Carvedilol, an alternative for lowering liver stiffness in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Liver cirrhosis, often associated with portal hypertension, presents a significant health burden globally. Carvedilol, a non-selective beta-blocker, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. This retrospective analysis assessed the effect of Carvedilol treatment on patients with liver cirrhosis and clinically suspected portal hypertension, focusing on its effects on liver function parameters, non-invasive fibrosis scores, and liver stiffness measurements. A total of 130 patients from the Liver Center of Texas were included in this retrospective analysis, comprising 65 patients in the treatment group receiving Carvedilol and 65 patients in the control group. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, were conducted to assess the differences between groups. Carvedilol treatment led to significant improvements in liver function parameters, including a reduction in AST levels, indicative of improved liver function. Non-invasive fibrosis scores, such as FIB-4, AGILE 3, AGILE 4, and APRI, showed notable improvements after Carvedilol treatment in the treatment group, suggesting a reduction in liver fibrosis and improved prognosis. Liver stiffness measurements using eKpa and CAP scores demonstrated significant reductions after Carvedilol treatment within the treatment group, indicating improved liver stiffness. The study suggests that Carvedilol is effective in managing portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger cohorts and evaluate the long-term efficacy, and safety of Carvedilol treatment. Additionally, addressing disparities in liver disease diagnosis and treatment is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the burden of liver-related morbidity and mortality.