A recent study by MedUni Vienna has revealed that beta-blockers, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, may offer additional benefits for patients with advanced liver disease. Traditionally used to manage portal hypertension—a condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the portal vein due to liver scarring—beta-blockers have now been found to reduce systemic inflammation, a key factor in liver disease progression. The research focused on patients with cirrhosis and identified that those undergoing beta-blocker therapy exhibited lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as white blood cell counts. This reduction in inflammation was associated with fewer complications related to portal hypertension and a decreased risk of mortality.
The study also highlighted a correlation between the severity of portal hypertension and the degree of systemic inflammation; as portal hypertension worsened, inflammation levels increased. By effectively lowering both portal pressure and systemic inflammation, beta-blockers may play a dual role in improving outcomes for individuals with advanced liver disease. These findings suggest that beta-blockers could be a valuable component in personalized treatment plans for liver disease patients, potentially leading to better management of the condition and enhanced patient care. Click for More Details
