Platelet count can be used to determine the severity of oesophageal varices

Introduction: Variceal haemorrhage is one of the most devastating consequences of portal hypertension. The risk of bleeding increases with severity of varices. It is important to see if there are parameters that can noninvasively predict severity of varices as endoscopy has some limitations. Aims and Objectives: This study sought to determine if platelet count can be used to determine the severity of oesophageal varices in a low resource setting. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 79 patients with chronic liver disease and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy diagnosed varices were recruited consecutively to participate in the study. Blood sample for platelet count was taken from each patient. A proforma was used to document the demographic parameters as well as grade of varices and platelet count. The ability of platelet count to determine severity of oesophageal varices was assessed. Test of association between platelet count groups and grades of varices was carried out using the Chi-Square Test. Test of correlation between platelet count and grades of varices was carried out using the Spearman's coefficient. Result: A total of 79 subjects were recruited into the study. Test of correlation between platelet count and grades of varices was statistically significant (ñ value: -0.783; p value: 0.001. There was a statistically significant difference in the median platelet count and grade of varices (p=<0.0001). Conclusion: Platelet count, a simple, cheap and available investigation, can be used as a non-invasive predictor of severity of varices in resource poor settings with limited endoscopy services.