[Evaluation of the diagnostic test of index platelet counts / size spleen, as a predictor of the presence of esophageal varices in cirrhosis]. / Evaluación del test diagnóstico índice número de plaquetas/diámetro mayor del bazo, como predictor de la presencia de várices esofágicas en cirrosis hepática.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the platelet count/spleen diameter (PC/SD) ratio as a non invasive diagnostic test to predict esophageal varices (VE) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Diagnostic test study, retrospective analysis. Data was collected from patients with diagnosis of liver cirrhosis at gastrointestinal unit of Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión between September 2010 and January 2011. Using a PC/SD ratio with a cut off value of 909, sensitivity, specificity, Positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculate. RESULTS: There were 47 patients; mean age of 60,74; etiology alcoholic (25,5%); undeterminated (48,9%). Twenty-five percent patients had varices and 74,5% had no varices. The PC/SD ratio had a sensitivity of 40%, specificity of 75%, PPV of 82%, NPV 30%, LR (+) of 1,6 and LR (-) of 0,8. CONCLUSIONS: The PC/SD ratio was not an effective diagnostic test for esophageal varices.