Effects of ondansetron on portal hemodynamics in liver cirrhosis
Tripkovic, M.; Kozjek, F.; Krizman, I.; Jereb, J.; Francetic, I.; Grabnar, I.; Mrhar, A.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 38(9): 436-440
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0946-1965 PMID: 11020031 Document Number: 525191
Objective: The double-blind randomized pilot study was undertaken to compare the effects of a 10-day course of ondansetron 8 mg/day and propranolol 80 mg/day perorally in treating portal hypertension. Subjects and methods: 16 patients with liver disease were enrolled in the study. Measurements of portal vein diameter, portal blood flow velocity and portal blood flow volume were done at days 1, 5 and 10 of treatment using duplex Doppler sonography. Results: The propranolol group demonstrated a decrease in portal venous diameter, while patients treated with ondansetron exhibited reduced portal blood flow velocity values. A decreased portal blood flow volume was found in both groups after 10 days of therapy. Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with the exception of portal venous diameter which is significantly lower at the end of the treatment in the case of propranolol.