Screening for esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients – Non-invasive methods

Variceal bleeding is a dramatic complication of cirrhosis. Primary prophylaxis against variceal bleeding is indicated for patients with high-risk varices. In order for these patients to be identified, endoscopic screening for esophageal varices has been traditionally recommended at the time of the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Considering that many patients do not have esophageal varices in the early stages of cirrhosis and, therefore, are submitted to endoscopy unnecessarily, non-invasive methods for variceal screening have been studied. Among these non-invasive methods, the most extensively studied probably are platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, liver stiffness, spleen stiffness and an association between liver stiffness and platelet count, referred to as the Baveno VI criteria. The Baveno VI criteria has recently been recommended by different medical associations for variceal screening. This is a critical review on the non-invasive methods for variceal screening, in which the performances of the different methods are presented and the limitations of the existing evidence is discussed. Despite reasonable performances of some of these methods, especially platelet count/spleen diameter ratio and the association between liver stiffness and platelet count, we understand that the available evidence still has relevant limitations and that physicians should decide on screening cirrhotic patients for esophageal varices with endoscopy or non-invasive methods on a case-by-case basis.     

Pharmacological reduction of portal pressure and long-term risk of first variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES: A reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of > or =20% of baseline or to < or =12 mmHg (responders) is associated with a reduced risk of first variceal bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this protective effect is maintained in the long term and if it extends to other portal hypertension complications. METHODS: Seventy-one cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices and without previous variceal bleeding who entered into a program of prophylactic pharmacological therapy and were followed for up to 8 yr were evaluated. All had two separate HVPG measurements, at baseline and after pharmacological therapy with propranolol +/- isosorbide mononitrate. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were nonresponders and 25 were responders. Eight-year cumulative probability of being free of first variceal bleeding was higher in responders than in nonresponders (90% vs 45%, p= 0.026). The lack of hemodynamic response and low platelet count were the only independent predictors of first variceal bleeding. Additionally, reduction of HVPG was independently associated with a decreased risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or bacteremia. No significant differences in the development of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or survival were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic response in cirrhotic patients is associated with a sustained reduction in the risk of first variceal bleeding over a long-term follow-up. Reduction of HVPG also correlate with a reduced risk of SBP or bacteremia.     

Portal hypertensive bleeding

Portal hypertension bleeding is a common and serious complication of cirrhosis. All patients with cirrhosis should undergo endoscopy and be evaluated for possible causes of current or future portal hypertensive bleeding. Possible causes of bleeding include esophageal varices, gastric varices, and PHG. Patients with esophageal varices at high risk of bleeding should be treated with nonselective beta-blockers for primary prevention of variceal hemorrhage. HVPG measurements represent the optimal way to monitor the success of pharmacologic therapy. EVL may be used in those with high-risk varices who do not tolerate beta-blockers. When active bleeding develops, simultaneous and coordinated attention must be given to hemodynamic resuscitation, prevention and treatment of complications, and active control of bleeding. In cases of acute esophageal variceal (Fig. 5) and PHG bleeding, terlipressin, somatostatin, or octreotide should be started. Endoscopic treatment is provided for those with bleeding esophageal varices. If first-line therapy fails, TIPS or surgery may need to be performed. Unlike esophageal variceal or PHG bleeding, there is no established optimal treatment for gastric variceal bleeding. Individual and specific treatment modalities for acute gastric variceal bleeding must be calculated carefully after considering side effects.     

