Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor on Gastroesophageal Varices of Cirrhosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract BackgroundThe use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PPI on gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy, including variceal bleeding and adverse events.MethodsBetween May 2017 and June 2019, cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices confirmed by endoscopy were considered for enrollment in this study. Eligible subjects were randomized into two groups: one group received PPI for 14 days and the other group did not undergo PPI treatment. Patients were followed up for 8 weeks.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, three patients (3/53, 5.66%) in the PPI group experienced variceal bleeding on day 9, 16, and 25 after endoscopic therapy, including one patient with primary prophylaxis and two with acute bleeding. In the non-PPI group, three patients (3/56, 5.66%) suffered from variceal bleeding on day 7, 42, and 56 after endoscopic therapy, including two patients with secondary prophylaxis and one with acute bleeding (P>0.99). The rate of adverse events was similar between the two groups (38% vs. 28%, P=0.30). Furthermore, the average hospitalization expense of patients in the PPI group was higher than that of patients in the non-PPI group ($2305 vs. $3096, P<0.001).ConclusionsPPI does not appear to reduce variceal bleeding and adverse events in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy.Trial registration: This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03175731, 05/06/2017).