Assessment of Right Lobe Size/Serum Albumin Ratio as a Non-Invasive Marker for EsophagealVarices in HCV Patients
Essam Mohammed Bayoumy, Ahmed Samir, Salem Hamed Salem- General Medicine
Abstract
Background
Oesophageal varices are the most critical porto-systemic shunts that develop secondary to portal hypertension, which is considered the main complication of liver cirrhosis. Many studies recommend the screening of all cirrhotic patients by endoscopy, but repeated endoscopic examinations are unpleasant for patients and have a high- cost impact and burden on endoscopic units.
Aim and of the work
To investigate the value of measurement of (Rt. lobe diameter/ serum albumin ratio) in the prediction of esophageal varices.
Subjects and Methods
This was Case- control study, was carried out at outpatient clinics of Hepatology and inpatient department of Gastroenterology at Ain Shams University Hospital on 100 patients divided into 3 groups: (Group 1): 30 patients with Child-Pugh A, (Group 2): 30 patients with Child-Pugh, (Group 3): 40 patients with Child-Pugh C, during a period of 6 months.
Result
There were highly significant difference between both groups as regard Platelet count /spleen diameter ratio and Right liver lobe size/Serum Albumin ratio.
Conclusion
The use of Right liver lobe/serum albumin ratio can help physicians by restricting the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices. This is especially useful in clinical settings where resources are limited, and endoscopic facilities are not present in all areas.