Prophylaxis of First Hemorrhage from Esophageal Varices
Author Information
Author(s): The PROVA Study Group
Hypothesis
Does endoscopic sclerotherapy, propranolol, or both effectively prevent the first variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotic patients?
Conclusion
The study found no significant benefit of sclerotherapy or propranolol in preventing variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidences of variceal bleeding were almost identical in all treatment groups.
- The mortality rate after variceal bleeding did not differ significantly among the groups.
- The combined therapy group had a significantly increased mortality rate.
Takeaway
Doctors tested if certain treatments could stop bleeding from swollen veins in the throat of sick patients, but they found that these treatments didn't help.
Methodology
Randomized multicenter trial with 286 cirrhotic patients assigned to different treatment groups.
Limitations
The study's follow-up period averaged only 15 months, which may not capture all recurrences.
Participant Demographics
Cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices, 819 screened, 286 enrolled.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% confidence limits
Statistical Significance
p<0.002
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