The website of the Clinical Services Journal

Beta-blockers show anti-inflammatory effects in advanced liver disease

A new study has highlighted the important role of Beta-blockers in treating patients with liver disease.

Approximately 170,000 people die every year in Europe from the direct consequences of advanced chronic liver disease (cirrhosis). Chronic liver damage leads to scarring (fibrosis) of the liver tissue, which can ultimately lead to increased blood pressure in the vascular system of the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. portal hypertension). 

Portal hypertension can result in serious complications such as ascites and variceal bleeding. A paper recently published by Thomas Reiberger's research group at MedUni Vienna has already shown that increasing severity of portal hypertension is paralleled by inflammatory reactions in the body (systemic inflammation). Pronounced systemic inflammation may ultimately trigger the development of serious complications, such as acute-on-chronic liver failure.

For many years, beta-blockers have been used as a standard drug treatment but only 50% to 60% of patients achieve a clinically relevant reduction in portal vein pressure. It is therefore necessary to assess the haemodynamic response invasively by means of hepatic vein catheterisation.

Over the last few years, beta-blocker therapy and the invasive technique of haemodynamic measurements have been continuously optimised in the Vienna Hepatic Haemodynamic Laboratory at the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Department of Medicine III of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital.

Head of the Vienna Hepatic Haemodynamic Laboratory, Thomas Reiberger, explains: "We use portal pressure measurements to ensure that our patients with liver cirrhosis receive both best diagnosis and effective beta-blocker therapy."

A recently published study shows for the first time that beta-blockers also have an impact on systemic inflammation.

For this study, the researchers determined biomarkers of systemic inflammation prior to and subsequently during ongoing treatment with beta-blockers. This showed that patients suffering from advanced stages of cirrhosis were not only more likely to display a pronounced systemic inflammatory response but were also more likely to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of beta-blockers.

It was observed that cirrhotic patients who achieve a relevant reduction in inflammatory markers (such as the white blood cell count) under beta-blocker therapy developed significantly fewer complications of portal hypertension and had a lower risk of liver-related mortality. 

"After further validation in clinical trials, these promising data may help us to predict the individual benefit of beta-blocker treatment more accurately and thus to give our patients optimal advice regarding their prognosis and other treatment options," explains Mathias Jachs, the lead author.

The study findings were published in the journal Gut.

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025