Comparing two techniques for treating esophageal varices

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two different endoscopic band ligation techniques—cross-section and stepladder—for the prophylaxis of esophageal varices. Participants will undergo a thorough clinical assessment, including upper endoscopy to determine the presence and severity of varices. They will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two band ligation techniques every two to four weeks until the varices are eradicated. Follow-up endoscopies will be conducted to monitor for recurrence of varices over a six-month period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged \>18 years.
* Cirrhotic patients.
* Endoscopic evidence of medium/large-sized esophageal varices.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of variceal bleeding or previous primary prevention of varices.
* Portal vein thrombosis or previous porto-systemic shunts as TIPS.
* Patients on drugs affecting portal pressure (beta blockers, nitrates).
* Advanced cardiovascular disease including acute myocardial infarction, atrio-ventricular block, congestive heart failure, chronic peripheral ischemia, and severe bradycardia.
* Patients with severe respiratory diseases (COPD, bronchial asthma).
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
* Renal impairment.
* Hepatocellular carcinoma.
* Allergy to carvedilol.
* Pregnancy or lactation.

Where it's running

• Tanta University Hospitals
  Tanta, Gharbyea, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nabila A Elgazzar, MD — Tropical medicine and infectious diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University
• Study coordinator: Rania M Elkafoury, MD
• Email: rania.elkafoury@med.tanta.edu.eg
• Phone: +201004672358

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Evaluating carvedilol with or without endoscopic variceal ligation for preventing bleeding in cirrhotic patients

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.