Impact of Propranolol on the Prognosis of Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis and MELD Score > 9
Key facts
- Where
- Shenyang, ChinaSee the site
Where in China
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (formerly called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area)Shenyang, ChinaContact: Xingshun Qi, MDNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region
- Trial code
- NCT07652203
- Record updated
- 15 September 2026
- Original description
Non selective beta blockers (NSBBs), such as propranolol and nadolol, are mainstay therapies for portal hypertension in cirrhosis, but their efficacy and safety vary depending on the stage of the disease. Emerging evidence suggests that NSBBs may worsen the prognosis of advanced cirrhosis, especially in patients with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of >9. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of the use of propranolol as recommended by the guideline on the prognosis in cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of >9.Read full original descriptionShow less
Impact of Propranolol on the Prognosis of Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis and MELD Score > 9: a Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
Non selective beta blockers (NSBBs), such as propranolol and nadolol, are mainstay therapies for portal hypertension in cirrhosis, but their efficacy and safety vary depending on the stage of the disease. Emerging evidence suggests that NSBBs may worsen the prognosis of advanced cirrhosis, especially in patients with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of >9. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of the use of propranolol as recommended by the guideline on the prognosis in cirrhotic patients with a MELD score of >9.
Inclusion: patients' age ≥18 years; patients with a definitive diagnosis of liver cirrhosis; patients with a MELD score of >9; patients with a history of decompensation or those who are experiencing their first decompensation, such as ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy (HE); patients' informed consents.
Exclusion: patients who had been treated with NSBBs before 2 weeks of enrollment; patients who had undergone liver transplantation; patients with hypersensitivity to NSBBs; patients with occlusive portal vein thrombosis; patients without a definite indication for NSBBs; patients with an absolute contraindication of NSBBs (severe bronchospasm, asthma, severe psychosis, high-degree atrioventricular block, etc.); patients who had undergone transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS); patients with a definitive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma; patients with an estimated life time of <12 months due to the presence of any comorbidities; patients who are currently pregnant or breast-feeding.