[A medical treatment of esophageal varices by propranolol]

The effect of a long-term propranolol administration on portal hemodynamics, liver function tests and endoscopic findings of esophageal varices were evaluated in 27 patients with established esophageal varices. And the following results were obtained. 1) After a long-term propranolol administration, the portal vein pressure fell in 8 of 12 cases (75%), portal blood flow volume reduced in 12 of 13 cases (92.3%) and the improvement of endoscopic findings of esophageal varices were observed in 17 of 27 cases (63%). 2) No significant correlation between dosage and serum concentration of propranolol was observed, and the effective serum concentrations of propranolol were found to be different on each individual. 3) It is considered that the periodical observation of the changes of portal hemodynamics and the endoscopic findings of esophageal varices must be performed under the therapy of a long-term propranolol administration, because that the effect is different on each individual, and when the treatment is not effective, the dosage of the drug should be changed.