Non-invasive predictors of the presence of large oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The usual clinical practice is to screen all patients with established cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis by upper endoscopy for the presence of varices. Patients with large varices should be treated with non-selective beta blockers to reduce the incidence of first variceal bleeding. However, fewer than 50% of cirrhotic patients have varices at screening endoscopy and most have small sized varices, with a low risk of bleeding. The aim of the present study was to determine whether clinical or laboratory non-endoscopic parameters could predict the presence of large oesophageal varices. PATIENTS/METHODS: Seventeen variables considered relevant to the prevalence of oesophageal varices were tested in 184 patients with cirrhosis, who underwent screening endoscopy. Small varices were regarded as those which flatten with insufflation or slightly protrude into the lumen, while large varices are those which protrude into the lumen or touch each other. None of the patients was on beta blockers or other vasoactive drugs or had a history of variceal bleeding. RESULTS: Oesophageal varices were present in 92 patients (50%), and large varices in 33 patients (17.9%).Variables associated with the presence of large oesophageal varices on univariate analysis were the presence of ascites and splenomegaly either by clinical examination or by ultrasound (p < 0.01), the presence of spiders (p = 0.02), platelet count (p < 0.0001), and bilirubin (p = 0.01). Factors independently associated with the presence of large oesophageal varices on multivariate analysis were platelet count, size of spleen and presence of ascites by ultrasound. Using mean values as cut-off points, it is noteworthy that only five out of 39 patients (12.8%) with platelets > or = 18(x 10(9)/l), spleen length < or = 135 mm and no ascites had varices. Moreover, all these patients had small sized varices. On the other hand, 15 out of 18 patients (83.3%) with a platelet count < 118 x 10(9)/l, spleen length > 135 mm and ascites had varices. Moreover, five out of those 18 patients had large varices (28.3%). CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly and ascites are independent predictors of large oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. We suggest that endoscopy could be avoided safely in cirrhotic patients with none of these predictive factors, as large varices are absent in this group of patients.     

Improved Prognosis of Cirrhosis Patients with Esophageal Varices and Thrombocytopenia Treated by Endoscopic Variceal Ligation Plus Partial Splenic Embolization

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the combination of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and partial splenic embolization (PSE) compared with EVL alone in cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia. In a prospective study, 84 cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50,000/mm(3)) underwent EVL plus PSE (N = 42) or EVL alone (N = 42). Primary end points assessed during the follow-up period included the recurrence of varices, progression to variceal bleeding, and death. Comparison between combined treatment and variceal ligation alone by multivariate analysis showed a hazard ratio of 0.44 for the recurrence of varices (P = 0.02), 0.19 for progression to variceal bleeding (P = 0.01), and 0.31 for death (P = 0.04). These results suggest that the combination of EVL plus PSE can prevent the recurrence of varices, progression to variceal bleeding, and death in cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia.     

肝静脉压力梯度指导下食管静脉曲张再出血预防方法选择

目的肝静脉压力梯度(HVPG)是肝硬化病情评估、判断预后的重要指标,本研究探索依据患者不同HVPG值采取不同术式降低肝硬化食管静脉曲张患者再出血率的价值。 方法收集2010年4月至2019年10月既往有消化道出血病史、行HVPG测定的270例肝硬化食管静脉曲张患者为观察对象。其中130例患者(HVPG指导组)根据HVPG值选择不同术式进行个体化治疗：10 mmHg≤HVPG≤16 mmHg的患者采用内镜下食管静脉曲张套扎术(EVL)联合非选择性β受体阻断剂(NSBB)治疗;16 mmHg20 mmHg的患者则使用经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗。另外140例患者(非HVPG指导组)均采用EVL联合NSBB治疗。观察主要终点为门脉高压相关再出血,次要终点为死亡。 结果中位随访时间为26个月。HVPG指导组再出血率低于非HVPG指导组(12.31%比30.00%,P＝0.000 88),但两组生存率无明显差异(93.08%比91.43%,P＝0.71)。进一步亚组分析显示,对于16 mmHg20 mmHg的患者,TIPS治疗的再出血率低于EVL＋NSBB治疗(6.12%比36.36%,P＝0.000 88),两组生存率仍无明显差异。 结论基于HVPG的个体化治疗具有重要理论和临床意义,根据HVPG的风险分层,个体化选择食管静脉曲张出血二级预防治疗方案(EVL＋NSBB、PTVE或TIPS)可降低静脉再出血率,为肝硬化患者的个体化治疗提供新的研究思路。     

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for non-invasive prediction of high risk esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

