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Beta-blockers are routinely used for primary and secondary prevention of variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. However, recent evidence suggests that beta-blocker therapy is safe and effective in middle stages of cirrhosis but may be detrimental in late stages (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Mar 18 2014). In the current study, researchers retrospectively analyzed the safety of beta-blocker therapy in patients with cirrhosis and ascites with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
Study patients had undergone their first paracentesis. Available data included development of SBP, beta-blocker use, variceal bleeding history, liver transplantation, and mortality. Cox regression models were calculated to investigate the effect of bet…