Clinical analysis of Valsartan on portal hypertension in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

【Objective】 To study the mechanism of Valsartan in reducing portal hypertension by observing the effects of Valsartan on hemodynamic markers,hepatic,renal function and investigate its safety.【Methods】 Forty patients with hepatic cirrhosis were divided into control group and observation group randomly.The control group(20) received routine treatment for 1 month and 20 patients in observation group received Valsartan 80 mg/d based on routine treatment for the same time.Diameter of portal or splenic vein and their mean velocity were measured before and after treatment by Color Doppler Ultrasonography.During the whole observation period,the blood pressure,heart rate of all the patients was observed,and blood routine,liver and renal functions were monitored.【Results】 Valsartan reduced the diameter of portal or splenic vein and increased the mean velocity of portal or splenic vein.The differences is significant statistically(P 0.05) after treatment in observation group,but no significance in control group.After the application of Valsartan,blood pressure and heart rate in patients did not change obviously,and blood routine examination,liver and renal functions were not worsened significantly.【Conclusion】 Valsartan can decrease portal hypertension by reducing the diameter of portal or splenic vein and increasing its mean velocity.At the same time,it had no significant side effect to blood pressure or heart rate,moreover,liver and renal functions are also not damaged significantly.