Background and objective. Prophylaxis therapy is indicated in cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices or small varices with red wale signs (high risk esophageal varices; HREV). Endoscopic surveillance to detect HREV is currently recommended. The objective of this study is to identify non-invasive predictors of HREV in cirrhotic patients.Design and methods. Adult cirrhotic patients without previous variceal bleeding were prospectively included. All patients underwent a complete biochemical workup, upper digestive endoscopy, and ultrasonographic measurement of spleen bipolar diameter. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD) was calculated for all patients. The association of these variables with the presence of HREV in upper endoscopy was tested using univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for variables associated with HREV.Results. Sixty-seven patients were included. The prevalence rate of HREV was 50%. Age, gender (female), platelet count, spleen diameter, PC/ SD ratio, total bilirrubin, prothrombin activity (INR), Child-Pugh score, clinical and ultrasonographic ascites were significantly associated with presence of HREV in univariate analysis. Age and PC/SD ratio were the parameters independently associated with HREV in a multivariate analysis, with OR 8.81 (CI 95%: 1.7-44.9) and OR 11.21 (CI 95%: 2.8-44.6) respectively. A PC/SD ratio cut-off value under 830.8 predicted HREV with 76.9% sensitivity, 74.2% specificity and 77.8% negative predictive value (ROC curve area: 0.78).Conclusions. The PC/SD ratio was significantly associated with HREV, but with suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the results of this study do not support the routine clinical use of PC/SD ratio for screening of HREV.     

Portal pressure, presence of gastroesophageal varices and variceal bleeding

This study was performed to examine the relationships between portal pressure measurements and the presence of esophagogastric varices, the size of varices and the occurrence of hemorrhage from varices in 93 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, using standardized measurements of portal pressure by hepatic vein catheterization. The mean hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) was significantly higher in 49 patients who had bled from varices than in 44 cirrhotic patients who had not (20.4 +/- 5.1 vs. 16.0 +/- 5.2; p less than 0.001). None of the 49 patients who had bled from varices had an HVPG less than 12 mm Hg. Among the 87 patients who had been examined by endoscopy for varices, all 72 with varices had an HVPG greater than 12 mm Hg. Six of 15 cirrhotic patients without varices had HVPG less than 12 mm Hg. The mean HVPG in the 15 patients without varices (15.1 +/- 6.8 mm Hg) was lower than the 72 patients with varices (19.3 +/- 4.8 mm Hg; p less than 0.01). Of the 72 patients with varices, 40 had large varices, 28 had small varices, and in four patients variceal size could not be assessed adequately. The mean HVPG was similar in the patients with large or small varices (19.8 +/- 4.8 vs. 18.3 +/- 5.0 mm Hg; p greater than 0.10). There was a positive relationship between the presence of large varices and the occurrence of bleeding from varices.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Correlation of hepatic venous pressure gradient with variceal bleeding, size of esophageal varices, etiology, ascites and degree of liver dysfunction in cirrhosis of liver

An elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has been associated with risk of variceal bleeding, and outcome and survival after variceal bleeding. In this pilot study, we measured HVPG in 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and studied its relationship with etiology of liver disease, esophageal variceal size, history of variceal bleeding or ascites, biochemical liver tests and Child-Pugh class. There was no procedurerelated complication. The mean (SD) HVPG was similar in patients who had history of variceal bleeding as compared to those who did not (15.4 [2.8] mmHg vs. 13.9 [2.7] mmHg, p=0.1); HVPG had no significant association with etiology of cirrhosis (p=0.4). HVPG levels were significantly higher in patients with larger esophageal varices (grade III/IV vs. I/II: 15.2 [2.7] mmHg vs.13.1 [2.8] mmHg, p=0.04), poorer Child-Pugh class (B or C versus A), and presence of ascites (p=0.04). Thus, HVPG correlated with variceal size, Child-Pugh class, and presence of ascites, but not with variceal bleeding status.     

