Abstract
Cirrhosis is the leading cause of portal hypertension in the Western world. From a clinical standpoint, the most significant consequence of portal hypertension is the development of esophageal varices. Despite the many advances in the management of variceal bleeding, it remains a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Primary prophylaxis to prevent the first bleeding episode in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices is therefore critically important in the management of patients with cirrhosis.
2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / diagnosis
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Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / etiology
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Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / physiopathology
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Esophagoscopy* / methods
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / physiopathology
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy*
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Humans
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Hypertension, Portal / diagnosis
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Hypertension, Portal / etiology
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Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology
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Liver Cirrhosis / complications
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Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology
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Mass Screening
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Portal System / physiopathology
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists