Nontumorous portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: Possible role of β-blockers

Objective: Nonselective β-blockers (NSBB) are used in liver cirrhosis (LC) to prevent variceal bleeding because they decrease portal pressure. A main risk factor for the development of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in LC is decreased portal vein inflow velocity. The aim of our study was to examine retrospectively the incidence of PVT and its correlation with the use of β-blockers in a cohort of LC patients. Subjects and Methods: Data from 230 LC patients (90% Child-Pugh class A), who had been followed up for at least 5 years, were reviewed. The diagnosis of PVT was made by ultrasound. The presence of PVT was evaluated with multiple logistic regression analysis where the independent variables were those significant in the univariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of PVT at baseline was 4.5%, and the incidence was 4.3% at 5 years; among the subjects taking β blockers, 46.4% were taking NSBB. A total of 19 PVT cases were found. Grade of esophageal varices (p < 0.01), PLT (p < 0.003), INR (p < 0.03), spleen diameter (p < 0.001) and PLT/spleen ratio (p < 0.0005) were significantly associated with PVT. The use of NSBB indicated a higher risk of PVT compared to selective β-blockers (SBB) (p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis only the grade of esophageal varices was significant (p < 0.02). Univariate analysis of patients taking β-blockers showed an association of PVT with grade of esophageal varices (p < 0.01), CP class (p < 0.02), AST (p < 0.03), ALT and albumin (p < 0.02), PLT count and PLT/LD (p < 0.03), longitudinal diameter of the spleen (p < 0.005), ascites (p < 0.05), portal vein (p < 0.0001) and NSBB (OR 8.1; 95% CI 1.7-38.8). Conclusion: NSBB seem to play a role in PV thrombogenesis. Further studies are needed, especially in decompensated LC patients.