Treatment with beta-blockers decrease intestinal permeability in cirrhotic patients with varices

Background: Several studies have shown an increased gastrointestinal permeability in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension (PHT). Methods: Patients undergoing measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) for targeting primary (PP) and secondary (SP) prophylaxis of variceal bleeding before and 6 weeks after initiation of treatment with non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) were included. Gastroduodenal (saccharose) and intestinal permeability (lactulose/mannitol) were assessed by the saccharose-lactulose-mannitol (SLM) test. Serum levels of anti-gliadin (indicator of GI-permeability f…