Valdecilla opens new avenues for treating cirrhosis and portal hypertension, two of the most serious complications of liver disease.

The Digestive System Department at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital has received significant international recognition with the publication of two studies in the Journal of Hepatology , one of the most prestigious journals in the field of hepatology. The studies, led by Drs. José Ignacio Fortea Ormaechea and Ángela Puente Sánchez, provide scientific evidence that could transform the approach to cirrhosis and portal hypertension, two of the most serious complications of liver disease.

The first study, "Rivaroxaban to Prevent Complications of Portal Hypertension in Cirrhosis: The Cirroxaban Study ," has involved more than a decade of research and the collaboration of 14 hospitals across Spain. Its results suggest that the use of rivaroxaban, an oral anticoagulant, can slow the progression of cirrhosis and improve patient survival, without increasing the risk of severe bleeding, one of the main concerns with this type of treatment.

The second study, Carvedilol vs. propranolol for the prevention of decompensation and mortality in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis , is the first international multicenter study led by the Valdecilla Hepatology Unit. It analyzes the effect of carvedilol and propranolol, two drugs commonly used in these patients, and demonstrates that carvedilol reduces the risk of complications both in the early stages of the disease (compensated cirrhosis) and in the advanced stages (decompensated cirrhosis), providing safety and confidence in its clinical use.

The studies have included the participation of Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Hospital Sant Pau de Barcelona, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, and the Medical University of Vienna, among other academic and hospital centers.

According to researchers Fortea and Puente, “for a long time, liver disease has been considered terminal and insoluble, but today we know this is not the case. Quality research is changing the paradigm and opening up new possibilities for patients and their families.” Both agree that these findings will be considered in future international guidelines. Furthermore, they are already working on new projects, including an international multicenter trial on anticoagulation in cirrhosis and the development of noninvasive methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of portal hypertension.

These advances have been possible thanks to the joint efforts of Valdecilla's Digestive System, the Radiology Department, the Clinical Trials Unit, and the hospital's management, along with the collaboration of national and international research groups. Their drive and commitment have enabled the development of research of this magnitude.

The Valdecilla Hepatology Unit is a leading center in Spain and Europe for the management of cirrhosis and vascular liver diseases, reinforcing its leadership in highly relevant projects.