Use of portal pressure studies in the management of variceal haemorrhage

Portal hypertension occurs as a complication of liver cirrhosis and complications such as variceal bleeding lead to significant demands on resources. Endoscopy is the gold standard method for screening cirrhotic patients however universal endoscopic screening may mean a lot of unnecessary procedures as the presence of oesophageal varices is variable hence a large time and cost burden on endoscopy units to carry out both screening and subsequent follow up of variceal bleeds. A less invasive method to identify those at high risk of bleeding would allow earlier prophylactic measures to be applied. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is an acceptable indirect measurement of portal hypertension and predictor of the complications of portal hypertension in adult cirrhotics. Varices develop at a HVPG of 10-12 mmHg with the appearance of other complications with HPVG > 12 mmHg. Variceal bleeding does not occur in pressures under 12 mmHg. HPVG > 20 mmHg measured early after admission is a significant prognostic indicator of failure to control bleeding varices, indeed early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in such circumstances reduces mortality significantly. HVPG can be used to identify responders to medical therapy. Patients who do not achieve the suggested reduction targets in HVPG have a high risk of rebleeding despite endoscopic ligation and may not derive significant overall mortality benefit from endoscopic intervention alone, ultimately requiring TIPS or liver transplantation. Early HVPG measurements following a variceal bleed can help to identify those at risk of treatment failure who may benefit from early intervention with TIPS. Therefore, we suggest using HVPG measurement as the investigation of choice in those with confirmed cirrhosis in place of endoscopy for intitial variceal screening and, where indicated, a trial of B-blockade, either intravenously during the initial pressure study with assessment of response or oral therapy with repeat HVPG six weeks later. In those with elevated pressures, primary medical prophylaxis could be commenced with subsequent close monitoring of HVPG thus negating the need for endoscopy at this point. All patients presenting with variceal haemorrhage should undergo HVPG measurement and those with a gradient greater than 20 mmHg should be considered for early TIPS. By introducing portal pressure studies into a management algorithm for variceal bleeding, the number of endoscopies required for further intervention and follow up can be reduced leading to significant savings in terms of cost and demand on resources.     

Non-invasive Predictors of Esophageal Varices

Background/Aim:

Current guidelines recommend screening cirrhotic patients with an endoscopy to detect esophageal varices and to institute prophylactic measures in patients with large esophageal varices. In this study, we aimed at identifying non-endoscopic parameters that could predict the presence and grades of esophageal varices.

Patients and Methods:

In a prospective study, 229 newly diagnosed patients with liver cirrhosis, without a history of variceal bleeding, were included. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters were recorded. Esophageal varices were classified as small and large, at endoscopy. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done to identify independent predictors for the presence and grades of varices.

Results:

Of the 229 patients (141 males; median age 42 years; range 17-73 years) with liver cirrhosis, 97 (42.3%) had small and 81 (35.4%) had large varices. On multivariate analysis, low platelet count (Odd’s Ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-14.9), Child Pugh class B/C (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8-6.3), spleen diameter (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.6-11.9) and portal vein diameter (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) were independent predictors for the presence of varices. Likewise, for the presence of large esophageal varices, low platelet count (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.2), Child Pugh class B/C (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.3-6.5) and spleen diameter (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.6-6.0) were the independent risk factors.

Conclusion:

The presence and higher grades of varices can be predicted by a low platelet count, Child-Pugh class B/C and spleen diameter. These may be considered as non-endoscopic predictors for the diagnosis and management of large grade varices.     

Non-invasive diagnosis of esophageal varices in chronic liver diseases

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The primary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices is a major therapeutic issue requiring early screening of esophageal varices. Our aim was to study the diagnostic accuracy of non-endoscopic means for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. METHODS: Sixty-three clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and Doppler ultrasound variables were prospectively recorded in 207 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by discriminant analysis, first globally using all variables with diagnostic accuracy > or = 65% in univariate analysis, then by stepwise regression. RESULTS: A) whole group (n=207), 1) diagnosis of esophageal varices: diagnostic accuracy was globally 81%, and 81% with 1 variable: irregular liver surface at ultrasound, 2) Diagnosis of large esophageal varices (grades 2+3): diagnostic accuracy was globally 80%, and 79% with 2 variables: prothrombin index, gamma-globulins. B) patients with cirrhosis (n=116), 1) diagnosis of esophageal varices: diagnostic accuracy was globally 71%, and 72% with 2 variables: platelet count, prothrombin index, 2) diagnosis of large esophageal varices (grades 2+3): diagnostic accuracy was globally 71%, and 72% with 3 variables: platelet count, prothrombin index, spider naevi. The ROC curve showed that the best threshold for the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count was 160 G/l providing a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 58%. Platelet count > or = 260 G/l has a negative predictive value > or = 91%. CONCLUSIONS: Using a few non-endoscopic criteria, esophageal varices can be correctly diagnosed in 81% of patients with chronic liver disease and in 71% of patients with cirrhosis. These results show that the non-invasive screening of patients who are candidates for the primary prevention of variceal bleeding is possible, but should be improved before being used in a clinical setting.     

