The Effect of Calcium Channel Blockade with Nifedipine on Splanchnic and Systemic Haemodynamics in Cirrhosis.

SUMMARYThe splanchnic and systemic haemodynamic effects of a single sublingual dose of nifedipine (slow calcium channel blocker) in nine patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension were studied. Nifedipine produced a significant reduction in the mean arterial blood pressure (98±53 vs. 86±5 mmHg, P < 0.05) but did not alter the mean heart rate, portal venous pressure or total liver blood flow. The systemic antihypertensive effect of nifedipine can be achieved without altering liver blood‐flow in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension.