TITLE:
Correlation between Platelet Count and the Presence of Esophageal Varices on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Cirrhotic Patients at the Souro Sanou University Hospital, Burkina Faso
AUTHORS:
Mâli Koura, Delphine Passolguewindé Zongo-Napon, Natacha Mackly Ky, Betar Euloges Kamboulé, Damien Zanga Ouattara, Appolinaire Sawadogo
KEYWORDS:
Correlation, Platelet Count, Esophageal Varices, Upper Digestive Endoscopy, Cirrhosis, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.15 No.4,
April
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Esophageal varices (EV) are one of the consequences of portal hypertension during cirrhosis. Their rupture leads to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is dreaded by its high mortality. The diagnosis of these EVs is based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE), an invasive examination that is insufficiently accessible in our context. The objective of this work was to study the correlation between the platelet count and the presence of esophageal varices at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in cirrhotic patients. Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, which took place from July 2019 to March 2022 in the hepato-gastroenterology (HGE) department of the Sourô Sanou University Hospital (CHU-SS). All patients aged 15 years or older, followed in the department for cirrhosis and in whom a blood count and upper digestive endoscopy were performed, were included. Results: 117 cirrhotic patients were included, with a mean age of 47.1 years +/− 13.6 years. The main causes were infections by the viruses of hepatitis B (61.45%) and C (20.51%) and by alcohol consumption (21.37%). Esophageal varices were found in 81 patients (69.8%). The platelet count appeared to be the only independent factor linked to the presence of EV (p = 0.005). Patients with platelet counts below 150,000/µl were 5.15 times more likely to have EV (OR = 5.15). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of platelet counts below 150,000/µl were 77.7%, 74.3%, 87.5% and 59.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Platelet count is a good predictor of EV in cirrhotic patients; and could, therefore, be an alternative that will help in the selection of patients for endoscopic screening of EV and thus allow early management of EV if necessary.