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Abstract
Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics, renal blood flow, and renal function were studied
in 13 patients with cirrhosis both before and 1 h after oral administration of 40
mg of propranolol (acute administration) and 1 mo after continuous administration
of this substance at doses reducing the heart rate by 25% (chronic administration).
Cardiac output and the gradient between wedged and free hepatic venous pressures significantly
decreased after acute and chronic administration of propranolol; mean arterial pressure
did not change significantly and systemic vascular resistance significantly increased.
Renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance did not change significantly after
acute administration of propranolol and renal function did not change significantly
after acute or chronic administration of propranolol. We conclude that propranolol
does not alter renal function in patients with cirrhosis who are in good physical
condition.