| Methods |
Randomisation sequence:
Computer‐generated random list.
Concealment: sealed, opaque envelopes.
Treatment completed as per protocol in all patients.
Follow‐up until discharge from hospital.
No patient was lost to the follow‐up.
Intention‐to‐treat analysis: yes. |
| Participants |
Country: Turkey.
Cirrhotic patients with endoscopy‐proven variceal bleeding.
Exclusion: HCC, source of bleeding other than oesophageal varices.
Aetiology: hepatitis B and C viruses 73%. |
| Interventions |
EVS: intra‐ para‐variceal 2‐3 ml of 1% polidocanol up to max 20 ml.
Control: 12‐hour continuous iv infusion of octreotide 50 µg/h after an initial 50 µg bolus. |
| Outcomes |
6‐hour failure to control bleeding.
72‐hour re‐bleeding.
Inhospital mortality. |
| Notes |
All patients surviving the initial bleeding episode entered a weekly elective EVS program. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Adequate sequence generation? |
Low risk |
Adequate |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
Adequate |
