on kidney function in cirrhotic patients with varices.
Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are used for bleeding prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). Recent data suggested that NSBB treatment might increase the risk of renal dysfunction in patients with refractory ascites due to an impaired response to acute haemodynamic stress. ⋯ In our cohort of unselected, mostly compensated cirrhotic patients with GEVs, NSBB treatment was neither associated with worsening of kidney function nor with increased incidence of AKI. On the contrary, NSBB treatment improved TIPS-/transplant-free survival.