Pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension

In liver cirrhosis, increased resistance to portal blood flow is the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. The recognition of a dynamic component in hepatic resistance due to the active-reversible contraction of different elements of the portohepatic bed, has led to the active development of hepatic vasodilators. On the other hand, a significant increase in portal blood flow caused by arteriolar splanchnic vasodilation and hyperkinetic circulation, aggravates portal hypertension and provides the rational for the use of splanchnic vasoconstrictors, such as beta-blockers, vasopressin derivatives and somatostatin and its analogs. This review covers current developments in the treatment of portal hypertension.