Survival benefits of adding simvastatin to standard therapy for secondary prevention of bleeding esophageal varices in patients with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis

Abstract Background The combination of endoscopic band ligation and beta-blockers is the standard care treatment for secondary prevention variceal bleeding; however, rebleeding still occurs with associated high mortality. Simvastatin (a lipid-lowering agent) was found to reduce portal hypertension decrease hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed assess effect adding simvastatin therapy prevent its impact on survival in patients liver cirrhosis. Results single-center randomized controlled clinical trial included 80 cirrhosis receiving prophylaxis bleeding composed non-selective β-blockers (either propranolol or carvedilol). Two weeks after first attack hematemesis, were into two groups: group I who received (40 patients) II administered (20 mg daily 2 40 that). Patients followed up 1 year. primary endpoints overall survival. Thirty completed while ten died during follow-up period. showed a significantly better 1-year (3 deaths follow-up) compared control (37/40, 92.5% vs. 30/40; 75%) ( p -value 0.034); this lacking Child C patients. No similar difference present rates between groups (5/40, 12.5% 3/40, 7.5%) 0.456) II, respectively. Conclusions Adding could be benefits A B cirrhosis, incapable reducing rebleeding.