Platelet Count / Splenic Size Ratio: a Parameter to Predict the Presence of Oesophageal Varices in Cirrhotics

Abstract

350 million people are infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 60 million people with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic infection by these viruses leads to cirrhosis of liver and hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). Esophageal varices develop in cirrhotic patients which can be demonstrated by invasive methods or predicted by non-invasive methods.  either sex between 25 -70 years of age. Results: The ratio between platelet count and spleen size was calculated .The mean ratio for those with esophageal varices was found to be 650 (100 -1614) and for those without esophageal varices, the mean value of the ratio was calculated to be 2453 (1600-3483), which was significantly different (p<0.05). Discussion: Non-invasive markers have been used to predict varices in cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotics with esophageal varices   have a significantly lower platelet count and a significantly greater ultrasonographic spleen size as compared to those patients of liver cirrhosis without esophageal varices[13,14] a fact also consistant with  our study (p < 0.05).

Material And Methods: An observational, Cross sectional study was conducted in Medical Unit-IV, Liver Center of District Head Quarters Hospital and Medical units of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad for 6 months from 23 May 2007 to 22 November 2007. The study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed as post viral cirrhosis of liver of