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Hepatology International
Published in: Hepatology International 1/2018

01-02-2018 | Special Issue - Portal Hypertension

Acute variceal bleeding: risk stratification and management (including TIPS)

Authors: Virginia Hernández-Gea, Claudia Berbel, Anna Baiges, Juan C. García-Pagán

Published in: Hepatology International | Special Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Acute variceal bleeding should be suspected in all patients with cirrhosis presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Vasoactive drugs and prophylactic antibiotics must be started as soon as possible, even before performing the diagnostic endoscopy. Once the patient is hemodynamically stable, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis and provide endoscopic therapy (preferably banding ligation). After this initial approach, the most appropriate therapy to prevent both early and late rebleeding must be instituted following a risk stratification strategy. The present chapter will focus on the initial management of patients with acute variceal bleeding, including general management and hemostatic therapies, as well as the available treatments in case of failure to control bleeding or development of rebleeding.
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Metadata
Title
Acute variceal bleeding: risk stratification and management (including TIPS)
Authors
Virginia Hernández-Gea
Claudia Berbel
Anna Baiges
Juan C. García-Pagán
Publication date
01-02-2018
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Hepatology International / Issue Special Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1936-0533
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0541
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-017-9804-3

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