Comparison of Two Sclerosants for Esophageal Varices – Histologic Effects of Sodium Morrhuate and Liquid Paraffin

Background. Sclerotherapy of esophageal varices is still the most popular endoscopic method of treatment, espe− cially in children. Sclerosants, chemicals with strong tissue irritant properties, may be injected into the lumen of a dilated vessel or submucosally along the variceal column. Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness and efficiency of two sclerosants – sodium mor− rhuate and liquid paraffin with respect to the way of administration and the number of injections. Material and Methods. Material of the research consisted of 40 mice belonging to Balb/c strain. Their evident reac− tivity to sclerotherapy has been proven already. The cohort was divided into 8 groups of 5 subjects. Each group received one of two sclerosants – sodium morrhuate or liquid paraffin, administered in one of two ways – into the caudal vein or around it, and maintained on one doze of a sclerosant or, after a period of 3 weeks, subjected to the another injec− tion. Subsequently, vein sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were performed to the microscopic estimation. Results. Parietal thrombi and perivascular fibrotic changes were observed only after intravenous injections of sodium morrhuate and were more expressed after the second injection. Liquid paraffin, irrespective of the way of admin− istration and its repetition, did not cause thrombus development. Conclusions. Intravariceal injections of sodium morrhuate seem to be sufficient and safe in the final therapy of esophageal varices. Liquid paraffin seems to be useful but only as a remedy to stop acute bleeding (Adv Clin Exp Med 2004, 13, 3, 411–417).