Nonselective BB in SBP

Q: 54 years old male with known alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted to ICU with sepsis due to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Patient is now off pressor. Patient's non-selective Beta-Blocker (BB) should be restarted as soon as possible as his maintenance treatment for cirrhosis.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

BB in SBP carries poor outcomes. It should be discontinued and kept off permanently once patient develops SBP!

BB increases the mortality rate by 58% in SBP. Also, rates of hepatorenal syndrome and length of hospital stay go higher.

#hepatology

#ID

Reference:

1. Mandorfer M, Bota S, Schwabl P, et al. Nonselective β blockers increase risk for hepatorenal syndrome and death in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Gastroenterology 2014; 146:1680.