Table 3 Management of variceal hemorrhage

Blood product transfusion: aim at hemoglobin levels between 7 and 9 g/dl.

Antibiotic prophylaxis: ceftriaxone 1 g/dl, no longer than 7 days.

Vasoactive agents (octreotide, terlipressin, somatostatin): bolus followed by infusion for 2 to 5 days.

Endoscopy: no longer than 12 h from presentation.

Start non-specific beta-blocker (propranolol, nadolol): once vasoactive agent is discontinued.

Consider TIPS: high-risk patients, refractory or recurrent hemorrhage.