Objective: To determine the frequency of esophageal varices cirrhotic patients presenting with new onset ascites.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done at Gastroenterology department, LGH, Lahore from September 2016 to February 2017 and included 150 patients. Complete physical examination was performed and all laboratory studies including liver function tests and complete blood count and ascitic fluid analysis was done. For the evaluation of texture of liver tissue, portal vein diameter, splenomegaly and ascites, abdominal ultrasound was performed. Patients were evaluated for the existence of esophageal varices by endoscopy.
Results: New varices in esophageal region were seen in 85(56.7%) patients. Insignificant association was found between ages, gender duration of liver cirrhosis with new esophageal varices.
Conclusion: Varices in esophageal region exists in almost 50% of cirrhotic patients. Their presence is associated with severity of liver disease. The study findings may help physicians to separate the high-risk patients with these co-morbidities.
Key words: Ascites, esophageal varices, endoscopy, liver cirrhosis.
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