Beta-blockers Or Placebo for Primary Prophylaxis of Oesophageal Varices (BOPPP Trial). A Blinded, UK Multi-centre, Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness Randomised Controlled Trial.
Research has proven that large varices can be treated with beta-blockers (a type of anti-hypertensive medication) to reduce the pressure in the veins. The management of small varices is still uncertain. This study aims to discover if beta blockers can be used in this setting. We hypothesize that beta blockers will reduce the risk of bleeding from small varices from 20% to 10% over a period of 3 years, resulting in significant cost savings to the NHS from better patient outcomes.
• Age 18 years and over
• Cirrhosis and portal hypertension,
• Small oesophageal varices diagnosed within the last 6 months, defined as ≤5 mm in diameter or varices which completely disappear on moderate insufflation at gastroscopy.
• Not received a beta-blocker in the last week
• Capacity to provide informed consent