Rifaximin and Propranolol Combination Therapy Versus Propranolol Monotherapy in Cirrhotic Patients
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2017-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
To reduce portal pressure, the only recommended medication is nonselective beta
blocker(NSBB). However, NSBB has some limitation to apply clinically because of poor response
rate and compliance.
Recent literature has supported the role of bacterial translocation as a mediator of
splanchnic vasodilatation and portal hypertension. This stimulates the release of
pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the vasodilator NO resulting in a more
pronounced deterioration of the baseline hyperdynamic circulatory state. Selective gut
decontamination with Rifaximin can induce inhibition of bacterial translocation and
associated worsening of portal hypertension. The investigators hypothesized that Rifaximin
plus NSBB could result in decrease of portal pressure in cirrhotic patients with esophageal
varices.