Non‐hemodynamic effects:Repurposing of nonselective beta‐blockers in cirrhosis?

To the Editor:Liver cirrhosis(LC),the end‐stage condition of chronic liver disease,results in>1,300,000 annual deaths worldwide.Meanwhile,the global incidence of decompensated cirrhosis is rising yearly.1 Following clinically significant portal hypertension(CSPH)in the late compensated stage of LC,as the disease progresses to the decompensated stage,ascites,gastroesophageal variceal bleeding,hepatic encephalopathy(HE),and other severe complications present.Nonselective beta‐blockers(NSBBs)have currently served as the first‐line therapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis of portal‐hypertensive gastrointestinal bleeding,as recommended by practice guidelines.2 Moreover,recent recommendations have extended the use of NSBBs to compensate LC patients with CSPH.