NON-ENDOSCOPIC ASSESSMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL VARICES IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and non-endoscopic predictors of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Setting & Duration: Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Methodology: This observational study included 109 liver cirrhosis patients. Each underwent clinical assessment, laboratory tests, portal vein Doppler, and upper GI endoscopy to confirm esophageal varices. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± SD; qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: Mean age was 45 ± 14.32 years; 65.1% were male. Child-Pugh classification showed 36% Class A, 30.4% Class B, and 33.6% Class C. Ascites (80%) was the most common cirrhosis presentation. Esophageal varices were found in 52.2% of patients, with Grade III being most common. Significant non-endoscopic predictors included age, gender, Child-Pugh class, splenomegaly, portal vein diameter, serum albumin, bilirubin, platelet count, and Hepatitis B/C status. Conclusion: Non-invasive clinical, biochemical, and radiological markers can help predict esophageal varices, potentially reducing the need for routine endoscopy.