Effect of isosorbide dinitrate, verapamil, and labetalol on portal pressure in cirrhosis. Issue 6495 (31st August 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freeman, J G; Barton, J R; Record, C O
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 291:Issue 6495(1985)
• Page Start: 561
• Page End: 562
• Publication Date: 1985-08-31
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.291.6495.561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The effects on portal pressure of the vasodilatory drugs isosorbide dinitrate and verapamil and of an alpha and beta blocking agent, labetalol, were assessed in 21 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The wedged hepatic venous pressure gradient (wedged minus free hepatic venous pressures) was used as an index of portal pressure and was not significantly changed by treatment with labetalol (n = 5) but was significantly decreased by verapamil (n = 6; p less than 0.05) and isosorbide dinitrate (n = 10; p less than 0.01). Long term administration of isosorbide dinitrate also had a significant effect (p less than 0.01).