Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)with ?-blockers(BB)in prophylaxis on the rate of first esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.Methods We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(4th Quarter 2006)、MEDLINE(1966—2006-10)、EMBASE(1985—2006-10),CJFD(1994—2006)and handsearched the related journals to identify Randomized Controlled Trials(RCT)of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)and ?-blockers for prevention of first variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.Meta-analysis was conducted using the method recommended by The Cochrane Collaboration.Results Eight trials were included.Summary RR of meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in EVL group in rate of first variceal hemorrhage(RR=0.63,95%CI:0.46,0.85;P=0.0003;RRR=0.37,NNT=12)and severe adverse events(RR=0.23,95%CI:0.12,0.43;P

Objective To study the preventive effects of Nitroglycerin (NTG) on post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and hyperamylasemia.Methods A total of 150 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups to receive buccal NTG 0.5mg (NTG group) or buccal Vitamin C 0.1 g (control group).Incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia and adverse reactions were observed.Results Three patients were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. The overall incidcnces of PEP and hyperamylascmia were 16.3％ (24/147) and 28.6％ (42/147),respectively.The incidence of hyperamylasemia in NTG group (15/74,20.3％) was significantly lower than that of control group (27/73,37.0％) (x2=5.032,P=0.025).Incidence of PEP in NTG group (12.2％) was lower than that of control group (20.5％) without significance (x2=1.892,P=0.169).No severe adverse effects was observed.Conclusion NTG can effectively prevent post-ERCP hyperamylaemia,but its effect on PEP is limited.