Conversion of Propranolol to Carvedilol Improves Renal Perfusion and Outcome in Patients With Cirrhosis and Ascites. Issue 8 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalambokis, Georgios N.; Christaki, Maria; Tsiakas, Ilias; Despotis, Grigorios; Fillipas-Ntekouan, Sempastien; Fotopoulos, Andreas; Tsiouris, Spyridon; Xourgia, Xanthi; Lakkas, Lampros; Pappas, Konstantinos; Michalis, Lampros K.; Sergianiti, Fotini; Baltayiannis, Gerasimos; Christodoulou, Dimitrios; Koustousi, Christina; Aggelis, Nikolaos; Milionis, Haralampos
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical gastroenterology. Volume 55:Issue 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: cirrhosis -- ascites -- propranolol -- carvedilol -- renal perfusion; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Gastroenterology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-0790

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In recent years, concerns have been raised on the potential adverse effects of nonselective beta-blockers, and particularly carvedilol, on renal perfusion and survival in decompensated cirrhosis with ascites. We investigated the long-term impact of converting propranolol to carvedilol on systemic hemodynamics and renal function, and on the outcome of patients with stable cirrhosis and grade II/III nonrefractory ascites. Patients and Methods: Ninety-six patients treated with propranolol for esophageal varices' bleeding prophylaxis were prospectively evaluated. These patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to switch to carvedilol at 12.5 mg/d (CARVE group; n=64) or continue propranolol (PROPRA group; n=32). Systemic vascular resistance, vasoactive factors, glomerular filtration rate, and renal blood flow were evaluated at baseline before switching to carvedilol and after 6 and 12 months. Further decompensation and survival were evaluated at 2 years. Results: During a 12-month follow-up, carvedilol induced an ongoing improvement of systemic vascular resistance (1372±34 vs. 1254±33 dynes/c/cm 5 ; P =0.02) along with significant decreases in plasma renin activity (4.05±0.66 vs. 6.57±0.98 ng/mL/h; P =0.01) and serum noradrenaline (76.7±8.2 vs. 101.9±10.5 pg/mL; P =0.03) and significant improvement of glomerular filtration rate (87.3±2.7 vs. 78.7±2.3 mL/min; P =0.03) and renal blood flow (703±17 vs. 631±12 mL/min; P =0.03); no significant effects were noted in the PROPRA group. The 2-year occurrence of further decompensation was significantly lower in the CARVE group than in the PROPRA group (10.5% vs. 35.9%; P =0.003); survival at 2 years was significantly higher in the CARVE group (86% vs. 64.1%; P =0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Carvedilol at the dose of 12.5 mg/d should be the nonselective beta-blocker treatment of choice in patients with cirrhosis and nonrefractory ascites, as it improves renal perfusion and outcome.