TO DETERMINE THE NON-ENDOSCOPIC PREDICTORS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ESOPHAGEAL VARICES ON PATIENTS OF CIRRHOSIS: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Objective: To describe the biochemical, hematological and ultrasonographic determinants of esophageal varices in cirrhosis patients.

Study design: A cross-sectional, analytical study.

Location and Duration: In the Gastroenterology Department of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi for one year duration from May 2018 to April 2019.

Methods: 150 subjects with cirrhosis and no varices hemorrhage history underwent hematological, physical, abdominal ultrasound and biochemical examinations. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The presence of varices in EGD correlated with regression analysis and biochemical, ultrasonographic and hematological variables.

Results: Esophageal varices was observed in 96 patients and no varices was present in 54 patients. In 22 patients, High grade varices were noted and low grade varices in 74 patients. The platelet count < 88x103, Serum albumin was < 2.95 g / dl and diameter of portal vein > 11 mm was associated with the presence of varices. Serum albumin <2.95g / dL and varices are estimated to have a high degree of portal vein diameter greater than 11 mm.

Conclusion: Patients with a platelet count <88 x 103 / l, serum albumin <2.95 g / dl, and diameter of portal vein > 11 mm are most probably have high-grade varices.

Key words: Portal vein diameter, Serum album, Cirrhosis.