Study of Predictive Value of Portal Vein Diameter and Serum Albumin for High Grade Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

Abstract

Aim: To find correlation of portal vein diameter and serum albumin with development of high grade varices in cirrhotic patients and thus select patients for screening endoscopy on priority basis. Study design: Analytical & cross sectional study Duration & study place: Medical & Gastroenterology Unit, Mayo hospital /KEMU Lahore from January 2009 - July 2010 Methodology: 250 patients with documented cirrhosis without having prior evidence of eosophageal varices bleed were inducted in study by proper examination and investigations and went for abdominal ultrasound. EGD was done in these patients to evaluate presence and correlate grade of eosophageal varices with Endoscope GIF 150.Univariate / Multivariate logistic.Non- endoscopic predictors of eosophageal varices were identified and correlated by Univariate/ Multivariate logistic regression Analysis.Comparison of variables mean values was done by unpaired Student t- test. Percentages were given for categorized variables. Categorical data was analysed by Chi square test. Mean± SD used for quantitative variables. Results:Out of 250 patients,180 had esophageal varices while 70 patients were without varices. Forty five patients were observed to have high grade varices (grade III - IV) whileone hundred thirty five patients were found with low grade varices (grade I - II).There was strong correlation between high grade eosophageal varices and Portal Vein Diameter >12 mm&Serum Albumin < 2.5 G /dl Conclusion: Portal Vein Diameter >12mm & Serum Albumin < 2.5G/dl had significant correlation with eosophageal varices presence. High grade varices were more likely predicted with an & Portal Vein Diameter >12 mm&low Serum albumin (< 2.5 G /dl).