Predictors of bleeding from esophagus veins in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Aim: to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of bleeding from the esophageal veins in patients with liver cirrhosis and evaluate their practical significance. Materials and methods. The study materials were the results of an examination of 50 patients treated in the gastroenterology department for liver cirrhosis and 160 patients in surgical departments hospitalized for bleeding from esophageal varices due to liver cirrhosis. All patients were subjected to a standard set of general clinical examinations, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, and videoesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results. When comparing patients with cirrhosis of the liver with and without bleeding from the veins of the esophagus, a statistically significant difference was revealed between the groups in the gender and age composition, blood bilirubin level, and de Ritis coefficient. At the same time, no differences were found in the etiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, blood protein levels, the diameter of the portal and splenic veins, and the proportion of patients with ascites. Conclusions. The detection of a de Ritis coefficient equal to or exceeding 1.8 in a patient with liver cirrhosis can be considered a predictor of a high risk of bleeding from the esophageal veins (sensitivity of the parameter 60.87%, specificity 93.94%) and can be recommended for identifying those in need of priority measures primary prevention.