Loading...
The risk of rebleeding after variceal hemorrhage is high even with standard prevention measures — beta-blocker therapy and repeated endoscopic band ligation. However, some studies suggest statins may reduce portal hypertension, improve liver function, and potentially reduce hepatic fibrosis.
This study included 158 cirrhotic patients who had recovered from a bleeding episode. All patients received beta-blocker therapy (propranolol or nadolol) and endoscopic therapy at the time of bleed and at 2- to 4-week intervals until variceal eradication. Then, patients were randomized to either simvastatin, titrated up to 40 mg/day, or placebo, stratified by Child-Pugh class A/B versus C. The primary composite efficacy endpoint was all-cause rebleeding …