[The effect of propranolol on portal hypertension].

The review of literature on propranolol (Inderal) pharmacological action on the portal vein pressure is reported in this article. The patients with liver cirrhosis and esophagogastric varices have 25-33% risk of initial bleeding, risk more than 70% of variceal re-bleeding and associated mortality over 50% in each episode. The use of nonselective beta adrenergic blockers according to previous data, descreases portal vein pressure and mostly prevents the initial bleeding. In the prevention of esophageal re-bleeding, nonselective beta adrenergic blockers (Inderal) are recommended in patients with relatively good liver function (Child's A and Child's B), while in liver failure with great ascites (Child's C) no beneficial effect is expected.