Can platelet count/spleen diameter ratio be used for cirrhotic children to predict esophageal varices?

AIM: To determine the laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the platelet count (PC)-to-spleen diameter (SD) ratio as a non-invasive marker that may predict the presence of esophageal varices (EV) in children with cirrhosis.

METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with cirrhosis, but without a history of variceal bleeding were prospectively included. The children were grouped into 6-12 and 12-18 years of age groups. These groups were also divided into 2 sub-groups (presence and absence of EV). All of the patients underwent a complete biochemical and radiologic evaluation. The PC (n/mm(3))-to-SD (mm) ratio was calculated for each patient.

RESULTS: Sixty-nine of 98 (70.4%) patients had EV. The presence of ascites in all age groups was significantly associated with the presence of EV. There were no differences in serum albumin levels, PC, SD and the PC-to-SD ratio between the presence and absence of EV groups in both age groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the PC-to-SD ratio as a non-invasive marker (except for the presence of ascites), was inappropriate for detecting EV in children with cirrhosis.