Propranolol vs. band ligation for primary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotic patients with ascites: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent studies have debated the utility of beta-blockers to prevent variceal hemorrhage (V.H.) in cirrhosis patients with ascites. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propranolol (PPL) compared to endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) for V.H. primary prevention in patients with ascites.

METHODS

Cirrhosis patients with ≥ grade 2 ascites and varices needing primary prophylaxis were randomly assigned to receive either PPL (n = 80) or EVL (n = 80). Patients were followed monthly until 12 months or transplant or death. The primary endpoint was 12-month transplant-free-survival (TFS). Secondary endpoints were the incidence of V.H., acute kidney injury (AKI), and control of ascites.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. PPL-group had a lower 12-month TFS (76.0% vs. 89.7%; p = 0.02) as compared with EVL-group. Mean arterial pressure ≤ 82 mmHg and MELD-sodium were the independent predictors of mortality. Incidence of VH was comparable between PPL and EVL-groups [6 (7.5%) vs. 2 (2.5%), p = 0.13]. In PPL vs. EVL-group, more patients had worsening of ascites (15% vs. 5%; p = 0.03), developed refractory ascites (13.7% vs.3.7%; p = 0.02), relapse of ascites (37.1% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.01), and AKI (26.2% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.02). Side effects were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary VH-prophylaxis with PPL is associated with lower survival, poor control of ascites, and increased risk of AKI in cirrhosis patients with ≥ grade 2 ascites. PPL and EVL are equally effective in preventing V.H. Serial monitoring of blood pressures and renal functions is needed in cirrhosis patients with ascites on PPL (NCT02649335).