Prevention of variceal recurrence, bleeding, and death in cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism, especially those with severe thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the impact of different treatments on the prognosis of cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study enrolled 52 cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices and hypersplenism (platelet count < 50,000/mm3). In 26 patients, endoscopic variceal ligation plus partial splenic embolization were performed, while endoscopic variceal ligation alone was done in 26 patients. Endoscopic variceal ligation was repeated until complete eradication of varices was achieved. Partial splenic embolization was performed using the Seldinger method and embolic material was injected until a 60% to 80% reduction of splenic blood flow was achieved. The primary endpoints during the follow-up period included recurrence of varices, variceal bleeding, and death. RESULTS: Comparison of endoscopic variceal ligation plus partial splenic embolization with endoscopic variceal ligation alone by multivariate analysis showed a relative risk ratio of 0.390 (95% CI [0.178-0.854]; p = 0.024) for new varices, 0.191 (95% CI [0.047-0.780]; p = 0.021) for variceal bleeding, and 0.193 (95% CI [0.053-0.699]; p = 0.012) for death. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endoscopic variceal ligation plus partial splenic embolization can prevent variceal recurrence, bleeding, and death in cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia.     

卡维地洛与普萘洛尔预防肝硬化并发食管静脉曲张首次破裂出血疗效比较

目的 比较应用卡维地洛与普萘洛尔预防肝硬化并发食管静脉曲张首次破裂出血的疗效及安全性。方法 2012年6月~2015年6月在我院住院或门诊就诊的肝硬化并发中重度食管静脉曲张患者125例,采用随机数字表法将患者分成卡维地洛处理组（n=61例）和普萘洛尔处理组（n=64例）,分别接受卡维地洛或普萘洛尔预防服药,随访1年,比较两组首次消化道出血发生率、肝肾功能和肝静脉压力梯度（HVPG）变化和不良反应发生率情况。结果 在61例卡维地洛处理组患者中,男性35例,女性26例,平均年龄为（48.4±13.8）岁。乙型肝炎肝硬化33例,有腹水者49例,Child-Pugh A级14例,B级38例,C级9例;在64例普萘洛尔处理组中,男性39例,女性25例,平均年龄为（50.1±15.7）岁。乙型肝炎肝硬化38例,有腹水者53例,Child-Pugh A级13例,B级41例,C级10例。两组一般临床资料比较差别无统计学意义（P>0.05）;在随访期间,卡维地洛组有18例（29.5%）患者出现食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血,而普萘洛尔组有20例（31.3%）患者出现食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血,两组差异无统计学意义（x²=0.45,P<0.05）;治疗前,卡维地洛组患者HVPG为（14.1±3.7） mmHg,治疗后下降至（10.3±2.1） mmHg,治疗前后差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,而治疗前普萘洛尔组HVPG为（14.6±4.3） mmHg,治疗后下降至（12.0±2.3） mmHg,治疗前后差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,但两组之间无显著性相差（P>0.05）;两组治疗前后血清谷丙转氨酶（ALT）、总胆红素（TBIL）和肌酐（Cr）水平变化差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;在随访过程中,卡维地洛组共有10例患者出现头晕,3例患者出现晕厥,4例患者出现胸闷,1例患者出现气促,而普萘洛尔组则分别有8例、2例、6例和1例,两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 卡维地洛预防肝硬化致食管胃底静脉曲张首次破裂出血的疗效与普萘洛尔相似,且安全,不良反应发生率低。     

