IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-8-26679 Original Research Paper 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. Avinash Reddy Dr. Kani Shaikh Mohamed Dr. August 2020 9 8 01 02 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. Fibroscan 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 Fibroscan+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: Fibroscan + 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.