THE CORRELATION OF LIVER STIFFNESS AND PLATELET COUNT WITH ESOPHAGEAL VARICES IN PATIENTS WITH COMPENSATED ADVANCED CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE AT CAN THO CENTRAL GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 2024–2026
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Abstract
Background: Esophageal varices are a common complication in patients with cirrhosis and compensated advanced chronic liver disease, requiring early detection to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis but is invasive. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between liver stiffness and platelet count with esophageal varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 70 patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease at Can Tho Central General Hospital. Liver stiffness measurements, platelet counts, and endoscopic findings were collected and analyzed. Results: The study population was predominantly aged 40–80 years, with a male predominance. The most common etiology of liver disease was alcohol, followed by hepatitis B virus infection. The prevalence of esophageal varices was 57.1%. Platelet count showed a moderate negative correlation, while liver stiffness showed a weak positive correlation with esophageal varices. Multivariable logistic regression identified platelet count as an independent predictor, with good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.82) at a cutoff value of 115 × 10⁹/L. The combined model of liver stiffness and platelet count did not increase AUC but improved sensitivity. Conclusion: Both liver stiffness and platelet count were correlated with esophageal varices. However, only platelet count was an independent predictor and demonstrated high clinical utility in predicting esophageal varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease.
Keywords
Esophageal varices, liver stiffness, platelet count, compensated advanced chronic liver disease.
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