Comparative Study of Serum Albumin and Platelet Count as Predictors of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

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.