Prevention of recurrent esophageal bleeding and survival in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis: a randomized study

Abstract

Objectives: To compare endoscopic sclerotherapy, propranolol and distal splenorenal shunt in the prevention of rebleeding esophageal varices and mortality in alcoholic cirrhotics.

Methods: Forty-three alcoholic cirrhotics that had bled from esophageal varices were randomized to sclerotherapy (13), shunt (15) or propranolol(15). Outcomes measured were rebleeding from varices and death.

Results: There was no significant difference between the three treatment groups in relation to rebleeding rate or death. Continued alcohol consumption did not influence outcome.

Conclusions: All three therapies were equally effective in preventing rebleeding from varices.