Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of serum albumin and platelet count as predictors of esophageal
varices in patients with cirrhosis and to screen patients for upper GI endoscopy.
Study design: This was a prospective & an analytical study.
Study place and duration: Gastroenterology and medical units at KEMU/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore.
December 2007 - November 2009
Methodology: We studied 250 cirrhotic patients at Gastroenterology & medical Units of KEMU/ Mayo
hospital, Lahore without previous history of upper esophageal varices bleeding were inducted in study
and investigated by laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound. Upper Gastro intestinal endoscopy was
done to evaluate presence of gastro esophageal varices with endoscope GIF 150. Non endoscopic
predictors of esophageal varices (platelet count& serum albumin) were identified & correlated by
Univariate / Multivariate logistic Regression analysis. Variables mean values were measured by
unpaired two tailed student t- test. Percentages were given for categorized variables. Chi square test
was applied for categorical data. Quantitative variables were expressed as Mean± SD.
Results: Out of two hundred and fifty patients, one hundred and eighty patients (180) were found to
have esophageal varices while seventy patients (70) patients had no varices. platelet count < 100 x103
/
µL and serum albumin <2.5g/dl were significantly associated along with presence of Eosophageal
varices.
Conclusion: platelet count < 100 x103
/ µL& serum albumin < 2.5 g/dl were significantly associated
with presence of esophageal varices.
