Frequency and characteristic features of portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients with viral cirrhosis

To determine the frequency and specific characteristic features of portal hypertensive gastropathy [PHG] in cirrhosis due to viral etiology. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from June 2006 till June 2008. Patients with hepatitis B and C cirrhosis were included who underwent screening esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy [EGD] for varices. Baveno III consensus statement was used for diagnosing PHG on endoscopy and divided them into two subgroups i.e. mild and severe. Data related to platelet/spleen ratio, MELD score and Child Turcotte Pugh [CTP] score indicating severity of cirrhosis were recorded in all patients. Findings were compared by using independent sample t-test. Out of 360 patients who underwent screening EGD, 226 [62.8%] were males. Two hundred and eighty one [78%] had hepatitis C while 79 [22%] suffered from hepatitis B related cirrhosis. Three hundred patients [83.3%] had PHG while 71 [24%] had severe PHG. Higher proportion of esophageal varices [89.7%] was present among those who had PHG [p < 0.001]. On univariate analysis lower platelet counts [117 +/- 55 vs. 167 +/- 90; p < 0.001], increased spleen size [14.1 +/- 2.9 cm vs. 12 +/- 2.4cm; p < 0.001] were found in PHG patients as compared to those without it. Similarly, lower platelet/spleen ratio was noted in patients with severe PHG [916 +/- 400 vs. 1477 +/- 899; p < 0.001]. Furthermore, on multivariate analysis CTP score > 8 MELD score > 12 and platelets/spleen ratio < 900 were significantly associated factors with severe PHG. Frequency of PHG was 83% while severe PHG was seen in 24% cases of viral hepatic cirrhosis. MELD score > 12, CTP score >/= 8 and platelets/spleen ratio