ABSTRACT
Progress in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension has opened
the door to pharmacological treatments, resulting in a dramatic change in the therapeutic
approach to portal hypertension. This review summarizes pharmacological agents that
have been shown to effectively decrease portal pressure, paying special attention
to its mechanisms of action. In addition, the way to monitor response and clinical
efficacy of pharmacological agents is reviewed.
KEY WORDS
portal hypertension - liver cirrhosis - hemodynamics - portal pressure - esophageal
and gastric varices