Prospective evaluation of esophageal varices in primary biliary cirrhosis: development, natural history, and influence on survival

The aims of our prospective study were to determine the development and natural history of esophageal varices and variceal bleeding in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. As part of a controlled clinical study, 265 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who did not have esophageal varices at entry were followed for a median of 5.6 yr. The mean age was 49 yr (range 26-75 yr), 89% were women, and 69% had advanced histologic stage disease (stage 3-4) on liver biopsy at study entry. All patients were screened annually for esophageal varices by barium esophogram or endoscopy, or both; endoscopy was used to diagnose all episodes of esophageal variceal bleeding. Esophageal varices developed in 83 (31%) patients, and 40 (48%) of those with esophageal varices experienced one or more episodes of esophageal variceal bleeding. Cox regression analysis indicated that only serum bilirubin and histologic stage were associated independently with time to development of esophageal varices. In patients who developed esophageal varices, 33% and 41% developed esophageal variceal bleeding at 1 and 3 yr, respectively. After development of esophageal varices, 1- and 3-yr survival estimates were 83% and 59%, respectively. After the initial variceal bleeding episode, survival estimates were 65% and 46% at 1 and 3 yr and were dependent on Child's classification. These findings are important in considering indications for prophylactic therapy for esophageal varices in primary biliary cirrhosis and may influence timing of liver transplantation.     

Platelet count/bipolar spleen diameter ratio for the prediction of esophageal varices: The special Egyptian situation: Noninvasive prediction of esophageal varices

Background

Esophageal variceal hemorrhage is a devastating complication of portal hypertension that occurs in approximately one-third of cirrhotic patients.

Objectives

We assessed the value of the platelet count/ bipolar spleen diameter ratio as a noninvasive parameter for the prediction of esophageal varices (EVs) in Egyptian cirrhotic patients.

Patients and Methods

Laboratory and ultrasonographic and imaging variables were prospectively evaluated in 175 patients with liver cirrhosis. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding at the time of admission were excluded.

Results

The platelet count/ bipolar spleen diameter ratio in patients with EVs was significantly lower than in patients without EVs. In an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs), we calculated an optimal cutoff value of 939.7 for this ratio, which gave 100% sensitivity and negative predictive values, 86.3% specificity, a 95.6% positive predictive value, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94 ± 0.02, reflecting its overall diagnostic accuracy. These findings were extended to a subset analysis of compensated cirrhotic patients.

Conclusions

The platelet count/ bipolar spleen diameter ratio has excellent accuracy in the noninvasive assessment of EVs in patients with compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis. It is easy to calculate and can lower the financial and sanitary burdens of endoscopy units, especially in developing countries.     

Predictors of esophageal varices and first variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients

AIM To assess "predictors" of esophageal varices(EV) and variceal bleeding using non-invasive markers in Albanian patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.METHODS One hundred thirty-nine newly diagnosed cirrhotic patients without variceal bleeding were included in this analysis. Model for end-stage liver disease(MELD), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) to alanine aminotransferase(ALT) ratio(AST/ALT), AST to platelet ratio index(APRI), platelet count to spleen diameter(PC/SD), fibrosis-4-index(FIB-4), fibrosis index(FI) and King's Score were measured for all participants. All patients underwent endoscopic assessment within two days of hospitalization. The major end point was the first esophageal variceal bleeding(EVB) event. The diagnostic performance of "predictors" for the presence of EV and EVB were assessed by sensitivity and specificity values obtained from the receiver operating characteristics procedure.RESULTS FIB-4 was the only strong and significant "predictor" of esophageal varices(multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.57 for one unit increment; 95%CI: 1.15-2.14). Furthermore, a cut-off value of 3.23 for FIB-4 was a significant predictor of esophageal varices, with a sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 58% and a proportion of area under the curve(AUC) of 66%(P = 0.01). During the follow-up(median: 31.5 mo; interquartile range: 11-59 mo), 34 patients(24%) experienced a first EVB. FIB-4 was a poor predictor of EVB(the AUC was only 51%) for a cut-off value of 5.02. Furthermore, the AUC of AST/ALT, APRI, PC/SD, FI, MELD and King's Score ranged from 45% to 55%. None of the non-invasive markers turned out to be a useful predictor of EVB.CONCLUSION Despite the low diagnostic accuracy, FIB-4 appears the most efficient non-invasive liver fibrosis marker which can be used as an initial screening tool for cirrhotic patients.     

