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Review: Vasoconstrictors for the treatment of portal hypertension

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA

Arun J. Sanyal

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA, asanyal{at}mcvh-vcu.edu

Vasoconstrictors have long been used in an attempt to mitigate the effects of portal hypertension. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of portal hypertension and the use of vasoconstrictors in the management of its sequlae, including variceal hemorrhage, hepatorenal syndrome, and paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction. Experimental and clinical evidence for the use of vasoconstrictors is considered, and several exciting recent developments are reviewed.

Key Words: portal hypertension • cirrhosis • ascites • hepatorenal syndrome • variceal hemorrhage • vasopressin • terlipressin • nitric oxide • midodrine

Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, Vol. 2, No. 2, 119-131 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1756283X09102330


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