Nonselective beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices:A meta-analysis

AIM:To explore effects of nonselective beta-blockers(NSBBs) in cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.METHODS:The Pub Med,EMBASE,Science Direct,and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant papers.A meta-analysis was performed using ORs with 95%CI as the effect sizes.Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the studies including patients without varices and those with small varices.RESULTS:Overall,784 papers were initially retrieved from the database searches,of which six randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis.The incidences of large varices development(OR = 1.05,95%CI:0.25-4.36;P = 0.95),first upper gastrointestinal bleeding(OR = 0.59,95%CI:0.24-1.47;P = 0.26),and death(OR = 0.70,95%CI:0.45-1.10;P = 0.12) were similar between NSBB and placebo groups.However,the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the NSBB group compared with the placebo group(OR = 3.47,95%CI:1.45-8.33;P = 0.005).The results of subgroup analyses were similar to those of overall analyses.CONCLUSION:The results of this meta-analysis indicate that NSBBs should not be recommended for cirrhotic patients with no or small varices.