Can Fibroscan + FIB -4 Score be used as a reliable predictor of Esophageal and Gastric varices in newly diagnosed Liver Cirrhosis? � Usefulness in Covid-19 era.

Boojala Avinash Reddy; Jayakumar Jayakrishnan; Kani Shaikh Mohamed

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

Can Fibroscan + FIB -4 Score be used as a reliable predictor of Esophageal and Gastric varices in newly diagnosed Liver Cirrhosis? � Usefulness in Covid-19 era.

Boojala Avinash Reddy, Jayakumar Jayakrishnan, Kani Shaikh Mohamed

Abstract :

Background: Variceal bleeding is the most dangerous complication of liver cirrhosis. Endoscopy is recommended for diagnosis and surveillance of esophageal and gastric varices. We used a non–invasive scoring method of severity of liver disease and examined whether it can reliably predict the presence and severity of varices. Methods: Study was carried over a period of 12 months including all cirrhosis patients. Fioscan and FIB–4 score were used to formulate a non–invasive score and compared with endoscopic findings Results: The presence of varices and its severity correlated with Fioscan+FIB–4 score. Higher the score, higher the likelihood of varices requiring endoscopic intervention. A score of >6 can be used as cut off to stratify patients requiring endoscopy. Conclusions: Fioscan + FIB–4 score can be reliably used as a marker of presence of varices, the severity and chances of bleeding from varices. This can be of importance in the present Covid–19 pandemic, where in upper GI endoscopic procedures carry the highest rate of infection to healthcare workers and patients.