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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:10
Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Non-Selective Beta-Blocker Use Is Associated With Lower Mortality After Decompensation in Cirrhosis: A Nationwide
Byeong Geun Song1, Myeongcheol Lee2,3, Danbee Kang2,3
1Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Non-selective beta blockers (NSBBs) reduce mortality in patients with cirrhosis and non-bleeding complications. This study shows NSBBs are associated with lower death rates and fewer hospital readmissions in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Non-selective beta blockers (NSBBs) are standard for preventing variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.
- The efficacy of NSBBs beyond variceal bleeding prevention is debated.
- This study examines NSBBs in cirrhosis patients hospitalized for non-bleeding complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical outcomes of beta-blocker use in cirrhosis patients.
- To assess the impact of beta-blockers on mortality and rehospitalization after non-bleeding cirrhotic complications.
Main Methods:
- Emulated target trial using Korean National Health Insurance Service data (2013-2023).
- Included 7725 patients with viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis hospitalized for hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, or SBP.
- Compared outcomes between beta-blocker users (n=2455) and non-users (n=5270).
Main Results:
- Beta-blocker users showed a significantly lower risk of all-cause death within 6 months (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.68-0.97).
- Reduced mortality was consistent across different complication types and patient subgroups.
- Low-dose beta blockers and carvedilol were associated with lower mortality; moderate-to-high doses and propranolol did not show significant effects.
Conclusions:
- Non-selective beta blockers are associated with reduced mortality in cirrhosis patients following non-bleeding decompensating events.
- NSBBs may offer a modest reduction in all-cause readmissions for this patient population.
- Findings support considering NSBBs for broader applications in managing cirrhosis complications.
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