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