Early primary prophylaxis with beta-blockers does not prevent the growth of small esophageal varices in cirrhosis: a randomized controlled trial

Background

The efficacy of portal pressure reduction by beta-blockers and the utility of serial hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements for the management of small (≤5 mm) esophageal varices in patients of cirrhosis are not clear.

Aims

The study had the following aims: to study (1) the effect of propranolol on the growth of small varices and (2) whether single or serial HVPG measurements result in a better outcome compared to no measurement in patients with small varices.

Methods

Consecutive cirrhosis patients with small varices, without any history of variceal bleed, were randomized to receive propranolol or placebo and to undergo no HVPG, only baseline HVPG, or serial HVPG measurements.

Results

A total of 150 cirrhotics (cirrhosis predominantly viral or alcohol induced) were included (77 in the beta-blocker and 73 in the placebo group). Baseline characteristics were similar. The actuarial 2-year risk of growth of varices (primary endpoint) was 11 and 16% in the propranolol and placebo group, respectively (P = 0.786). Variceal bleeding and mortality were also comparable in the two groups. Similarly, the outcome was not influenced by HVPG measurements (whether serial, only baseline, or no HVPG). A bilirubin level of ≥1.5 mg/dl was found to be an independent predictor of variceal progression.

Conclusions

In cirrhotics with small esophageal varices, nonselective beta-blockers are unable to prevent the growth of varices, variceal bleed, or mortality. HVPG monitoring of these patients did not change the outcome; however, the role of HVPG-guided therapy modification needs to be studied.     

Per rectal portal scintigraphy as a useful tool for predicting esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients

AIM： To investigate potential roles of per rectal portal scintigraphy in diagnosis of esophageal varices and predicting the risk of bleeding. METHODS： Fifteen normal subjects and fifty cirrhotic patients with endoscopically confirmed esophageal varices were included. Patients were categorized into bleeder and non-bleeder groups according to history of variceal bleeding. All had completed per rectal portal scintigraphy using ^99mTechnetium pertechnetate. The shunt index was calculated from the ratio of ^99mTechnetium pertechnetate in the heart and the liver. Data were analyzed using Student＇s t-test and receiver operating characteristics. RESULTS： Cirrhotic patients showed a higher shunt index than normal subjects （63.80 ± 25.21 vs 13.54 ± 6.46, P 〈 0.01）. Patients with variceal bleeding showed a higher shunt index than those without bleeding （78.45 ± 9.40 vs 49.35 ± 27.72, P 〈 0.01）. A shunt index of over 20% indicated the presence of varices and that of over 60% indicated the risk of variceal bleeding. CONCLUSION： In cirrhotic patients, per rectal portal scintigraphy is a clinically useful test for identifying esophageal varices and risk of variceal bleeding.     

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients in Nile Delta

Background and Study Aims

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) in cirrhotic patients occurs mainly from esophageal and gastric varices; however, quite a large number of cirrhotic patients bleed from other sources as well. The aim of the present work is to determine the prevalence of non-variceal UGIB as well as its different causes among the cirrhotic portal hypertensive patients in Nile Delta.

Methods

Emergency upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy for AUGIB was done in 650 patients. Out of these patients, 550 (84.6 %) patients who were proved to have cirrhosis were the subject of the present study.

Results

From all cirrhotic portal hypertensive patients, 415 (75.5 %) bled from variceal sources (esophageal and gastric) while 135 (24.5 %) of them bled from non-variceal sources. Among variceal sources of bleeding, esophageal varices were much more common than gastric varices. Peptic ulcer was the most common non-variceal source of bleeding.

Conclusions

Non-variceal bleeding in cirrhosis was not frequent, and sources included peptic ulcer, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and erosive disease of the stomach and duodenum.