Nadolol Reduces Progression of Small to Large Esophageal Varices

Nadolol reduces progression of small to large esophageal varices, according to the results of a placebo-controlled trial published in the August issue of Gastroenterology. The investigators recommend initiating therapy with ?-blockers while varices are still small. "Beta-blockers are extensively used to prevent variceal bleeding in patients with large esophageal varices," write Carlo Merkel, MD, from the University of Padua in Italy, and colleagues from the Gruppo Triveneto Per L'ipertensione Portale. "The clinical usefulness of beta-blockers in preventing the growth of small varices to large ones is still uncertain."