The presence of esophageal varices (EV), but not treatment with beta-blockers, is associated with a poorer survival in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

EV are predictors of survival in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Beta-blockers (BB) are used in the prevention of variceal hemorrhage. Recent retrospective evidence suggests that BB may be associated with a poorer survival in patients with refractory ascites (Serste et al., Hepatology 2010). However, this may be due to the indication for BB use (i.e. presence of EV) rather than to BB use itself. The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of EV in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, with ascites but without variceal hemorrhage. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 729 consecutive p…