Beta Blockers Versus Variceal Band Ligation and Beta Blockers for Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Bleeding

Stopped early · Phase 3

Conditions studied: Esophageal Varices

In brief

Patients with scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and portal hypertension (elevated blood pressure in the liver vasculature) can develop esophageal varices (dilated veins). These have an increased risk of bleeding each year. Current recommendations are to prevent bleeding of medium or large varices (when there is no history of bleeding) by starting a blood pressure lowering agent known as a non-selective beta-blocker. Alternatively, rubber bands can be placed on medium to large varices to prevent bleeding (endoscopic variceal band ligation). Using both therapies at the same time has not been studied. In this study, we hope to determine if the use of combination therapy with endoscopic variceal band ligation and beta blockers is more effective than using beta blockers alone to prevent the first bleeding episode from the varices (dilated veins). The efficacy, ability to tolerate, and cost-effectiveness of these two treatment strategies will be compared.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00409084

Run by

Virginia Commonwealth University

People needed

2

Starts

2006-12-01

Expected to finish

2009-06-01

Last updated by the study team

2010-07-05

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• cirrhosis
• medium to large varices

You may not qualify if…

• contraindications to beta blockers
• refusal to give consent
• prior history of variceal hemorrhage
• creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl

Where it is running

• Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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