Detection of Esophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis Using Platelet Count as a Non-invasive Parameter

Abstract

Background: Bleeding of the esophageal varices is a major complication of portal
hypertension. At least two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis develop esophageal varices, and about
30% of patients with cirrhosis experience variceal bleeding.
Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count to predict the presence of
esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis taking endoscopic findings as gold standard.
Material & Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out over a period of
six months from December, 2008 to June, 2009 in five medical wards (I, II, III, IV, and Special) of
Services Hospital, Lahore. Total 180 cases were chosen in this study. Initially, non-invasive
parameters were used to diagnose varices; later, endoscopy was performed to confirm the
diagnosis.
Results: Mean age of the patients observed was 50.5±10.9 years. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV,
NPV and diagnostic accuracy of platelet count was 99.2%, 92.2%, 97.1%, 97.3% and 97.2%
respectively.
Conclusion: Results of current study indicate that patients of chronic liver disease can be
screened for esophageal varices using platelet count as a non-invasive parameter