Evaluation of Non-endoscopic Parameters for the Detection of Esophageal Varices in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis, Confirmed by Endoscopy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Esophageal varices are generally the mostcommon clinical manifestation of portal hypertension inPatients of liver cirrhosis. Most common causes of deathin liver cirrhosis are hemorrhage from esophageal varices.The present study has been carried out to identify clinical,biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters which mightnon‑invasively predict the existence and the risk of varicealbleed.Material and Methods: The present prospective observationalstudy was conducted in 2 years among 100 patients sufferingfrom liver cirrhosis above 18 years of age. Detailed history,clinical examination, investigations to fulfill the inclusionand exclusion criteria of all patients was taken. Different nonendoscopic parameters were taken Plateletcount, Coagulationprofile, Ultrasonography whole abdomen, Child-PughTorcotte (CPT) Score, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) forthe detection of esophageal varices and its grading in livercirrhosis patients which was confirmed by endoscopy.Results: There was significant association of presence ofesophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients with presence oficterus, presence of ascites,presence of splenomegaly, gradeof Child Pugh Score, AST to Platelet rationdex (APRI score)Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio(PT/INR), mean TB (mg/dl), mean spleen size.Conclusions: The result of present study concluded thatsome parameters are strongly associated with grades ofvarices and could be useful for early detection and subsequentmanagement of varices.