Cirrhosis presents a significant health burden globally, often leading to morbidity and premature mortality. Esophageal varices, a complication of cirrhosis, necessitate early identification to prevent potential bleeding complications. This prospective study, conducted at Government Medical College Hospital, Theni, aimed to evaluate non-invasive diagnostic markers for esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. 75 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were included after obtaining consent and meeting specific criteria. The study focused on assessing the utility of Aspartate Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio in diagnosing esophageal varices. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 1.0.0.1406, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square, student t-tests, and ROC curves. The majority of the patients (89%) were male, predominantly in the age group of 50 to 60 years. Alcoholism was a prevalent etiology (89.33%) among the study cohort. Parameters such as platelet count, splenic diameter, and their ratio exhibited significant associations with the presence of esophageal varices. Notably, the Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio demonstrated higher sensitivity (96%) and specificity (90.48%) in predicting esophageal varices compared to APRI. A cut-off value of <909 for this ratio exhibited robust positive and negative predictive values (88.8% and 90.4% respectively), indicating its potential as a reliable non-invasive marker for identifying esophageal varices. The study underscores the promising utility of the Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio as a non-invasive parameter for diagnosing esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Validation of these findings in larger, multi-center studies could potentially reduce the necessity for invasive endoscopic procedures and aid in early identification and management of at-risk patients.

Cirrhosis presents a significant health burden globally, often leading to morbidity and premature mortality. Esophageal varices, a complication of cirrhosis, necessitate early identification to prevent potential bleeding complications. This prospective study, conducted at Government Medical College Hospital, Theni, aimed to evaluate non-invasive diagnostic markers for esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. 75 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were included after obtaining consent and meeting specific criteria. The study focused on assessing the utility of Aspartate Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio in diagnosing esophageal varices. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 1.0.0.1406, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square, student t-tests, and ROC curves. The majority of the patients (89%) were male, predominantly in the age group of 50 to 60 years. Alcoholism was a prevalent etiology (89.33%) among the study cohort. Parameters such as platelet count, splenic diameter, and their ratio exhibited significant associations with the presence of esophageal varices. Notably, the Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio demonstrated higher sensitivity (96%) and specificity (90.48%) in predicting esophageal varices compared to APRI. A cut-off value of <909 for this ratio exhibited robust positive and negative predictive values (88.8% and 90.4% respectively), indicating its potential as a reliable non-invasive marker for identifying esophageal varices. The study underscores the promising utility of the Platelet Count to Splenic Diameter ratio as a non-invasive parameter for diagnosing esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Validation of these findings in larger, multi-center studies could potentially reduce the necessity for invasive endoscopic procedures and aid in early identification and management of at-risk patients.