Secondary Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding Is Often Imperfect: A National, Population-Based Cohort Study of 3592 Patients

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.05.003
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15T15:55:22Z
• Authors: Hannes Hagström; Ying Shang; Elliot B. Tapper; Axel Wester; Linnea Widman
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Cumulative incidence; Esophageal disease

Background and AimsSecondary prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding is important to improve prognosis, but uptake guidelines unknown in a real-world setting. Here, we determined the proportion patients receiving appropriate nonselective beta-blocker treatment repeat upper endoscopy after first episode within reasonable time frame.MethodsPopulation-based registers were used identify all with Sweden from 2006 2020. Crosslinkage between was performed receive information on cumulative incidence dispensation beta-blockers 120 days baseline. Overall mortality investigated using Cox regression.ResultsIn total, 3592 identified, median age 63 (interquartile range, 54–71) years. The 33%. A total 77% received either these treatments. high, 65% dying during full follow-up period (median 1.7 years). We observed an improved overall later years study (adjusted hazard ratio for 2016–2020 compared 2006–2010 period, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.89). Patients receipt had better survival those without ratio, 0.72–0.90).ConclusionsSecondary has not been widely undertaken, many guideline-supported interventions frame. This highlights need raise awareness strategies clinicians patients. Secondary Population-based regression. In 0.72–0.90).