A study to relate ‘platelet count to splenic bipolar length ratio‘ as a tool to predict esophageal varices.

Sanjana Tallihalla Rajegowda; Peter George; Kavina Marian Fernandes

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2017

A study to relate ‘platelet count to splenic bipolar length ratio‘ as a tool to predict esophageal varices.

Sanjana Tallihalla Rajegowda, Peter George, Kavina Marian Fernandes

Abstract :

Background: Current standards recommend upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGES) in all cases of cirrhosis. This study attempts to identify �platelet count: bipolar splenic length� ratio as a non–invasive tool to predict esophageal varices. Objectives: To relate �platelet count: splenic bipolar length ratio� as a tool to predict esophageal varices in cirrhosis. Materials and methods: This cross sectional analytical study was done on 79 patients with cirrhosis (based on clinical, biochemical and/ or imaging features) having esophageal varices on UGES. After their consent, required details were captured. The bipolar length of spleen and portal vein diameter were recorded using transabdominal sonography. The �platelet count: bipolar splenic length ratio� and Child–Pugh score were calculated. The data was analyzed by frequency, percentage and chi square test. Conclusion: The �platelet count: splenic bipolar length ratio� maybe a simple, cost–effective tool to predict varices in cirrhosis, but we are unable to associate its utility as predictor for grading the varices. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy still scores high as it can diagnose and facilitate interventions at single instance.