Muhammad Imran, Javeid Iqbal, Raffad.
Detection of Esophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis Using Platelet Count as a Non-invasive Parameter.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;7(1):2-5.

Background: Bleeding of the esophageal varices is a major complication of portal hypertension. At least two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis develop esophageal varices, and about 30% of patients with cirrhosis experience variceal bleeding. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count to predict the presence of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis taking endoscopic findings as gold standard. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out over a period of six months from December, 2008 to June, 2009 in five medical wards (I, II, III, IV, and Special) of Services Hospital, Lahore. Total 180 cases were chosen in this study. Initially, non-invasive parameters were used to diagnose varices; later, endoscopy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Mean age of the patients observed was 50.5±10.9 . Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of platelet count was 99.2%, 92.2%, 97.1%, 97.3% and 97.2% respectively. Conclusion: Results of current study indicate that patients of chronic liver disease can be screened for esophageal varices using platelet count as a non-invasive parameter.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com