A 66-year-old man presents with melaena and hypotension. Endoscopy confirms bleeding oesophageal varices in a background of cirrhosis. In addition to ...

Question

A 66-year-old man presents with melaena and hypotension. Endoscopy confirms bleeding oesophageal varices in a background of cirrhosis. In addition to resuscitation and endoscopic band ligation, what pharmacologic therapy is recommended acutely?

Accepted Answer

Somatostatin analogue (e.g., octreotide) infusion and prophylactic antibiotics

Answer

High-dose proton pump inhibitor alone

Answer

Non-selective beta-blocker alone

Answer

Warfarin to prevent portal vein thrombosis

Answer

Tranexamic acid infusion as sole therapy

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acute variceal haemorrhage

A 66-year-old man presents with melaena and hypotension. Endoscopy confirms bleeding oesophageal varices in a background of cirrhosis. In addition to resuscitation and endoscopic band ligation, what pharmacologic therapy is recommended acutely?