Endoscopic variceal ligation combined with carvedilol versus endoscopic variceal ligation combined with propranolol for the treatment of oesophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhosis: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Liver cirrhosis and its severe complication, oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB), pose significant health risks. Standard treatment for EVB combines non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL). Carvedilol, an NSBB with additional benefits, is preferred for compensated cirrhosis. However, no randomised controlled trial (RCT) has compared carvedilol with propranolol, a conventional NSBB, in combination with EVL for secondary prophylaxis. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of these treatments in preventing variceal rebleeding or death in patients with cirrhosis and EVB.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, RCT is scheduled to begin in December 2024, with recruitment and follow-up continuing until December 2026.

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12035452 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature