The ratio of platelet count/spleen diameter and albumin as non-invasive parameters to predict the presence of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate whether the spleen diameter,serum albumin and periphefial blood cells might be as non-invasive predictive indicators for the presence of esophageal varices(EV)in patients with liver cirrhosis.The predictive values of these parameters to the large esophageal varices were evaluated.Methods OBe hundred and sixty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis underwent endoscopic examination.Among them,127 patients(mild in 41,medium in 38,severe in 48)were found with EV and 40 patients without(NEV).The diameters of portal vein and spleen vein,the sizes of spleen and the ratio of platelet count/spleen size were examined by Doppler ultrasound.The platelet count and the level of albumin were calculated.Results The average of age,diameter of portal vein and spleen vein,and sizes of spleen were higher in EV group than those in NEV group,while the platelet count,the level of albumin and the ratio of platelet count/spleen size in EV groups were lower than those in NEV group.Multifactor analysis revealed that the index related to serious EV were the blood platelet count(＜70×109/L),the ratio of platelet count/spleen size(＜1.0)and albumin level (＜35 g/L).Conclusions The degree of EV in patients with liver cirrhosis were paralleled with the degree of portal hypertension.The patients who present with platelet count＜70×109/L,or platelet count/spleen size＜1.0 or albumin＜35 g/L should be considered as EV,and endoscopic examination is needed.