[Intragastric administration of norartrinal in hemorrhage caused by rupture of esophageal varices].

In 20 patients with g hepatic cirrhosis hospitalized for upper digestive haemorrhage by rupture of oesophageal varices, the intragastric administration of norartrinal in amounts of 4-40 mg/24 h achieved definitive haemostasis in 7 cases and temporary haemostasis (with prolonged survival) in another 6 cases. The overall mortality was 80%. In three of the 7 patients in which haemorrhage was completely arrested death occurred as a result of hepatic failure. The large amounts of Norartrinal administered (up to 120 mg total dose) were well tolerated and did not have haemodynamic side-effects, or renal side-effects. The results obtained, and especially the easy method used for administration of the drug recommend this method as an alternative of the vasopressin treatment.