Domperidone-Induced Increase in Lower Oesophageal Sphincter Pressure Does Not Affect Azygos Blood Flow in Patients with Cirrhosis

Abstract

An increase in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure induced by domperidone has previously been reported to decrease superior portosystemic collateral flow in patients with portal hypertension owing to cirrhosis. Although a 10-mg intravenous dose of domperidone was effective in increasing lower oesophageal sphincter tone in a group of six patients with cirrhosis, the same dose failed to affect azygos blood flow in a matched group of six patients. The results do not support the hypothesis that an increase in lower oesophageal sphincter tone can decrease flow through oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.

Key Words:

• Azygos blood flow
• cirrhosis
• domperidone
• portal hypertension