Carvedilol Plus EVL or Not for the Primary Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Carvedilol Non-responders

Launched by TAIPEI VETERANS GENERAL HOSPITAL, TAIWAN · Sep 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether combining a medication called carvedilol with a procedure known as endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is more effective at preventing bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus, called esophageal varices, in patients who do not respond well to carvedilol alone. The trial aims to find out if this combination treatment is safer and more effective for patients with cirrhosis, a serious liver condition that can lead to these vein problems. Participants will take carvedilol daily and may undergo EVL every few weeks until the enlarged veins are treated.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to have cirrhosis and esophageal varices that have not improved with carvedilol alone. They must also be between the ages of 18 and 90 and not have had previous treatments for esophageal varices. Throughout the trial, participants will visit the clinic for checkups every 2-3 months and keep a diary of their health, including their blood pressure and any symptoms they experience. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it’s a great opportunity for those looking for new options to manage their condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices who, after carvedilol treatment, continue to experience variceal enlargement or develop new red color signs.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age under 18 or over 90 years.
• • History of esophageal variceal bleeding.
• • Previous treatment for esophageal varices, including endoscopic variceal ligation, endoscopic sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, or surgery.
• • Contraindications to non-selective beta-blockers, including severe atrioventricular block, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or severe peripheral artery disease.
• • Presence of end-stage organ diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma or other terminal cancers, heart failure, or renal failure.
• • Pregnant women.
• • Refusal to participate in the study.