β blockers to prevent decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (PREDESCI): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial -

β blockers to prevent decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (PREDESCI): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: The Lancet
Specialities: Cardiovascular system disorders | Liver disorders
Summary
RCT (n= 201) reported that long-term treatment with β blockers (propranolol or carvedilol; median follow-up 37 months) increased decompensation-free survival, vs placebo (incidence of cirrhosis decompensation, 16% vs 27%; HR] 0.51; p=0.041) mainly by reducing ascites.
UKMi comment
A related commentary notes that the results of this trial suggest that early β blocker treatment could represent a change in treatment paradigm for patients with compensated cirrhosis. However, further study is required to better characterise and select the patients who will most probably benefit from long-term β blockade.
Related links: Commentary